Hearty Beef & Macaroni Soup Simple Comfort Meal

If you’re looking for a warm, filling meal, you’ve found it! My Hearty Beef & Macaroni Soup combines savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and tender pasta in a rich broth. This easy recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend, it’s a dish that keeps everyone coming back for more. Ready to warm up your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 medium carrots, diced

– 1 large celery stalk, diced

Pantry Staples

– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

– 4 cups beef broth

– 1 cup elbow macaroni

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnishing Ingredients

– Fresh parsley, chopped

When I make Beef & Macaroni Soup, I start with fresh, quality ingredients. Ground beef is the star. It gives the soup a rich flavor. I like using lean beef to keep it light. Next, I add a medium onion and two cloves of garlic. These two create a great base. They bring sweetness and depth to the soup.

I also chop two medium carrots and one large celery stalk. Both add crunch and color. They help make the soup heartier. For a punch of flavor, I use a can of diced tomatoes. They add acidity and balance the beef.

Next, we need beef broth. I prefer low-sodium broth. This way, I control the salt levels. I add elbow macaroni for texture. It soaks up the beefy flavor and makes the soup filling.

I finish off with dried oregano and basil. They give the soup a warm, herbal note. Finally, I season with salt and pepper. This step is key for a balanced taste. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

– Sautéing onions and garlic

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear.

– Cooking the ground beef

Next, add 1 lb of ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it for 6-7 minutes until it’s fully browned. If you see extra fat, carefully drain it out.

Building the Soup

– Adding vegetables and tomatoes

Now, toss in 2 diced carrots and 1 diced celery stalk. Stir the mix often for about 5 minutes. This helps the veggies soften and share their flavors. Then, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juice.

– Incorporating beef broth and seasonings

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Cooking the Macaroni

– Bringing to a boil and simmering

Once it boils, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of elbow macaroni. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes.

– Ensuring macaroni is al dente

Check the macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but still firm to the bite. This means it is al dente and ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Flavor Enhancements

– Seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. If it needs more flavor, add salt or pepper. A pinch of garlic powder can also boost the taste.

– Using homemade beef broth: If you have time, make your own beef broth. It adds depth and richness. Simmer beef bones with water, onions, and herbs for hours.

Cooking Techniques

– Importance of browning meat: Always brown the ground beef well. This step adds a lot of flavor. The caramelized bits stick to the pot. They give your soup a rich taste.

– Best practices for sautéing vegetables: Sauté your onions and garlic until they are soft. This process brings out their natural sweetness. Cook them on medium heat for even results.

Presentation Tips

– Serving suggestions and complementing sides: Serve the soup in deep bowls. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. Pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. This adds texture and flavor.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change keeps the dish light while still being tasty. If you want a vegetarian option, use plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas. These swaps maintain the soup’s heartiness and add new flavors.

Flavor Variations

To spice things up, add a few dashes of hot sauce. This gives the soup a nice kick. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try adding thyme or rosemary to change the flavor profile. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add depth, too!

Seasonal Variants

During summer, consider adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or peas. These fresh veggies add color and nutrition. In colder months, make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or milk. This twist makes the soup feel even cozier and more indulgent.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Beef & macaroni soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool down first. This helps keep it fresh longer. When you want to eat it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. First, let the soup cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. This allows for expansion as it freezes. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Heat it on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot.

Reusing Leftovers

Leftover beef & macaroni soup can be fun to reuse. Here are a few ideas:

– Make a pasta bake: Mix the soup with cooked pasta and cheese. Bake until golden.

– Use it as a sauce: Pour it over rice or mashed potatoes for a quick meal.

– Soup-stuffed peppers: Fill bell peppers with the soup and bake until the peppers are tender.

These options help keep meals interesting and reduce waste.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Beef & Macaroni Soup?

Making Beef & Macaroni Soup takes about 30 minutes. This includes prep and cooking time. You can have a warm bowl ready fast.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

What are good sides to serve with this soup?

Great sides include crusty bread or garlic bread. A simple salad also pairs well. These sides add texture and flavor to your meal.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the beef first. Then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other veggies. Peas, corn, or bell peppers work great. They add color and extra nutrition to your soup.

This blog post covers everything you need for making Beef & Macaroni Soup. We explored the main ingredients and pantry staples that create a rich flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking. We shared tips for enhancing taste and cooking techniques to improve your dish. You can even try variations with different meats, spices, and vegetables.

Making this soup is simple and rewarding. I hope you enjoy creating your own family meal