Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy and filling dinner that brings everyone running to the kitchen, Hamburger Macaroni Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. Packed with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a medley of vegetables swimming in rich tomato broth, this one-pot wonder is a nostalgic classic that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftover lunches, Hamburger Macaroni Soup delivers comfort and satisfaction in just 30 minutes—and trust me, there won’t be a single bite left in the pot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this soup is how simple but essential each ingredient is. They all play a starring role: from building out deep, savory flavor to giving the soup its signature heartiness and vibrant color. If you already have most of these kitchen staples on hand, you’re halfway to dinner!

• Ground Beef (16 ounces): Lean ground beef makes for a hearty base and gives the soup its classic, comforting flavor.
• Garlic Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds a punch of savory depth, instantly seasoning the beef and broth.
• Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Brings a touch of herbal warmth that balances the richness of the meat and tomatoes.
• Bay Leaves (2): Simmering bay leaves infuse the broth with subtle complexity—just remember to remove them before serving!
• Beef Broth or Stock, Low Sodium (6 ½ cups): The foundation of your soup; using low sodium lets you control the saltiness while maximizing flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes, Undrained (28 ounces): Their sweet acidity brightens up the whole dish and gives that iconic tomato base.
• Tomato Paste (6 ounces): Thickens the soup and intensifies the tomato flavor for that extra “oomph.”
• Soy Sauce, Low Sodium (2 tablespoons): Adds umami richness and that savory note that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.
• Mixed Vegetables, Frozen Bag (12 ounces): Easy, colorful, and loaded with nutrients—just toss them straight in from the freezer.
• Macaroni Noodles (1 ¾ cups): The star of the show! They soak up all those delicious flavors while staying satisfyingly chewy.
• Chopped Parsley (optional garnish): Freshens up each bowl with a burst of green—totally optional, but highly recommended.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: If you fancy a little something extra, this makes each serving even cozier.

How to Make Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked through, make sure to drain off any excess grease. At this point, immediately sprinkle in the garlic salt, dried basil, and bay leaves—give it a good stir so the aromatics start infusing every bit of beef.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Now, pour in the beef broth, add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and low sodium soy sauce. Dump in the frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw!). Stir everything together, making sure the tomato paste is completely incorporated. Bring this vibrant mixture just to a boil so all the flavors start mingling and the broth thickens ever so slightly.

Step 3: Add the Macaroni

Once your soup is bubbling, stir in the macaroni noodles. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, checking occasionally and stirring so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’re looking for the noodles to be perfectly al dente, soaking up all that hearty broth without getting mushy.

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Fish out the bay leaves and give your Hamburger Macaroni Soup a quick taste—add a little extra seasoning if you feel it’s needed. Ladle it into bowls and, if you like, top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve it steaming hot so everyone can dig in right away!

How to Serve Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

Nothing beats the finishing touch of fresh, chopped parsley or a handful of shredded Parmesan melting right into the soup. These simple garnishes not only make each bowl of Hamburger Macaroni Soup look inviting, but they also brighten up the flavors and add a bit of creamy, salty magic on top.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast—a must for sopping up every last drop of broth. For a lighter complement, a side salad with a zesty vinaigrette is always a hit and balances out the hearty main.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to make dinner extra special, try ladling Hamburger Macaroni Soup into big mugs or mini cocottes for a cozy, bistro-style presentation. Or, top with a swirl of sour cream and extra cheese for a luxurious upgrade. Kids will also love it served in colorful bowls with fun-shaped spoons!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Hamburger Macaroni Soup has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The soup will keep well for up to 3 days. Just note that the noodles and veggies will soak up some of the liquid as it sits, so it may thicken up a bit—but don’t worry, it’s just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, let your soup cool thoroughly, then pour into freezer-safe containers. Hamburger Macaroni Soup freezes well for up to 3 months. To avoid the pasta getting too soft, some folks like to freeze the soup before adding the macaroni, then just boil fresh noodles when reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Hamburger Macaroni Soup back to life, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it’s thicker than you remember. You can also microwave individual servings—just heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While classic macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with small shells, ditalini, or even rotini. Just watch the cooking time and add based on the package instructions for al dente texture.

Is Hamburger Macaroni Soup gluten-free?

It’s not gluten-free as written due to the macaroni noodles. However, you can switch to your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for everyone in your household.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. This soup is very flexible—toss in fresh spinach, diced zucchini, corn, or even chopped kale just before the end of cooking for extra veggie power and color.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

If you’re out of tomato paste, you can add a little extra diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce for body. The soup will still be delicious, just with a slightly lighter tomato flavor.

How can I make Hamburger Macaroni Soup spicy?

Looking for a little kick? Try stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño along with the beef for a spicy twist that’ll warm you right up.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better on a busy night—or a blustery weekend—than a hefty bowl of Hamburger Macaroni Soup to bring the family together. It’s easy, filling, and absolutely packed with flavors everyone loves. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon, and that it earns a spot in your own kitchen rotation!

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