Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe
If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is exactly what you need. Packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and delightful elbow macaroni, this soup brings together a symphony of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and nourishing. It’s simple to prepare but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or anytime you crave a classic, homemade dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni has a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich beef to the fresh veggies and perfectly cooked pasta, these elements come together to create a balanced and wholesome soup.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The protein star that adds savory richness without too much fat.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of fragrant flavor that makes the soup sing.
- 2 carrots, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Brings a gentle crunch and earthy undertone.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Infuses bright acidity and juiciness, balancing the richness.
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth: The comforting liquid that carries all the flavors together without overpowering them.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta: Small, tender bites that soak up the savory broth for a delightful texture.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A cozy blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out and elevate every component.
How to Make Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the lean ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, be sure to drain any excess grease – this keeps the soup hearty but not oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté them together for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step builds an aromatic foundation that’s essential to the soup’s depth.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Next, stir in the diced carrots and chopped celery. Let these cook with the meat and aromatics for another 5 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften slightly, releasing their natural sweetness and adding a wonderful texture to the soup.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, then add the beef broth and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. This combination gives the soup its rich flavor and satisfying body.
Step 5: Simmer with Macaroni
Once boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. The pasta should become tender but still firm, soaking up the savory broth beautifully without becoming mushy.
Step 6: Serve
Now that the soup is perfectly cooked, ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy. If you like, top with shredded cheese or fresh parsley for an extra touch of deliciousness—it’s totally optional but always a nice addition!
How to Serve Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Garnishes
While the soup is delightful on its own, a handful of shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely visual contrast and fresh flavor. You can also try a swirl of sour cream or a dash of crushed red pepper if you like a hint of creaminess or heat.
Side Dishes
This Hamburger Soup with Macaroni pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments balance the warm, filling nature of the soup and provide a satisfying meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or alongside grilled cheese sandwiches cut into fun shapes. Another idea is to sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or parmesan on top for added crunch and flavor. Presentation can turn this comforting soup into a special occasion meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Hamburger Soup with Macaroni should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for reheating when you want a quick, nourishing meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Place cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. Microwaving works too—just be sure to cover and stir halfway through heating for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or even small penne work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as some shapes cook faster or slower than elbow macaroni.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup’s core flavors will still shine, with a deliciously hearty texture.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
If you love some heat, consider stirring in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños in Step 3 when cooking the vegetables.
How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste when adding the diced tomatoes. Another trick is to mash some of the cooked vegetables against the pot’s side to naturally thicken the broth.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the macaroni in the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is truly a gem in any home cook’s repertoire. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and straightforward to throw together, yet it has that lovable homemade quality that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try, and soon enough, it might become your go-to comfort food that brightens even the chilliest days.
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Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting hamburger soup with elbow macaroni, packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Italian seasoning. This one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes, to develop flavor.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including juices), low-sodium beef broth, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with shredded cheese or fresh parsley for added taste and presentation.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to lower fat content and make the soup healthier.
- Low-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness of the soup; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Elbow macaroni can be substituted with small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
- For extra flavor, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- This soup can be reheated and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: hamburger soup, beef soup, macaroni soup, healthy beef soup, easy one-pot meal, comfort food, Italian seasoning soup
