Description
Warm up your kitchen with this easy and hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup — a one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This quick dinner idea brings together tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and rich tomato broth in a delicious, satisfying way. Whether you’re after comforting dinner ideas or simple food ideas to batch cook, this easy recipe will become your go-to family favorite. Great for lunch prep, a healthy snack, or dinner served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz tomato sauce
15 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and optional water. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes.
5. Stir in elbow macaroni and cook for another 8–10 minutes, until pasta is tender.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
For deeper flavor, always brown the meat well before adding other ingredients.
Add extra broth when reheating as pasta absorbs liquid over time.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, beef soup, pasta soup, family meals