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Easy Beef and Macaroni Soup

Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Beef and Macaroni Soup is the perfect cozy meal for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef simmers with tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, savory broth, and perfectly cooked macaroni to create a rich, satisfying bowl of comfort. Each spoonful delivers a delicious blend of beef, herbs, and pasta that feels both classic and incredibly filling. The recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and made in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. Serve it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an easy family meal that’s warm, nourishing, and guaranteed to please everyone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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.

              Notes

              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.