There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, comforting Beef and Macaroni Soup, especially on days when you want something filling yet easy to make. This dish brings together tender ground beef, soft macaroni, and a rich tomato broth that tastes like childhood and home. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
The beauty of this soup is how flexible it is — whether you prefer it thicker and stew-like or brothier and light, a simple adjustment gives you the version you love most. Kids adore it, adults crave it, and leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s the kind of meal you’ll make once and keep making forever.
Serve it on a cozy evening, after a long workday, or during cold weather when warm meals feel like therapy. Add crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra comforting touch. This simple recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: grated Parmesan, chopped parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat for a cleaner broth. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their aroma, creating the flavor base of the soup.
Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, and basil, letting them cook for a minute to deepen the flavors. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes so the vegetables become tender and the flavors meld together.
Add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot and cook until the pasta becomes soft and absorbs the savory broth. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Once everything is cooked through, turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes — this helps the broth thicken naturally.
Serve the soup hot, topped with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if you like. The macaroni will continue to plump up, making leftovers even heartier the next day.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with toasted garlic bread, warm dinner rolls, or a crunchy green salad to balance its richness. A light sprinkle of cheese adds depth and creaminess that melts into each spoonful. It’s also perfect for serving in large bowls with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh pop of flavor.
If you’re feeding kids, serve with crackers or buttered bread for an even more satisfying meal. For adults, a dash of red pepper flakes gives the soup a spicy kick. No matter how you serve it, this dish always brings comfort and warmth to the table.
💡 Cooking Tips
For a thicker soup, let it simmer a few extra minutes so the macaroni absorbs more broth and intensifies the flavor. If you prefer it brothy, simply add an extra cup of beef stock near the end of cooking. Try using small pasta varieties like ditalini or shells for a fun twist that holds up well in soup.
Enhance flavor by browning the beef deeply to develop rich caramelized notes. You can also toss in vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for added nutrition. And if you love creamy soups, stir in a splash of heavy cream right before serving for a silky, luxurious finish.
❄️ Storage & Meal Prep
This soup stores incredibly well and makes an excellent meal-prep option for busy weeks. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove to maintain texture. You may need to add a splash of broth since the pasta continues to absorb liquid.
For freezing, cook the macaroni separately and add it only when reheating — this prevents mushy pasta. Frozen portions stay fresh for up to 3 months, making this a perfect make-ahead dish for quick lunches and dinners. Just thaw overnight, heat, adjust seasoning, and enjoy.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Beef and Macaroni Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — nostalgic, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to serve guests who crave home-cooked goodness. Once you make it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation.
