Description

This Beef and Macaroni Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold nights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal. The rich beef stock, tender ground beef, and al dente macaroni combine with a medley of vegetables to create a hearty, nutritious soup that’s brimming with flavor. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and great for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. With each spoonful, you’ll enjoy a delicious balance of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound prime ground beef
½ cup finely chopped red onion
6 cups rich beef stock
14 ounces fresh chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons sundried tomato puree
1 teaspoon traditional Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon crushed oregano
½ teaspoon dried sweet basil
1 ½ cups uncooked elbow pasta
1 ½ cups quick-freeze garden vegetables

Instructions

In a robust soup cauldron, marry the beef and red onions, cooking until the beef is perfectly browned and the onions translucent. Skim off any extra fat, ensuring a lean soup base.
Pour in the beef stock, introducing the freshly chopped tomatoes, the deep sundried tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed oregano and sweet basil. Stir this mixture with love and let it come to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle.
As aromas fill your kitchen, introduce the elbow pasta and the garden vegetables to the pot. Allow them to simmer for roughly 8 minutes. The pasta should be tender to the bite but still hold its shape.
Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as per your palate. Give it a good stir.
Pour into bowls and, for those who desire, sprinkle a handful of freshly shredded cheese atop. Serve with warm crusty bread for a meal that wraps you in warmth.

Notes

Cooking Time: This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of water or stock to adjust the consistency, as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid over time.
Customization: Feel free to modify the vegetables based on what’s in season or available. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Adjust the seasonings and herbs to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for a complete meal. Top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Pro Tip: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving if you plan on making this dish ahead of time or storing leftovers. This will maintain the pasta’s texture over multiple meals.