A pot of Beef and Macaroni Soup bubbling on the stove has a special kind of magic. The savory scent of browned beef, simmering broth, and tomatoes drifting through the kitchen instantly makes the house feel warmer. Add tender pasta into the mix and suddenly dinner feels less like a chore and more like a cozy event. One spoonful in, and it’s clear why this comforting bowl ranks among the Best Soup Recipes Ever Easy to make at home.
Think about it—what could be better than hearty pasta, rich broth, and seasoned beef all mingling together? This dish sits somewhere between a classic Macaroni Beef Stew and a rustic Italian Ground Beef Soup, which honestly means you get the best of both worlds. The flavor comes alive with simple ingredients like Beef With Tomatoes And Onions, creating a rich base that tastes like it simmered all day (FYI, it doesn’t have to).
What makes this recipe extra lovable? It’s simple, filling, and ridiculously satisfying. A big pot easily feeds a hungry crowd, and leftovers taste even better the next day. IMO, that’s the secret superpower of great Soups Made With Beef—they deepen in flavor overnight and become even more crave-worthy.
Pasta lovers also appreciate how flexible this soup can be. Classic elbow macaroni works perfectly, but swapping in spirals or shells can turn it into a hearty Cavatappi Soup with a fun twist. Either way, every spoonful delivers tender pasta and savory meat in a rich, tomato-kissed broth. In other words, it’s the ultimate Soup With Ground Beef In It when comfort food is calling your name.
And let’s be honest—everyone needs a few reliable Awesome Soup Recipes in their back pocket. This one absolutely earns its spot among the all-time Awesome Soups. Quick enough for weeknights, hearty enough for cold evenings, and flavorful enough that nobody complains about leftovers. Now that’s a dinner win.

- Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef about 85% lean
- 1 teaspoon salt or adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, including the juices
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen corn optional
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Step 1 – Cook the Vegetables
Place a large soup pot over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once warm, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2 – Brown the Meat
Move the vegetables slightly to one side of the pot and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon while cooking until the meat is fully browned. If there is too much grease, carefully drain the excess before continuing.
Step 3 – Add the Tomato Base
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with the salt and pepper. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce. Mix everything together so the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful tomato mixture.
Step 4 – Simmer the Soup
Pour in the beef broth and water, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 20–25 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to blend and deepen in flavor.
Step 5 – Add the Pasta
Stir the uncooked macaroni directly into the soup. Let it cook according to the package instructions until the pasta becomes tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
Step 6 – Finish and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve it with crusty bread or a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Transfer cooled soup into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freezer
For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Reheating
Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much while stored.
Variations & Add-Ins
Extra Vegetables
Boost the nutrition by adding chopped zucchini, fresh spinach, or green beans during the simmering stage.Add Some Heat
Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you enjoy a spicy twist.Try Different Proteins
Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken can replace the ground beef for a different flavor profile.Cheesy Upgrade
Top each bowl with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy, savory finish.Fresh Herb Finish
A handful of fresh basil or parsley stirred in right before serving adds brightness and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Macaroni Soup
Budget-Friendly and Filling
This recipe relies on simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and broth to create a satisfying meal for the whole family.One Pot, Less Cleanup
Everything cooks together in one pot, which means fewer dishes and easier cleanup.Easy to Customize
You can swap vegetables, change pasta shapes, or experiment with different seasonings depending on what you have available.Even Better the Next Day
The flavors continue to develop as the soup sits, making leftovers especially delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients except the pasta. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add the pasta during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.Can this soup be frozen?
Absolutely. Just freeze the soup base without the macaroni. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the warmed soup.What pasta shapes can I use?
Small pasta shapes work best. Try ditalini, small shells, rotini, or mini penne if you want to switch things up.
Final Thoughts
Beef and macaroni soup is one of those comforting meals that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying after a long day. With simple ingredients and a one-pot cooking method, it’s also perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
The best part? This recipe is easy to customize. Add extra vegetables, switch up the pasta, or sprinkle cheese on top to make it your own. No matter how you serve it, each bowl delivers rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and savory beef in every bite.
Keep this recipe in your dinner rotation, and you’ll always have a cozy, family-friendly meal ready whenever comfort food calls.About The Author
Hi, I’m Stacey, the creator behind Flavetta. This space is all about making everyday cooking simple and not overwhelming.
You’ll find easy, realistic recipes with simple ingredients — from quick meals to comforting desserts — all designed to fit into your routine.
Flavetta is here to help you cook more often, try new ideas, and enjoy the little wins in your kitchen.