Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

Hamburger Soup with Macaroni: Your Busy-Night Flavor Lifesaver

Hey there, friend! Isla here from BiteTide, waving my wooden spoon at you from my probably-slightly-messy kitchen. Ever have one of those nights where you’re craving serious comfort food, but your energy tank is hovering near “empty”? That’s exactly when this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni swoops in like a culinary superhero. Imagine your favorite beefy, cozy spaghetti Bolognese decided to take a relaxing swim in a savory broth, bringing all its best friends along. This isn’t just soup—it’s a hearty hug in a bowl, packed with tender ground beef, slurpable macaroni, and garden-fresh veggies, all singing together in a rich, tomato-kissed broth. The best part? It’s ready faster than you can binge two episodes of your favorite show. Seriously, under an hour from fridge to table. Whether it’s raining cats and dogs outside or your schedule’s gone haywire, this recipe is your ticket to stress-free, soul-warming deliciousness. Let’s ditch the fuss and ride this flavor wave!

Grandma’s Soup Pot & My First Kitchen Victory

This soup always takes me back to my grandma’s tiny, steam-clouded kitchen in our coastal town. I was seven, “helping” her make her famous “everything-but-the-kitchen-sink soup” (her cheeky name for clearing the veggie drawer). I vividly remember standing on a wobbly stool, proudly dumping in elbow macaroni while she hummed old sea shanties. “The secret, little wave-rider,” she’d whisper, “isn’t fancy ingredients—it’s letting the flavors swim together until they’re friends.” One blustery Tuesday, she handed me the wooden spoon entirely. My tiny hands shook stirring that bubbling pot, but when my dad took one bite and declared it “the best yet,” I felt like a kitchen rockstar. That soup taught me magic happens when simple things mingle—just like people around a shared table. Every time I make this Hamburger Soup, I still hear her laugh and feel that warm, first-taste triumph.

Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

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• Author: islamerrick
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

A hearty, family-friendly soup made with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and vegetables simmered in a savory tomato-beef broth—perfect for a quick, cozy weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add uncooked macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni to suit dietary needs.
• Leftovers will thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid—add extra broth when reheating.
• Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: hamburger soup, macaroni soup, ground beef soup, weeknight dinner soup, hearty beef pasta soup

Your Flavor Crew: Ingredients & Smart Swaps

Gather these pantry pals! Don’t stress about exacts—cooking’s an adventure, not a science lab.

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean): Our flavor anchor! Leaner works, but 85% gives juicy richness. Chef hack: Swap with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a fun twist!
• 1 medium onion, chopped: The unsung hero! Yellow or white adds sweet depth. No onion? Use 1 tsp onion powder in a pinch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Flavor bombs! Pre-minced jarred garlic works (1 tbsp = 2 cloves).
• 2 carrots, sliced: For color & subtle sweetness. Tip: No fresh? Toss in ½ cup frozen peas or corn later!
• 2 celery ribs, sliced: Classic “trinity” member for earthy notes. Swap: 1 tsp celery seed if you’re out.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Bright acidity! Fire-roasted add smoky depth. Chef insight: Don’t drain—the juice adds body!
• 6 cups beef broth: The cozy ocean our ingredients swim in. Low-sodium is best for control. Veggie broth works for a lighter sip.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Instant flavor boost! No blend? Mix ½ tsp oregano + ¼ tsp basil + ¼ tsp thyme.
• ½ tsp paprika: Warmth without heat! Smoked paprika adds BBQ vibes.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season as you go! Taste before serving.
• 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni: The comforting “bite.” Gluten-free? Use rice pasta (cook separately to avoid mush).
• Optional: fresh parsley: For a pop of color & freshness at the end!

Let’s Get Cooking: Simple Steps & Pro Tricks

Ready? Aprons optional, enthusiasm mandatory!

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon like you’re solving a delicious puzzle. Cook 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Chef hack: Don’t stir constantly! Let it get a lil’ crispy for extra flavor. Drain excess fat if you like, but I leave a tbsp for richness.
2. Sizzle the Veggies: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions turn translucent and smell amazing. Tip: Scrape the yummy browned bits (fond) off the pot bottom—that’s liquid gold!
3. Build the Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice!), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Give it a joyful stir! Bring everything to a lively boil. Chef insight: This is when the magic starts—the broth will deepen in color and aroma!
4. Pasta Party Time: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (bubbles should be lazy, not frantic). Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Critical tip: Don’t overcook! Pasta should be al dente (tender but with a bite) as it softens more off-heat. For leftovers, cook pasta separately & add per bowl.
5. Taste & Triumph: Turn off the heat. Taste your masterpiece! Need more salt? Pepper? A pinch of red pepper flakes for zing? Adjust now. Stir in chopped parsley if using. Pro move: Let it sit 5 minutes—flavors mingle like old friends catching up!

Dishing Up the Cozy

Ladle this steaming hug into deep bowls. I love topping it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a grating of Parmesan cheese if I’m feeling fancy (it melts into salty heaven!). Grab a chunk of crusty bread for dunking—sourdough or a baguette is perfect for mopping up every last drop. For a full comfort-food experience, pair it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. Serve it right from the pot at the table for that “gather-round” vibe!

Make It Your Own: Flavorful Twists

This soup is your canvas! Try these fun spins:

• Italian Stallion: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage. Add 1 cup chopped spinach and a Parmesan rind to the broth while simmering. Finish with basil!
• Tex-Mex Fiesta: Use ground turkey + 1 tbsp taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning. Add a can of rinsed black beans and ½ cup corn with the tomatoes. Top with avocado and crushed tortilla chips.
• Veggie-Loaded Lighter Sip: Skip beef, use 1 cup brown lentils (add with broth, simmer 20 min before pasta). Double carrots/celery + add zucchini. Use veggie broth.
• Cheeseburger Dream: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar after turning off heat. Top bowls with diced pickles, extra cheese, and a dollop of burger sauce!
• Pesto Swirl: Finish each bowl with a vibrant swirl of basil pesto. Instant gourmet flair!

Isla’s Insider Scoop & Soup Tales

Confession: This recipe was born during a wild thunderstorm when my pantry was nearly bare and my kids were chanting “I’m staaaarving!” on repeat. I tossed in what we had (hence the magical macaroni addition!), and it instantly became a family legend. Over time, I learned a few things: Using a wide, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) helps everything cook evenly. If your broth reduces too much during simmering, just add ½ cup hot water or broth. And yes, the pasta WILL absorb broth overnight—so for leftovers, store pasta separately or embrace the thicker, stew-like texture (it’s still delicious!). This soup’s true superpower? Tasting even better the next day as flavors deepen. It’s survived toddler taste tests, last-minute potlucks, and my own “oops I forgot the groceries” moments—truly unstoppable!

Your Soup Questions, Solved!

Let’s tackle common kitchen hiccups:

Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Soup?
A: Absolutely! BUT skip the pasta if you plan to freeze. Cooked pasta turns mushy when frozen/thawed. Freeze the broth/veggie/beef base. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, then cook pasta separately and add it to bowls. It’ll last 3 months frozen.

Q: My pasta soaked up all the broth! Help?
A: No stress! This happens if it sits too long. Stir in ½ – 1 cup hot broth or water when reheating. To prevent it next time: 1) Cook pasta al dente, 2) Store pasta separately, or 3) Undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes initially.

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Small shapes work best. Try ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Adjust cook time based on package directions. Avoid large shapes (like rigatoni)—they overwhelm the soup.

Q: Is there a way to make this in a slow cooker?
A: You bet! Brown beef & sauté veggies first (skip this step = bland soup!). Add everything EXCEPT pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW 6-8 hrs or HIGH 3-4 hrs. Add uncooked pasta 20-30 mins before serving (or cook separately).

Nutritional Nibbles (Per Serving – 1 of 8)

Calories: ~310 | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 28g | Protein: 20g
Note: Estimates include lean beef & standard ingredients. Values change with swaps!