As the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Hamburger macaroni soup is one of those meals that not only fills you up but also gives you that cozy feeling that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket. This hearty soup combines flavorful ground beef, tender macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that comes together in just under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even meal prep, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, satisfying, and best of all, it’s packed with nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day.
Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this hamburger macaroni soup recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes. If you enjoy making soups that are both comforting and full of flavor, this recipe is just what you need to bring warmth to your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious hamburger macaroni soup, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or long lists of spices. What makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to prepare with simple, everyday items. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 240 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 44 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 12 |
| Carrots (sliced) | 1 cup | 50 |
| Celery (chopped) | 1 cup | 14 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) | 70 |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) | 80 |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | 40 |
| Elbow macaroni | 1 cup | 200 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | 3 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 2 tbsp | 5 |
Total Calories (per serving, makes 6 servings): 348 calories
These ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find at any grocery store. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this hamburger macaroni soup is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to prepare a soup that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to satisfy.
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for a minute or two. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally to break it up into smaller pieces, until it’s fully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat once the beef is cooked through.
Next, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. The mixture should smell amazing at this point as the onions and garlic release their natural aromas.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. As it heats up, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. These bits will add a depth of flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step.
Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the soup. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are well distributed. These seasonings help to bring out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables, giving the soup its comforting taste.
Once the soup is simmering, add the elbow macaroni. Stir the soup to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together. Let the soup cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it cook a little longer, but be careful not to overcook the pasta.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, depending on your taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
Once the macaroni is tender and the soup has thickened to your liking, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
While this hamburger macaroni soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some tips to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences:
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans to the soup. These vegetables will not only enhance the flavor but also add more nutrients and texture to your meal. You can add them in with the carrots and celery for a hearty, veggie-filled soup.
If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef. It has a lighter flavor but still provides a good amount of protein. You can use the same amount of ground turkey as the beef in the recipe.
For those who like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the vegetables. This will give the soup a nice kick. If you prefer it extra spicy, you can also stir in some hot sauce at the end.
If you love creamy soups, add a splash of heavy cream or milk toward the end of cooking. This will make the soup richer and more velvety. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella on top for an added creamy texture.
While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can switch it up with other small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ditalini. Each pasta will soak up the broth differently, giving the soup a slightly different texture.
Nutritional Information
Each bowl of this hamburger macaroni soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a closer look at the nutrition for each serving:
- Calories: 348
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This soup provides a nice balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a great option for a filling meal. It’s also high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full for longer. If you’re looking to reduce the sodium or fat content, you can make small adjustments like using lean ground turkey or low-sodium broth.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger macaroni soup is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with a few sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are some serving suggestions that complement the soup perfectly:
Serve the soup with crispy garlic bread for a classic combination. The rich, buttery flavor of the bread pairs wonderfully with the savory soup. It’s a simple yet indulgent addition to the meal.
A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great side to balance out the richness of the soup. You can go with a simple green salad or add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for extra crunch.
For the ultimate comfort food experience, enjoy the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese and crispy bread add a satisfying texture to the meal that’s hard to resist.
Conclusion
This hamburger macaroni soup is the perfect dish to serve on chilly nights when you’re craving something warm and hearty. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe that can be made any day of the week, and it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you keep it traditional or make your own tweaks, this soup will quickly become a staple in your household. Grab a bowl, curl up with your loved ones, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to bring smiles all around.