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Beef and Macaroni Soup

This hearty soup delivers comfort in a bowl with tender ground beef, al dente elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, satisfying meal that can be easily customized with extra veggies or a switch to ground turkey.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Soup Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup frozen corn optional
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef. Break it apart as it browns over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Season the beef and vegetables with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and, if using, the frozen corn. Continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked to al dente.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This beef and macaroni soup is a comforting and versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit your pantry. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or add in extra vegetables like zucchini or peas based on what you have on hand. It freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead option, and is best served with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad.