Also called “Cowboy Soup,” this beefy macaroni soup is fully loaded with flavor!
This hearty soup can be made with leftover or fresh ground beef, cooked with tender veggies, canned tomatoes, elbow macaroni and a handful of Italian herbs and spices.
Why We Love This Recipe
It’s crowd pleasin’ – kids and adults both love this tomato-based pasta filled Macaroni Soup
It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ground beef (even leftover taco meat works in this recipe)!
The ingredients are simple and you probably have most of them in the pantry already meaning this easy soup can be made at a moments notice!
Best of all, the prep is quick. While the beef is browning, measure the remaining ingredients and it comes together in no time!
Ingredients
Some people refer to this recipe as an American goulash but in our house a goulash is much thicker and doesn’t contain veggies.
GROUND BEEF This soup is perfect for leftover ground beef but can easily be substituted for ground chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage for a little spice. Whatever you have on hand!
PASTA Macaroni is a great addition to this soup but can be substituted for any short pasta you have on hand. Other great kinds of pasta to use are fusilli, shells, or even fun shapes for the kids!
BROTH Made with a handful of savory spices this broth is full of flavor. You can spice it up by adding in some red chili flakes, or complete change the flavor with taco seasoning or chili powder.
VEGGIES Fresh or frozen veggies make a great addition to this soup. To keep it simple I used a frozen mixed vegetable blend but you could add in whatever veggies you have on hand! Leftover roasted veggies work well in this recipe too!
How to Make Macaroni Soup
This easy homemade comfort soup is the perfect ending to a busy day, a chilly day, or any day!
- Brown ground beef and onion, drain fat.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil and then simmer.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook until the macaroni is tender.
Serve hot with a sprinkling parmesan cheese, a side of cheesy garlic breadsticks, and a classic wedge salad.
PERFECT PASTA As this recipe sits, the pasta will soak up the broth.
If you are not going to be eating this all at one sitting, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl. If the macaroni is left in the soup overnight, it can become mushy.
Delicious Additions
There are lots of additions and toppings that can add flavor to this hearty soup. Really, almost anything goes!
- Veggies: Corn, peas, carrots, potatoes
- Beans: black beans, northern beans, or kidney beans
- Flavorful: black olives, jalapenos, green chiles
- Toppings: diced avocados, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions
Tried & True Tips
This hearty soup is easy to prepare. But for the best results every time I have a few simple tips!
- If adding in fresh potatoes or carrots be sure to parboil them first. Or add before the pasta so they have time to cook as they take longer than frozen veggies.
- When adding additional spices, be sure to start small and add more if necessary. Remember that the flavors will become more potent as the soup simmers.
- If making this soup to freeze, cook the pasta on the side or leave it out. This will prevent it from going soft when thawing and reheating.
Leftovers
Beef and macaroni soup makes for great leftovers if there’s any left!
To refrigerate, allow to cool, then cover and keep in the refrigerator. Simply reheat on the stove and add a bit of salt and pepper to brighten up the flavors.
To freeze, ladle it into zippered bags, write the date on the outside and place flat in the freezer. Once frozen, store the bags upright to save freezer space. Macaroni soup will keep in the freezer for about 3 months. The pasta may be a little soft after it’s thawed, but that’s easily solved by adding fresh pasta!
Hearty Ground Beef Soups
- Easy Hamburger Soup – freezes perfectly!
- Shepherd’s Pie Soup – a comfort food staple
- Stuffed Pepper Soup – inexpensive & delicious!
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – full of flavor
- Taco Soup Recipe – 30 min meal
Is Beef & Macaroni Soup a family favorite in your house? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Beef and Macaroni Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup onion diced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- In a large soup pot brown beef and onion until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in macaroni noodles and vegetables, simmer an additional 8 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Serve with shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beef, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Luuuuuv this recipe
This soup hit the spot on a cold snowy day. I had all the ingredients, didn’t have to run to the store. Couldn’t have been easier. Delicious thanks for this recipe. Going into my recipe book.
I’m so glad you loved this recipe!
Tried your hamburger macaroni soup, absolutely delicious. thank you
can I substitute pasta shells for the macaroni?
Absolutely!
I made this soup for supper tonight. So good. The only changes that I made where adding 3 cloves of garlic minced and 3 cups of mushroom broth instead of all beef.
Thanks for the recipe!
This soup looks so delicious I will make it tonight
Enjoy Regina!
loved it thank you very much for sharringt.eric
This soup was very nice and tasty! I added 1 tsp garlic and onion, along with a bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Everyone loved it.
Could this be made in a slow cooker?
I would suggest browning the meat and adding all ingredients except the pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on high 3-4 hours or on low 6-7 hours. I would suggest cooking the pasta on the side as I find some brands can get gummy in texture in the slow cooker.
Like it and will do again. Perfect mix of ingredients and easy to do. May want to play with the amount of spices and offer Tabasco to your guests if they like.
Can’t wait to make this …..I’ll go ahead and give it a 5* now, I know it’s that good…..
I used to make one similar to this one, and looking forward to trying this recipe …..thanks for posting it. would love to be on your mailing list…..thanks
Hello! You’re right, it’s so good! To receive emails with new recipes, you can click here to sign up.
This was extremely tasty! The tomatoes gave the broth depth and you dont need an expensive cut of stew meat for this soup. Holly hasn’t failed my family yet with her recipes and this was another one that proves to be a keeper in our family at the Dinner table. Definitely 5 stars
*****
Easy recipe that was so delicious!
Hi!
What is a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce? Thx!
Hi Ael, you could use balsamic vinegar in its place.