Satisfy your cravings for comfort food with our delicious Hamburger Soup with Macaroni recipe. This hearty and flavorful soup is a complete meal in a bowl, combining tender ground beef, nutritious vegetables, savory broth, and satisfying macaroni noodles. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp dehydrated minced onions
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 21 oz condensed beef broth
- 14.5 oz canned mixed vegetables
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup macaroni noodles, uncooked
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Season the Beef: Add the dehydrated minced onions, salt, and pepper to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine and allow the onions to rehydrate slightly.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the condensed beef broth, canned mixed vegetables (undrained), and diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot with the seasoned ground beef. Stir in the water to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked macaroni noodles to the soup and continue to simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Hamburger Soup with Macaroni into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this comforting meal on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with vegetarian ground crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.
- Add Greens: Boost the nutritional value of the soup by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for added creaminess and richness.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: To make this soup keto-friendly, replace the macaroni noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Use a low-carb beef broth and ensure the canned vegetables are low in carbohydrates or opt for fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and enjoy a comforting keto-friendly meal.
- Low Carb Option: Similar to the keto option, use low-carb noodles or skip the noodles altogether. Choose low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, or spinach, and use a low-sodium beef broth to reduce carb intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh onions instead of dehydrated minced onions?
A: Yes, you can substitute fresh onions for dehydrated minced onions. Simply sauté finely chopped onions with the ground beef until they are softened and translucent.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of Hamburger Soup with Macaroni?
A: Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey may cook faster than beef.
Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: Ensure that all the ingredients used, including the beef broth and canned vegetables, are labeled as gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free pasta or rice for the macaroni noodles to make the soup gluten-free.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked through.
With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this comforting soup is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot of goodness, and savor every spoonful of this delicious homemade meal. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
