Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Recipe

Hearty Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe for Cozy Nights

My culinary adventure with hearty hamburger soup and macaroni began during a chilly winter evening.

Comfort rarely arrives in such a delightful package as this warm, satisfying meal.

Robust ground beef mingles perfectly with tender pasta and rich vegetables.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with this classic, homestyle recipe.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to fill hungry bellies, this soup becomes an instant favorite.

You’ll find yourself craving its simple yet profound deliciousness time and again.

Grab a ladle and let’s turn those ingredients into pure magic!

Reasons To Love Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

  • Whip Up a Comforting Family Meal: This hamburger soup delivers a hearty, one-pot wonder that satisfies hungry families with minimal kitchen effort. Kids and adults alike will love the combination of tender beef, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked macaroni.
  • Conquer Weeknight Dinner Challenges: Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup solves the age-old problem of quick, nutritious meals. Home cooks can prep and serve a complete dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow for simple swaps and additions based on what's in your pantry. Vegetable variations, different pasta types, or additional seasonings make this recipe adaptable to personal tastes and dietary needs.
  • Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned vegetables, and pantry staples, this soup provides maximum flavor without breaking the bank. One pot feeds multiple people economically and deliciously.

What’s Inside Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty, flavorful protein that gives the soup its meaty foundation. Lean ground beef works best for less grease.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a rich, deep flavor base for the entire soup. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor boosters that add depth and aroma to the soup. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most robust taste.
  • Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add nutrition and traditional flavor. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best.
  • Green Beans, Corn: Optional vegetables that add color and extra nutrition. Frozen or fresh options both work well.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide acidity and rich tomato flavor to the soup. Canned varieties are convenient and consistent.
Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Macaroni: Adds heartiness and substance to the soup. Small pasta shapes work perfectly.
  • Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that create a complex, savory flavor profile. Fresh ground black pepper adds the best taste.
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the base.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh, herbal finish to the soup.

Easy Instructions For Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Splash in some olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in ground beef and break it into tiny crumbles. Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown and develops a delicious caramelized exterior. Drain away any excess fat to keep things light. Quickly add:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma and the onions become translucent.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in a vibrant mix of:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato sauce
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery
Sprinkle in a magical blend of seasonings:
  • Italian herb mix
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer and mingle for about 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to dance together.

Step 3: Pasta Power Boost

Time to add some comfort to the soup:
  • Macaroni
  • Green beans
  • Corn kernels

Let everything bubble gently for 10 minutes until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning – a little extra salt or pepper can work wonders.

Step 4: Serve with Sunshine

Ladle the steaming soup into big, welcoming bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Grab some crusty bread or whip up a quick side salad to complete this soul-warming meal.

Top Tips For Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

  • Lean Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with 90% lean meat for a healthier soup without sacrificing flavor, reducing overall fat content while maintaining delicious taste.
  • Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni directly in the soup to absorb maximum flavor, but add it during the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
  • Vegetable Variety: Swap or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to customize the soup and boost nutritional value without changing the core recipe.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare a double batch and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making future meal prep quick and convenient for busy days.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps the hearty soup's robust flavor profile intact.

Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Storage Guide

  • Refrigerate leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to sealed containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion.
  • When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, ensuring you label with the date.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before gently rewarming on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
  • Stir occasionally to maintain consistent temperature and prevent burning.
  • Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup to maintain best quality and food safety.
  • Pro tip: Separate pasta and soup when storing to prevent macaroni from becoming mushy during refrigeration or freezing.

Pairing Ideas For Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty hamburger soup with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, which can stand up to the rich beef flavors and cut through the soup's robust profile.
  • Match with Crisp Side Salad: Create a fresh contrast by serving a light, tangy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's warmth and heartiness.
  • Enhance with Garlic Cheese Bread: Serve crusty garlic cheese bread on the side, allowing diners to dip and soak up the savory broth while adding an extra layer of cheesy, garlicky goodness.
  • Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select a malty amber ale or a hoppy IPA that can stand up to the soup's intense flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, meaty broth.

New Takes On Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

  • Southwestern Fiesta Soup: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Garden Soup: Replace beef with ground lamb, incorporate oregano, add zucchini, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Soup: Mix in gochujang paste, add kimchi, use sesame oil instead of olive oil, and garnish with green onions for a bold Korean flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Power Protein Soup: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles, use vegetable broth, and add extra protein-rich vegetables like spinach and diced sweet potatoes.

Your Questions About Hamburger Soup With Macaroni

  • What makes this hamburger soup different from other soups?

This soup combines hearty ground beef with classic vegetables and macaroni, creating a complete meal in one pot. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it more substantial than traditional vegetable soups.

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lean ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the soup while maintaining the same delicious texture.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love this soup because it’s not too spicy, has familiar ingredients like pasta and beef, and has a comforting, warm flavor. The macaroni makes it especially appealing to children.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also boost protein by stirring in some beans or using lean ground beef. Consider using whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.

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Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Recipe

Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger soup with macaroni brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, meaty broth and tender pasta. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and satisfying flavors, you’ll find this simple one-pot meal perfect for chilly evenings and quick family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh green beans (optional)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 6 cups (1.5 L) beef broth
  • 1 cup (250 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (85 g) elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Protein Base: Warm olive oil in a capacious stockpot over medium temperature. Introduce ground beef, fragmenting it meticulously while cooking until a rich, caramel-brown color emerges. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics release their fragrant essence and onions transform to translucent.
  2. Develop Soup Foundation: Pour in robust beef broth, diced tomatoes with their vibrant juices, and velvety tomato sauce. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and cracked pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Allow liquid to reach a gentle boil, then reduce to a tranquil simmer, permitting vegetables to tenderize and meld flavors.
  3. Integrate Hearty Elements: Introduce macaroni, crisp green beans, and sweet corn kernels into the simmering liquid. Monitor pasta’s transformation, ensuring it reaches perfect al dente consistency – tender yet maintaining subtle resistance. Assess seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to harmonize taste elements.
  4. Finalize and Present: Carefully ladle the steaming, robust soup into ceramic bowls. Embellish with delicate fresh parsley sprigs. Complement the dish with crusty artisan bread or a crisp, verdant salad for a complete, nourishing meal experience.

Notes

  • Customize the meat to suit dietary needs by substituting ground beef with lean turkey, plant-based crumbles, or ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium beef broth and reducing added salt, making this soup friendly for heart-healthy diets.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
  • Enhance storage and meal prep potential by allowing the soup to cool completely before refrigerating, which helps flavors develop and allows for easy reheating throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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