Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe

Quick & Hearty Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe

My hearty hamburger soup with macaroni combines comfort and convenience in one delightful bowl.

Weeknight meals demand quick solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that create something extraordinary.

Lean ground beef simmers alongside tender pasta shells, creating a robust meal everyone craves.

Nutritious vegetables add depth and color to this classic recipe.

Rich broth brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

You’ll find this one-pot wonder becomes an instant family favorite.

Why Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Is a Comfort Classic

  • One-pot meal perfect for busy weeknight dinners that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.
  • Total cooking time under 30 minutes makes this recipe ideal for fast, nutritious meals without complex techniques.
  • Packed with protein from ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, delivering balanced nutrients in a single hearty serving.
  • Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, basic vegetables, and pantry staples, making it economical for large families or meal prep.

What You’ll Need for Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Classic protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup, choose lean variety for less grease.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with deep vegetable flavor, fresh and crisp produce recommended.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste, fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-chopped.
Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth, Water: Create the soup's liquid foundation, low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide tangy and rich tomato base, opt for no-salt-added versions if possible.
Pasta and Additional Vegetables:
  • Macaroni, Frozen Green Beans: Add texture and additional nutrition, whole wheat macaroni works well.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Build complex flavor profile, use fresh ground pepper for best taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami character, helps balance other seasonings.
Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy and salty finish, freshly grated recommended.

How to Make Hamburger Macaroni Soup at Home

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Grab a large pot and toss in ground beef over medium heat. Let the beef dance and sizzle until it turns a rich brown color. If you see extra grease pooling, carefully drain it away.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

Introduce a colorful medley of vegetables to the beef:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery
  • Minced garlic

Stir and cook these veggie friends for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes with their juicy liquid
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Water
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce

Crank up the heat and let everything bubble and blend together.

Step 4: Pasta and Green Bean Party

Dive in with:
  • Uncooked macaroni
  • Frozen green beans

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything mingle and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle this comforting soup into bowls. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

  • Drain Meat Thoroughly: Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove extra grease and prevent a greasy soup texture.
  • Choose Lean Beef: Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier soup without sacrificing flavor.
  • Adjust Pasta Cooking: Add macaroni during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning beef to develop richer, more complex taste profiles.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or replace with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the soup's hearty character.

Save and Reheat Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

  • Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture if needed.
  • Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Pour into a pot and reheat slowly, stirring frequently to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

What Pairs Well with Hamburger Soup

  • Open a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the hearty beef and robust tomato base of the soup.
  • Serve warm, toasted sourdough or garlic bread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture contrast.
  • Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Pour a cold glass of buttermilk or kefir to cool down the soup's warm flavors and add a tangy, smooth dimension to the meal.

Hamburger Macaroni Soup Add-Ins to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meatless protein alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor profile while keeping the recipe dairy-free.

Got Questions on Hamburger Soup?

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from ground beef, vitamins from vegetables like carrots and green beans, and complex carbohydrates from macaroni, making it a balanced one-pot meal.

  • Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just ensure they cook in similar timeframes to maintain the soup’s consistency.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7), add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and use low-sodium beef broth to reduce calories and salt content.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Definitely! The combination of familiar ingredients like beef, pasta, and mild seasonings makes this soup appealing to children. The small pasta and soft vegetables are easy to eat.

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Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe

Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

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

Description

Hearty hamburger soup with macaroni delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich ground beef and tender pasta. Warm spices and savory broth create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta:

  • 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. Place ground beef in a spacious pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium temperature, thoroughly cooking until meat loses its pink color and develops a rich, caramelized texture.
  2. Remove any accumulated fat from the meat, ensuring a cleaner soup base.
  3. Introduce finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices, tomato paste, beef broth, additional water, Italian seasoning blend, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to create a robust flavor profile.
  5. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste.
  6. Incorporate uncooked macaroni and frozen green beans directly into the simmering liquid, reducing heat to a gentle medium.
  7. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and vegetables become tender yet maintain a slight bite.
  8. Carefully portion the hearty soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory complexity.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the soup lighter and healthier.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using homemade beef broth or low-sodium stock for better control of salt content.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free macaroni or zucchini noodles for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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