Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Tools You'll Need
You don't need much equipment for this recipe.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about a soup like this is how forgiving it can be.
Add More Vegetables
Feel free to add:
- Green bell pepper
- Corn
- Green beans
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Diced potatoes
Just remember that vegetables with different cooking times may need to be added at different stages.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace the beef if you'd prefer a lighter flavor. Because turkey is generally leaner, you may want to add a little extra olive oil or use a flavorful broth.
Try Different Pasta
Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, ditalini, rotini, or another short pasta can work beautifully.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, diced jalapeño, or a little hot sauce.
Add Beans
For an even heartier soup, stir in a drained can of kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
This step adds an important layer of flavor, so don't rush it.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
You should start smelling that wonderful savory aroma right about now!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir everything together.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Once the soup is simmering, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer until the pasta is tender, usually around 8–10 minutes, depending on the pasta you're using.
Stir occasionally so the macaroni doesn't stick together or settle heavily on the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Once the pasta is tender, taste the broth.
Add additional salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or Italian seasoning if needed.
If the soup has become thicker than you'd like, add a little more beef broth.
Then ladle it into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort food!
What to Serve With Beef and Macaroni Soup
This soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but a few simple sides make it even better.
Crusty Bread
A warm piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the tomato-rich broth.
Garlic Bread
If you're feeding pasta lovers, garlic bread is practically mandatory!
Cornbread
A slightly sweet, buttery cornbread makes a wonderful contrast to the savory soup.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the hearty soup.
Grilled Cheese
Want to make it extra comforting?
Serve a bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
You won't regret it!
Tips for the Best Beef and Macaroni Soup
Don't Overcook the Pasta
Macaroni continues absorbing liquid as it sits.
For that reason, cook it just until tender rather than letting it become extremely soft.
Watch the Consistency
If the soup gets too thick after sitting, simply add more broth when reheating.
Brown the Beef Well
Don't just barely cook the beef and immediately move on. Giving it enough time to brown develops a deeper savory flavor.
Taste Before Adding More Salt
Broth, canned tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce can all contain different amounts of sodium. Taste first, then season.
Make It Even More Flavorful
A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds wonderful depth. You can also add a teaspoon of beef bouillon or a splash of extra broth if the flavor needs a boost.
Want More Tomato Flavor?
Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste along with the garlic and cook it briefly before adding the broth.
Can You Make Beef and Macaroni Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, although there's one little trick I'd recommend.
If you're making the soup specifically for meal prep, consider cooking the macaroni separately and adding it to individual servings.
Why?
Because pasta continues absorbing broth as it sits.
If the macaroni cooks directly in the soup and you refrigerate the leftovers, you may find that the pasta absorbs much of the liquid by the next day.
It will still taste delicious, but the soup may be much thicker.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can You Freeze Beef and Macaroni Soup?
Yes, but the pasta texture may change after freezing and thawing.
For the best results, prepare the beef and tomato soup base without the macaroni. Freeze the soup base, then cook fresh macaroni and add it when you're ready to serve.
If you've already made the complete soup, you can still freeze it. Just expect the pasta to be softer after reheating.
Frozen soup is best enjoyed within about 2–3 months for quality.
General Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Soup, Main Course
Cuisine: American-inspired
Method: Stovetop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef with a higher fat percentage?
Yes. Just drain the excess grease after browning. Lean ground beef works particularly well if you prefer a lighter broth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, with a little adjustment. Brown the beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the vegetables, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then add the macaroni toward the end so it doesn't overcook.
Why did my macaroni absorb all the broth?
Pasta naturally absorbs liquid as it cooks and continues doing so as the soup sits. If necessary, add more broth when reheating.
Can I use cooked macaroni?
Absolutely. If you're using already-cooked pasta, stir it in near the end just long enough to heat it through.
Can I use tomato soup instead of tomato sauce?
You can, but it will change the flavor and sweetness of the recipe. Tomato sauce provides a more straightforward tomato flavor.
Can I add potatoes?
Definitely. Diced potatoes make the soup even heartier. Add them early enough that they have time to become tender.
Can I make it without celery?
Of course. Simply leave it out or replace it with another vegetable such as bell pepper or extra carrots.
How do I make the soup less salty?
Add more unsalted broth or water to dilute the soup. Adding extra vegetables or pasta can also help balance the overall flavor.
Conclusion
Beef and Macaroni Soup is the definition of simple comfort food.
It's hearty without being complicated, filling without requiring a long ingredient list, and wonderfully adaptable to whatever you happen to have in the pantry.
The combination of browned beef, tender vegetables, rich tomatoes, savory broth, and cozy macaroni is hard to resist.
And I have to say, the smell when this is simmering on the stove is incredible!!
Serve it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a grilled cheese sandwich, and you've got the kind of dinner that makes everyone slow down and enjoy the moment.
Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the ones we come back to again and again.
More Cozy Recipes to Try
If you love hearty, family-friendly comfort food, here are a few more recipes to add to your list:
- Hamburger Vegetable Soup
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Creamy Chicken and Noodles
- Classic Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Beef
- Hearty Potato and Beef Soup
Leave a Review and Share Your Photos!
Did you make this Beef and Macaroni Soup?
I'd love to hear about it!
Leave a review and let me know whether you added extra vegetables, cheese, spice, or another favorite ingredient.
And if you take a photo of your bowl, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can find this cozy recipe, too. Seeing everyone's versions is one of my favorite parts of sharing recipes!
Approximate Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the ground beef, broth, pasta, and other brands used.
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 350–420
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbohydrates: 35–45g
- Fat: 14–20g
- Fiber: 4–6g
- Sodium: 700–1,000mg
For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and brands you use.
