Hearty Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe: A Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Warm up your soul with the comforting flavors of Beef Macaroni Soup. This hearty and satisfying dish is a beloved classic, perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a comforting meal. Packed with tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, and wholesome macaroni, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Join us as we dive into the world of homemade soups and discover the simple joy of a bowl of steaming hot Beef Macaroni Soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups of beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 can (29 oz) of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups of elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, add the cooked macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine.
8. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the macaroni to absorb some of the flavors of the soup.
9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
10. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
11. Ladle the Beef Macaroni Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the soup while it simmers.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the soup to thicken it up.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, Beef Macaroni Soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, and add the cooked macaroni just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Q: How can I make a keto-friendly version of this soup?

A: To make a keto-friendly version, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with low-carb pasta alternatives such as shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles. You can also omit the brown sugar or use a keto-friendly sweetener, and ensure that the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes are sugar-free.

Q: What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

A: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.

Beef Macaroni Soup is the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth, flavor, and nourishment in every spoonful. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is perfect for cozy nights at home or for feeding a crowd. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread or a side salad, Beef Macaroni Soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to the soul-soothing goodness of homemade Beef Macaroni Soup.