Introduction
This hearty ground beef and macaroni soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers in a rich, flavorful tomato broth. It’s an easy, budget-friendly family dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy evenings.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | American |
| Category | Soup, Main Course |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in one pot for simple preparation and cleanup.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples and everyday ingredients.
- Family Favorite: A delicious combination of beef, pasta, and tomatoes.
- Filling and Comforting: Perfect for lunch or a satisfying dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep: Easy to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Seasonings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, or to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon (optional) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and optional sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Add the elbow macaroni and stir well. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra beef broth. Serve hot in bowls.
Best Tips
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly for deeper flavor.
- Drain excess grease to avoid an oily broth.
- Use good-quality beef broth for a richer taste.
- Cook the macaroni until just tender to prevent mushy pasta.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks.
- Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Season gradually and adjust to your taste.
Best Ingredient Options
Ground Beef: Use 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells, rotini, or ditalini also work well.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a delicious texture. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra flavor.
Bell Peppers: Green peppers give a slightly savory flavor, while red peppers add sweetness.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is a good option if you prefer to control the salt.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Beef Macaroni Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
Spicy Beef Macaroni Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper.
Vegetable Beef Soup: Add diced carrots, celery, corn, or zucchini.
Italian-Style Macaroni Soup: Add extra Italian seasoning and fresh basil.
Low-Carb Version: Replace the macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette.
- Fresh green salad.
- Homemade dinner rolls.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Roasted vegetables.
- Cornbread.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the beef and tomato soup base up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
For the best pasta texture, cook the macaroni separately and add it when reheating the soup.
This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming overly soft.
Storage
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Store the soup and pasta separately when possible for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.
For stovetop reheating, place the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Heat until thoroughly hot.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the beef and tomato soup base without the macaroni.
Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and add freshly cooked macaroni before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the macaroni until mushy.
- Adding too little broth.
- Skipping the step of browning the beef.
- Forgetting to season the tomato broth.
- Leaving excess grease in the soup.
- Cooking the soup at too high a temperature after adding the pasta.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Actual nutritional values vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Healthy Benefits
This ground beef and macaroni soup provides protein from ground beef, which supports muscle maintenance and normal body functions.
Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, while bell peppers contribute vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
The combination of vegetables, pasta, and beef makes this a satisfying meal that provides a variety of nutrients.
For a lighter version, choose lean ground beef, whole-wheat pasta, and low-sodium beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the soup base ahead and add freshly cooked macaroni when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small shells, rotini, and other short pasta shapes work beautifully.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the vegetables, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add the macaroni during the final 20–30 minutes, checking until tender.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Allow it to simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes, or add a little extra cooked macaroni.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
What is the difference between beef macaroni soup and American goulash?
Both feature ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. American goulash is often thicker and more pasta-focused, while this version has a brothier soup consistency.
Final Thoughts
This hearty ground beef and macaroni soup is an easy, delicious, and budget-friendly family meal. With tender pasta, flavorful beef, tomatoes, and vegetables, every bowl is packed with comforting homemade goodness. It’s a simple recipe worth keeping in your weekly dinner rotation!