Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is a warm and hearty soup filled with ground beef, tender vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. This easy, one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. The combination of savory beef, wholesome veggies, and pasta makes this soup both satisfying and kid-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal with easy cleanup
• Perfect for a cozy, comforting dinner
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Loaded with protein, veggies, and pasta
• Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked macaroni pasta
• 1 cup frozen green beans (or mixed vegetables)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Soup

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
   • Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add uncooked macaroni and frozen green beans to the soup.
   • Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Hamburger Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace macaroni with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
• Add More Veggies: Mix in corn, peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a bit of broth if the soup is too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta like rotini, shells, or ditalini works well in this soup.

2. How do I make the soup thicker?

Simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans, corn, or peas are great options.

4. What type of ground beef should I use?

Use lean ground beef (80% or 90% lean) to reduce excess grease in the soup.

5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except the pasta. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes.

6. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

If storing soup for later, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.

7. Can I add beans to this soup?

Yes, kidney beans, white beans, or chickpeas add extra protein and texture.

8. What can I serve with hamburger soup?

Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

9. How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Omit the Parmesan cheese and check that all ingredients are dairy-free.

10. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes make a great addition—just add them with the other vegetables.

Conclusion

Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is a simple, comforting, and filling meal that combines the rich flavors of a hearty soup with the ease of a one-pot dish. Loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and tender pasta, this soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick meal prep option. With its rich broth and satisfying ingredients, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe for chilly days and anytime you crave a warm, nourishing bowl of comfort!

Print