When the weather turns chilly or you’re in need of a comforting meal, Beef and Macaroni Soup is the perfect choice. This soup is a satisfying blend of tender ground beef, savory broth, and hearty pasta, with a touch of garden vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound prime ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 6 cups rich beef stock
- 14 ounces fresh chopped tomatoes (or 1 can of diced 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 (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Add the Onion:
- Add the finely chopped red onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to the base of the soup.
2. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the Beef Stock:
- Add the beef stock to the pot with the beef and onions. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The beef stock forms the foundation of the soup, infusing it with rich flavor.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes and Puree:
- Stir in the fresh chopped tomatoes and sundried tomato puree. The tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, while the puree enhances the tomato richness of the soup.
3. Season the Soup:
- Add Worcestershire Sauce:
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce. This ingredient contributes a savory, umami flavor that complements the beef and tomatoes.
- Season with Herbs:
- Add the crushed oregano and dried sweet basil. These herbs bring a fragrant, aromatic quality to the soup. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Cook the Pasta and Vegetables:
- Add the Pasta:
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Add the uncooked elbow pasta and stir. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still al dente. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the broth as it cooks.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the quick-freeze garden vegetables. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and tender. This adds texture and nutrients to the soup.
5. Final Adjustments:
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Depending on the saltiness of your beef stock and other ingredients, you may need to fine-tune the seasoning.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For added flavor, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Tips and Variations:
- Beef Choices: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both will work well and offer a lighter flavor.
- Vegetable Options: You can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them along with the tomatoes. Root vegetables like carrots or potatoes can be added early in the cooking process for extra heartiness.
- Add Beans: For additional protein and fiber, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed beans, such as kidney beans or black beans. This makes the soup even more filling and nutritious.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve as it sits.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
This Beef and Macaroni Soup is a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for feeding a family or enjoying as leftovers. With its rich beef broth, tender pasta, and flavorful vegetables, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
