There’s just something so comforting about a big bowl of hearty soup, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, and my beef and macaroni soup has become a go-to in my kitchen for just that reason. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a dreary afternoon, and I was craving something filling and satisfying. The blend of seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and vibrant veggies creates a symphony of flavors that just hits the spot! What I love most is how easy it is to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family! Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Ingredients for Beef and Macaroni Soup
You’ll want to gather all your ingredients to make this delicious beef and macaroni soup. Here’s what you need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients blend perfectly to create a hearty and satisfying soup that your family will love. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding in any favorite veggies you have on hand!
How to Prepare Beef and Macaroni Soup
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this comforting beef and macaroni soup! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the beef—this helps it brown beautifully!
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. You want to see that lovely caramelization happening!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies together for another 5 minutes or so, until they’re softened and aromatic. The smell will have you dreaming of cozy nights!
- Now, stir in the garlic powder, along with some salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavors start to mingle, so don’t rush it!
- Pour in the beef broth and the diced tomatoes (juice and all). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes to let all those flavors come together.
- Finally, add the macaroni to the pot. Stir it in and let the soup simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the pasta to get mushy!
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your hearty beef and macaroni soup hot, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 45 minutes from start to finish!
- A hearty and filling dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Customizable with additional vegetables; throw in whatever you love!
- Freezes well for later enjoyment—perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef and macaroni soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t rush the browning: Allow the ground beef to brown properly before adding other ingredients. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that really makes the soup sing!
- Flavor boost: For an extra punch, sauté some minced garlic along with the veggies instead of just using garlic powder. Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Be mindful of your pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni while it cooks. It can go from perfectly tender to mushy in no time, so check it a minute or two before the package instructions say it’s done.
- Season in layers: Taste as you go! Add salt and pepper gradually throughout the cooking process to really enhance those flavors and give your soup just the right balance.
- Let it sit: If you have time, let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making a beef and macaroni soup that’s not just good, but truly unforgettable!
Variations of Beef and Macaroni Soup
If you’re anything like me, you love a good recipe that you can play around with! Here are some fun ideas to switch up your beef and macaroni soup and keep things exciting:
- Different Pasta: Swap out the macaroni for other types of pasta like shells, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
- Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, toss in a can of drained and rinsed beans, like kidney beans or black beans. They’ll add a lovely texture and heartiness to the soup.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when you’re sautéing the vegetables. It’ll give your soup a nice little zing!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor profile. Stir them in just before serving for a burst of freshness that brightens the dish.
- Vegetable Medley: Feel free to toss in any other veggies you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach work beautifully. Just sauté them along with the onions for added nutrition and color!
- Cheesy Delight: For a creamy and cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking until it’s melted and gooey. Yum!
With these variations, you can make this beef and macaroni soup your own and keep your family guessing what delicious new flavor you’ll serve next! Enjoy experimenting, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers from your delicious beef and macaroni soup? You’re in luck because this soup stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty for days to come.
First, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your soup watery. If you’ve got a lot of soup, consider dividing it into smaller portions—this way, you can easily reheat just what you need!
Store your beef and macaroni soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is a breeze! If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best flavor and texture. Just pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (but leave a little vent for steam), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until it’s hot and cozy. Enjoy that comforting bowl of soup just like it was fresh from the pot!
Nutritional Information
Understanding what’s going into your delicious bowl of beef and macaroni soup can be really helpful, especially if you’re watching your nutrition. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per serving, which is about 1 bowl of soup:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind, these numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use or any variations you might decide to make. But overall, this hearty soup packs a good punch of protein and is still relatively low in calories, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy every nutritious spoonful!
FAQ About Beef and Macaroni Soup
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef, feel free to swap it out for ground turkey or chicken. They’ll still give you that hearty flavor and work beautifully in this beef and macaroni soup!
What can I add for extra flavor?
For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce when you add the broth. It gives the soup a savory depth that’s simply irresistible!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the macaroni in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it from getting mushy.
What’s the best way to serve this soup?
I love serving this beef and macaroni soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad to make it a complete meal!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is super versatile. You can add corn, green beans, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything is tender and delicious!
Beef and Macaroni Soup: 7 Reasons to Savor This Comforting Bowl
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A hearty beef and macaroni soup with vegetables.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Add macaroni and reduce heat. Simmer until macaroni is tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- This soup freezes well.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 32g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 22g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: beef and macaroni soup
