Macaroni and Hamburger Soup: Hearty, Comforting & Ready in Minutes

When the weather turns chilly and you need something filling, cozy, and delicious on the table fast, Macaroni and Hamburger Soup is the answer. This one-pot wonder is packed with tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and plenty of vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s hearty, simple, and exactly what you want on a cold winter night.

The first time I made this soup, it was one of those “throw-everything-in-the-pot” dinners after a long day. A little beef, a handful of pasta, some diced tomatoes — and somehow, it turned into a meal everyone loved. Now, it’s one of those go-to comfort foods that I make at least once a month, right alongside my One Pot Potato Soup and Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes.

Macaroni and Hamburger Soup

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A one-pot comfort soup made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and hearty vegetables in a rich tomato broth — perfect for chilly nights or easy meal prep.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 325

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (optional)
• A dash of hot sauce (optional)
• Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

Equipment

• large pot or Dutch oven
• wooden spoon
• knife and cutting board
• ladle

Method

 

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and smell amazing.
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Stir in the macaroni and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
5. Give it a taste and add more seasoning if needed. If you like a thinner soup, pour in an extra cup of broth.
6. Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley. Serve with a side of crusty bread or Christmas Bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 21gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use lean beef to keep the broth clean. For leftovers, cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness. Stir in corn, beans, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra heartiness and flavor. Freezes well if pasta is omitted.

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Why You’ll Love Macaroni and Hamburger Soup

This recipe is warm, rich, and deeply comforting. It’s also super practical — budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for leftovers. The flavor gets even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Plus, you can customize it endlessly: add beans for extra protein, use different pasta shapes, or sneak in extra veggies.

If you love easy comfort foods like my Christmas Bread Recipe or Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, this soup will fit right into your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup frozen corn or peas
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• A dash of hot sauce for heat
• Grated Parmesan for topping

How to Make Macaroni and Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Stir in the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and smell amazing.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

If you’ve tried my Grinch Dip, you know how much I love recipes that mix big flavors with minimal fuss — this step delivers just that.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the macaroni and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste and add more seasoning if needed. If you like a thinner soup, pour in an extra cup of broth.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a slice of my Christmas Bread for the ultimate cozy dinner.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup

Use Lean Beef: It keeps the broth clean and flavorful.
Cook Pasta Separately (for leftovers): If you plan to store the soup, cook the pasta separately and add it to bowls before serving. This keeps it from getting mushy.
Make It Heartier: Stir in beans or corn for extra texture and protein.
Flavor Boost: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory flavor that takes this soup to the next level.

If you like these practical cooking tricks, my Pistachio Pudding Cookies prove that simple adjustments can make a huge difference in flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage:
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
This soup freezes beautifully — just leave out the pasta. When reheating, cook fresh pasta and add it in before serving.

Reheating:
Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Flavor Variations

1. Tex-Mex Hamburger Soup: Add black beans, corn, chili powder, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
2. Italian-Style Soup: Toss in a few spinach leaves and a pinch of oregano.
3. Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk for a richer texture.
4. Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for lentils or veggie crumbles and use vegetable broth.

If you love creative flavor twists, my Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters show how small changes can create something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely — it’s lighter but still delicious.

3. How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.

4. What’s the best pasta shape for this soup?
Elbows, ditalini, or small shells work best because they hold the broth nicely.

The Final Bite: Classic Comfort in Every Spoonful

Macaroni and Hamburger Soup is everything you want in a comfort meal hearty, flavorful, and packed with love. It’s one of those humble dishes that brings everyone together around the table, filling your home with warmth and the smell of something wonderful simmering away.

Whether you’re making it on a snowy weeknight or as a cozy meal prep favorite, this soup delivers every time. Serve it with a loaf of Christmas Bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top and you’ve got comfort in a bowl.