Introduction to Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Welcome, fellow home cooks! Today, I’m thrilled to share a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach: Hamburger Soup with Macaroni. This recipe is perfect for those bustling weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple. Picture this: a steaming bowl full of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and vibrant veggies, all swimming in a rich broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Plus, this meal can be whipped up in just 40 minutes—making it an ideal choice for busy moms or professionals like us. Let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
One of the best things about Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is how effortlessly it comes together. You can create a flavorful, hearty meal in just about 30 minutes—a true lifesaver on those hectic nights! The dish is not only comforting and satisfying, but it also allows for endless creativity. You can adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, making it a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Gathering the right ingredients for Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is the first step to creating a family favorite. Below, I’ve listed everything you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and optional ingredients to consider.
- Ground beef: The star of our show! Choose lean ground beef for a lighter meal or regular for richer flavor.
- Olive oil: This helps to brown the beef and keeps things from sticking. Plus, it adds a lovely flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. You can use yellow or white, depending on what you have.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aroma and flavor. I often use fresh, but jarred works in a pinch!
- Carrots: Diced carrots contribute a sweet crunch and vibrant color. You can swap them with parsnips for a twist.
- Celery: This veggie adds a refreshing crunch and depth of flavor. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out!
- Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring acidity and richness to the soup. Look for varieties with no added sugar.
- Beef broth: The base of our soup! Homemade or store-bought, it adds richness. Chicken or vegetable broth works too.
- Tomato sauce: Adds extra smoothness and depth of flavor to the soup. You could use marinara for a zesty kick.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that rounds out the flavors beautifully. Use your favorite Italian spice blend!
- Smoked paprika (optional): This adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish. I love it, but feel free to skip it if it’s not your thing!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Tailor them to your family’s liking.
- Elbow macaroni: This is the pasta choice! You can substitute with any small pasta like shells or ditalini.
- Green beans (optional): Fresh or frozen green beans add a pop of color and nutrition. You can also use peas or spinach!
- Corn: Corn kernels bring sweetness and texture. Use fresh, frozen, or canned according to what you have.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, it adds a touch of freshness. Basil is a lovely substitute if you prefer.
For exact measurements of each ingredient, check the end of this article where you can find them available for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for whipping up this delicious Hamburger Soup with Macaroni. You’ll see how straightforward this recipe is, and trust me, it’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Make sure to break it apart into small pieces as it cooks. This step is essential for an even texture throughout the soup. Cook until the beef is browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it away. We want the focus to be on that flavorful meat!
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
With the beef done, it’s time to elevate those flavors! Toss in your finely chopped onion and garlic. Allow them to sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. The aroma at this stage? Pure magic! This step builds a solid flavor base for our Hamburger Soup.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now, let’s get colorful! Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot along with the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Then, pour in your beef broth and tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the vegetables are well coated. This mixture is going to become the heart of our soup.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Time to infuse our soup with flavor! Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the veggies to soften and all those lovely flavors to blend together beautifully.
Step 5: Incorporate the Macaroni
After simmering, it’s time to add the elbow macaroni—or any small pasta you prefer. If you’re using green beans or corn, toss those in too! This adds a delightful texture and nutrition to the soup. Allow everything to simmer for another 10 minutes until the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Before serving, check the tenderness of your macaroni. If it’s just right, taste the soup and adjust those seasonings if needed—more salt or pepper to suit your family’s palate. Ladle the hearty Hamburger Soup into bowls and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that final touch of color and freshness!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chopping veggies in advance saves you valuable cooking time!
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni. It should remain al dente, as it will continue to soften in the soup.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat on the stovetop for the best flavor!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: A sturdy pot is essential for making a big batch of soup. A Dutch oven works great too!
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring everything together. A spatula works if that’s all you have!
- Measuring cups: Handy for portioning out ingredients, especially the broth and pasta.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping the vegetables smoothly.
Variations of Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version of Hamburger Soup with Macaroni.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute ground beef with lentils or tempeh for a plant-based version that’s still hearty and satisfying.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella just before serving. Melting cheese adds creaminess and richness.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of macaroni for a lower-carb version. The flavor remains while cutting down on carbs.
- Seasonal Veggies: Swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or squash for a fresh twist that celebrates the flavors of the season.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Hamburger Soup with Macaroni alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- A fresh green salad adds a crunchy contrast and balances the meal.
- Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch.
- Garnish with extra parsley or grated cheese for a lovely presentation!
FAQs about Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Can I use other types of meat for this Hamburger Soup?
Absolutely! You can swap out ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tempeh. Each will give a different flavor, but they’ll all work great in this soup.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftover Hamburger Soup with Macaroni can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to three months—perfect for meal prep!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, peas, or even spinach. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through and tender.
What can I serve with Hamburger Soup?
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some homemade garlic toast. You want to soak up all that delicious broth!
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Without a doubt! Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is a hit with kids. The macaroni and beef make it familiar and comforting. If your kiddos are picky, you can customize the veggies to their liking!
Final Thoughts
Making Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a comforting experience for your family. The warm, savory flavors and the heartiness of the beef and pasta bring everyone to the table. I cherish those moments spent together, sharing stories and laughter over steaming bowls of goodness. This recipe is versatile and forgiving, allowing for creativity and personal touches. So, whether you’re rushing home after a long day or cooking for family gatherings, this soup will always deliver smiles and satisfaction. It’s truly a dish made with love!
Print
Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef with pasta and fresh vegetables, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (85 g) elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 1 cup frozen or fresh green beans (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Add carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and tomato sauce to the pot.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in macaroni, green beans (if using), and corn.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
