Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Dietary: Dairy-Free | Family-Friendly
✅ Ingredients
- Lean ground beef
- Ketchup
- Canned chopped or diced tomatoes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Onion powder
- Macaroni pasta (uncooked)
- Salt and black pepper
- Beef broth (or water, optional for consistency)
🥄 Instructions
- Brown the Beef – In a large soup pot, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings – Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Simmer with Tomatoes – Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and beef broth (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta – Stir in the uncooked macaroni pasta. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust and Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy!
💡 Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni if desired.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering.
- This soup thickens as it sits — add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
🌟 Introduction
This Beef and Macaroni Soup is a nostalgic bowl of comfort that combines ground beef, tender pasta, and tangy tomato flavor. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and the kind of dish that warms you up on a chilly evening. I love making this when I need something hearty but fuss-free — it’s basically comfort food in a bowl!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Brown the Beef
Start with a heavy-bottomed soup pot. Cook your ground beef until browned. Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles for even cooking.
2. Season the Base
Add ketchup, Worcestershire, and onion powder. These simple pantry staples give the soup its rich, tangy backbone.
3. Tomatoes + Broth
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice. Add broth (or water) if you want a soupier texture. Bring to a light simmer.
4. Add the Pasta
Stir in the macaroni and cook until tender. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t clump at the bottom.
5. Taste + Adjust
Check seasoning. Sometimes just a pinch of extra pepper brings it all together. Serve piping hot with crusty bread or crackers.
🛒 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Lean Ground Beef – Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang. Can swap with tomato paste + 1 tsp sugar.
- Diced Tomatoes – Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky twist.
- Worcestershire Sauce – For depth; soy sauce or tamari works in a pinch.
- Macaroni – Elbow pasta is classic, but shells or rotini hold up well too.
🍴 Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick – Add ½ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost – Toss in chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Cheesy Finish – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top.
- Serving Ideas – Pair with garlic bread, a simple salad, or cornbread.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze up to 3 months. Tip: Cook pasta separately if planning to freeze, to prevent mushiness.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 280 | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 4g
Allergens: Contains gluten (from pasta). To make gluten-free, use GF pasta.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown beef first, then add everything except pasta. Cook on low 6 hours, stir in pasta 30 min before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, use about 4–5 chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may want to add extra broth for more liquid.
Q: My soup turned out too thick, what should I do?
A: Just add ½ cup broth or water until desired consistency.
💭 Personal Note
This recipe reminds me of my childhood — it’s the kind of weeknight meal my mom could throw together with just pantry staples. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s still a hit every single time. Simple, filling, and full of love. ❤️
📢 Call-to-Action
If you try this Beef and Macaroni Soup, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Don’t forget to share a photo on social media and tag me — I’d love to see your bowls of cozy comfort!
