There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup to make you feel at home. This hearty soup is packed with tender beef, juicy tomatoes, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked macaroni—delivering all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a homemade meal. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make in just one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy. Trust me, this one is a game-changer for busy weeknights or chilly days!
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup
This soup isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating comfort in a bowl. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a simple family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even a dish to share at potlucks.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef, making it an inexpensive yet satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort—great for busy nights!
Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—everyone, from kids to adults, will love it!
Ingredients
Ingredients in One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup
Each ingredient brings rich flavor and heartiness to this classic dish:
Ground Beef: The protein-packed base of this soup, adding richness and depth.
Onion & Garlic: A must for building flavor—sautéed onions and garlic make everything better!
Diced Tomatoes: Juicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, these bring a fresh, bright balance to the dish.
Tomato Sauce: Helps create a thick, flavorful broth that hugs the pasta beautifully.
Beef Broth: The key to a deep, rich, and savory soup base.
Macaroni: Small pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors while adding heartiness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the soup.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Season the Soup
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Macaroni
Stir in the uncooked macaroni and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, absorbing all the rich flavors.
Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese, and enjoy the cozy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Notes:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup
This soup is already a meal on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of creaminess.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t overcook the macaroni—it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if you want a healthier or dietary-friendly version.
- Make it spicier by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or let it simmer a little longer.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it from getting too thick.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well for a leaner option.
2. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the macaroni. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the pasta 30 minutes before serving.
4. What other veggies can I add?
Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are great additions!
5. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked macaroni when reheating.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 4-5 chopped fresh tomatoes and let them cook down before adding the broth.
8. What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Macaroni works best, but you can also use small shells or ditalini.
9. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese topping and ensure your broth is dairy-free.
10. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild, comforting flavors make it a hit with kids.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup! Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!
Print
One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Soup is a comforting dish filled with ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup elbow macaroni
– 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
– Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
4. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, corn, and bell pepper. Simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by 1/2 cup.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– The macaroni may absorb liquid over time; add extra broth when reheating if needed.
– Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini for more nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg