Comforting Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is the perfect dish to cozy up with. Combining classic ground beef, tender macaroni, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is a true comfort food classic that ticks all the boxes. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and pasta creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a win-win for the whole family.
Expect to be wowed by the rich, savory flavors and the satisfying texture contrasts between the tender macaroni and the ground beef. And with the option to make it ahead of time or freeze leftovers, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or meal planning.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
The beauty of this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and pasta creates the hearty, comforting flavor profile that has made this type of recipe a perennial favorite.
👨🍳 How to Make Hamburger Soup with Macaroni Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
• Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked macaroni, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional beef stew which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar comfort food flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 913mg
These hearty hamburger soup recipes provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for the macaroni to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
• Added protein: Stir in 1/2 cup cooked lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add 1 cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Hamburger Soup with Macaroni.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• For a family-friendly dinner, serve alongside a simple fruit salad or applesauce.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef can result in a greasy, heavy soup. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
• Skimping on seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The right balance of herbs, spices, and salt can make all the difference in the overall flavor of the soup.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Hamburger Soup with Macaroni recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup without the macaroni, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding the uncooked macaroni and simmering until tender.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then ladle into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the desired consistency.
❓ FAQs
How long can I store leftover Hamburger Soup with Macaroni?
Leftover Hamburger Soup with Macaroni can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, either before or after cooking the macaroni.
Can I substitute different types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, you can use any small, short-cut pasta you have on hand, such as ditalini, mini shells, or even small penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is tender.
How can I make this recipe more low-carb or keto-friendly?
To reduce the carbohydrates in this Hamburger Soup, you can substitute cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for the traditional macaroni. These lower-carb options will still provide the satisfying texture you crave without the added starch.
What can I do if the soup is too thick or too thin?
If your Hamburger Soup with Macaroni ends up too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes longer to allow the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Hamburger Soup is very versatile and can easily accommodate extra vegetables. Try stirring in frozen peas, chopped spinach, or even diced bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Hamburger Soup with Macaroni recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory goodness and hearty texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these hamburger soup dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni – it’s sure to become a new family favorite!
