Beef and Macaroni Soup

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Directions for Making Beef and Macaroni Soup

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Pasta: Stir in the macaroni and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. If the soup is too thick, add more broth as needed.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm, garnished with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

---

Tips for Making the Best Beef and Macaroni Soup

1. Choose Lean Ground Beef

Using lean ground beef (like 90/10) helps avoid excess grease. If using a higher-fat ground beef, be sure to drain it well to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

For the best texture, add the macaroni towards the end of cooking. This way, it stays tender and doesn’t get mushy. If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.

3. Boost Flavor with Fresh Herbs

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the soup’s flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top is also a great finishing touch.

4. Make it Spicy

If you prefer a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Different Meats: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Try small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne for variety.

---

How to Store Leftover Soup

This soup stores well and makes for easy meal prep:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Beef and Macaroni Soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to thin it out. If the pasta has absorbed too much liquid, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Beef and Macaroni Soup is satisfying on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to enhance your meal:

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the broth.
• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for added freshness.
• Grilled Cheese: For an ultra-cozy meal, pair this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

---