There are days when all you need is a big, steaming bowl of something delicious that just hugs you from the inside out, right? That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my recipe for a Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Recipe Delight. This isn’t just any soup; it’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening or a much-needed hug after a long day. My mom used to whip this up all the time when we were kids, especially after school, and the smell alone would make our day so much better.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni
This soup is a total winner, and I know you’ll adore it just as much as we do. Here’s why:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The macaroni and savory beef make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Hearty & Filling: It’s a complete meal in a bowl!
- Uses Pantry Staples: Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
- Deliciously Comforting: It’s pure, warm, homey goodness.
Ingredients for Your Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Recipe
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing soup. It’s pretty straightforward, mostly things you’ll likely have on hand or can grab easily. Trust me, each one plays its part in making this the best comfort food!
- 1 pound ground beef: I usually go for about 80/20 lean to fat ratio. It gives the soup that rich flavor without being too greasy.
- 1 large onion, chopped: I like to chop mine pretty fine so they blend in nicely.
- 2 medium carrots, chopped: Make sure you peel them first! I usually dice mine small, but you could also grate them if you prefer.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: These add such a lovely subtle flavor. Chop them up small, just like the carrots.
- 4 cups beef broth: This is the base of our soup, so a good quality broth really makes a difference.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain these! The juice adds so much flavor and helps thicken the soup a bit.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni: The little pasta elbows are perfect for this soup. They soak up all that delicious broth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Or adjust to your taste, of course!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best if you have it.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): This is totally optional, but it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness right at the end. It looks so pretty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni
Okay, so making this soup is like a warm hug for your kitchen, and it’s honestly so easy! You’ll have a big pot of deliciousness ready in no time. Just follow along with these simple steps and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite.
Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics
First things first, let’s get that ground beef browning in a big pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want it nice and crumbly and browned all over. Then, drain off any excess fat – nobody wants a greasy soup! Now, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until they start to get a little tender and smell amazing. That smell right there? That’s the start of something good! It reminds me a bit of the smell when I’m making my honey roasted carrots – all those lovely cooked veggies!
Building the Flavor Base
Next up, it’s time to pour in the beef broth. Make sure you get all the yummy stuff from the bottom of the pot! Then, add your can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Give it a good stir, and bring the whole glorious mixture up to a nice boil. This is where all those wonderful flavors start to meld together.
Cooking the Macaroni and Simmering
Once it’s boiling, stir in your elbow macaroni, salt, and pepper. Now, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it simmer away. You’re looking for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until that macaroni is perfectly tender and the veggies are cooked through. My trick is to taste a little macaroni from the pot to make sure it’s just right – not mushy, not crunchy, but perfect!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Right at the end, if you’re using it, stir in that fresh parsley. It just brightens everything up! Give it one last little stir, and then it’s ready to go. Ladle this hearty soup into bowls, and serve it hot. Get ready for some happy faces around the table – this stuff is seriously good!
Tips for the Perfect Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni
You know, even with a super simple recipe like this, a few little tricks can make all the difference! I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and I want to share them with you so your soup comes out just perfect every single time. Gotta make sure it’s not just good, but *amazing*!
First off, don’t be tempted to skip draining the fat from the beef. A little is good for flavor, but too much can make the soup feel heavy. Also, when you’re chopping your veggies, try to keep them around the same size. That way, they cook evenly and you get a nice mix in every spoonful. It’s those little details, you know? And hey, if you love onions, you might want to check out these amazing easy Tennessee onions – they’d be fantastic on the side!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Soup
Sometimes you might not have *exactly* what the recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay! Let’s chat about a few things. For the ground beef, if you prefer a leaner soup, you can certainly use 90/10 or even 95/5 ground beef. You might just want to add a tiny bit more olive oil when you sauté the veggies to keep things from sticking. And if you’re out of beef broth, chicken broth works in a pinch, though it will give the soup a slightly different flavor. As for the fresh parsley, if you don’t have any on hand, a little dried parsley will do, though you’ll want to add it a bit earlier with the macaroni so it has time to rehydrate. Don’t stress about it, just make it work for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Soup
Got questions about this hearty soup? I’ve got answers! Making this Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni Recipe Delight is pretty straightforward, but a few common queries pop up. Let’s tackle them!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Oh yes, absolutely! This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to really get to know each other. Just make it according to the directions, let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, and you’re good to go!
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, a yummy crusty bread for dipping is always a winner. Some people love it with a simple side salad. Honestly, though, a big bowl of this soup feels pretty complete on its own, especially with that macaroni in there! It’s kind of like having a bowl of my Shepherd’s Pie Soup – comforting and substantial.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy. Once the soup has cooled down a bit, transfer any remaining soup into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh in there for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze portions if you want to save some for even longer!
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! This soup is wonderfully forgiving. You can totally toss in other veggies you enjoy. Peas, corn, green beans, or even some chopped zucchini would be delicious. Just add them in during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering so they can cook through without getting too mushy.
Nutritional Information for Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, of course! They can change depending on exactly what you use and how big your bowls are. But generally, this hearty soup packs a good punch. A serving (about 1.5 cups) will give you around 350 calories, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbs to keep you going. It’s surprisingly balanced for such a comforting meal!
Print
Comforting Hamburger Soup With Macaroni
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and satisfying soup featuring ground beef, vegetables, and macaroni, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, if using.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as peas or corn.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: hamburger soup, macaroni soup, beef soup, comfort food, easy soup, family recipe