Weeknight Comfort: Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup for Busy Families

This Beef and Macaroni Soup is exactly that  simple, hearty, and ready to comfort on a busy night. Think tender ground beef, soft macaroni, bright tomatoes, and a rich, beefy broth that hugs your spoon. It’s filling but not fussy, and it’s one of those dishes that makes the kitchen smell like home.

This soup stands out for its meaty depth, gentle tomato tang, and soft pasta that soaks up flavor without turning mushy. Make it when you want something quick, when you need a meal that stretches, or when you want a bowl that kids and adults both reach for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready fast with simple steps and minimal chopping.
• Uses pantry staples most homes already have.
• Family-friendly mild, comforting flavors everyone will eat.
• Great for leftovers and easy to stretch into extra servings.

Ingredients for Beef and Macaroni Soup

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish of Beef and Macaroni Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions of Beef and Macaroni Soup

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the onion powder and garlic powder. Cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the macaroni. Reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Cook until the macaroni is tender, about 8–10 minutes (check package times and adjust).
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add more broth if you like a thinner soup.
7. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta; stop when it’s tender but still holds shape.
• Brown the beef well for extra flavor — those browned bits add depth to the broth.
• If the soup thickens after resting, thin with a splash of broth when reheating.

Substitutions & Variations of Beef and Macaroni Soup

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use a plant-based ground “beef” substitute and vegetable broth. Swap in gluten-free macaroni.

Variations:

• Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrients.
• Add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables for more veg and texture.
• Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a richer taste.
• For creative mix-ins and ideas on what to add to macaroni, see this helpful guide on macaroni add-ins.

Storage Instructions of Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: Cook the beef and prepare the broth and tomatoes ahead, then add pasta and simmer just before serving so the macaroni stays perfectly tender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Beef and Macaroni Soup

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes. Small shapes like ditalini or shells work well. Adjust cooking time per package instructions.

Will the pasta get mushy if I store leftovers?
: Macaroni can soften over time. To avoid mushy pasta, store cooked pasta separately, if possible, and add it when reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low 4–5 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Final Toughts

Beef and Macaroni Soup is a simple, soothing bowl that works on busy nights, for meal prep, and when you want a bowl that warms everyone up. Try it as written or tweak it with extra veggies or cheese it’s forgiving and keeps well. If you make this Beef and Macaroni Soup, please leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out I’d love to hear what you changed or added!

Beef and Macaroni Soup

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A cozy, hearty soup featuring tender ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato broth that warms the whole family.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the onion powder and garlic powder. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the macaroni. Reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Cook until the macaroni is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add more broth if you like a thinner soup.
7. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; stop when it’s tender but holds shape. Brown the beef well for extra flavor. If the soup thickens after resting, thin with a splash of broth when reheating.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Carnivore