Beef & Macaroni Soup

Craving a comforting and hearty dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Beef & Macaroni Soup. This classic recipe brings together savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich, flavorful broth for a meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days or when you just need something simple and filling, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, savory base for the soup.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness and herbal notes.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Contributes a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
• 2 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
• 1 cup water: Helps to thin out the broth while maintaining flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and richness, balancing the savory elements.
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni: Provides texture and makes the soup hearty.
• 1 cup frozen green beans: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and texture to the dish.

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

• Cook the ground beef: In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain excess fat: If necessary, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot to avoid a greasy soup.

Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add onion and garlic to the pot: Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
• Season with herbs and spices: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the herbs and spices to infuse the beef and onion mixture with flavor.

Pro Tip: For a bolder flavor, toast the herbs in the pot for a minute before adding the beef broth.

3. Build the Soup Base

• Add beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes: Stir in the beef broth, water, and can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, which helps to meld all the flavors together.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or simmer the soup uncovered to allow it to reduce.

4. Cook the Macaroni and Green Beans

• Add macaroni and green beans: Once the soup is boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and frozen green beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the macaroni to cook through and the green beans to become tender.
• Check for doneness: The soup is ready when the macaroni is tender but still has a slight bite, and the green beans are fully cooked.

Pro Tip: For an even heartier soup, consider adding other vegetables such as carrots, corn, or peas.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s hot. This soup is delicious on its own but can also be served with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tip: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

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⏲️ Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4

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🍴 Tips and Variations

1. Customize the Veggies: While green beans are a classic choice for this soup, you can easily swap them out for other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. This is a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.
2. Change the Pasta: If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any small pasta shape such as ditalini, small shells, or orzo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
3. Add More Protein: For a heartier version, consider adding beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas. You can also throw in cooked sausage or bacon for an extra boost of flavor.
4. Spice it Up: If you like your soup with a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
5. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Freezing Instructions: Beef & Macaroni Soup freezes well. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up on the stovetop.

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Final Thoughts

Beef & Macaroni Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious balance of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich broth. It’s perfect for those days when you want something simple yet satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Serve it up on a cold day or whenever you need a bowl of comfort. Enjoy!