When the temperatures drop or when you’re simply in need of a comforting meal, nothing beats a warm bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup. This delicious dish combines tender ground beef, hearty macaroni, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to warm both your heart and your belly.
Ingredients:
1 pound prime ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
6 cups rich beef stock
14 ounces fresh chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons sundried tomato puree
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
Directions:
Brown the Beef and Onions:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped red onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and healthy.
Add Stock and Seasonings:
Pour in the beef stock, chopped tomatoes, sundried tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine all the flavors and bring the mixture to a simmer. This step allows the seasonings to infuse the broth, creating a robust flavor profile.
Cook the Pasta and Vegetables:
Add the uncooked elbow pasta and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are heated through. This is where the soup comes together, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your soup by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, can add creaminess and richness.
Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal. A side salad can also add freshness and balance the richness of the soup.
Portion Control: Use a ladle to serve portions into bowls. If you’re serving guests, consider a buffet-style setup where they can help themselves.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much upon sitting, you can add a bit of beef stock or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For quicker thawing, you can place the container in a bowl of cold water.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
No Pasta: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it fresh when reheating. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture.
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FAQs:
Can I use other types of pasta in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes, such as shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
Can I make Beef and Macaroni Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the pasta) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables. Some great options include bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or green beans. Fresh or frozen vegetables can be used, but if using fresh, add them earlier in the cooking process so they have time to soften.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make your Beef and Macaroni Soup healthier, consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the pasta for a lower-carb option. Additionally, using low-sodium beef stock can help manage sodium intake.
Conclusion:
This Beef and Macaroni Soup is not only easy to prepare but also delivers on flavor and comfort. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, with its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Beef and Macaroni Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish featuring prime ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a mix of vegetables in a rich beef broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this easy recipe provides a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 pound prime ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
6 cups rich beef stock
14 ounces fresh chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons sundried tomato puree
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped red onion until the beef is cooked through and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the beef stock, chopped tomatoes, sundried tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and basil to the pot. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow pasta and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Notes
For a more nutritious version, feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
If freezing, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to maintain its texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
