Need a comforting meal fix? This easy homemade beef and macaroni soup is a weeknight dinner favorite made with tender beef and pasta in a rich broth, save for later

Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup to soothe the soul on a chilly day. This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, leveraging everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. With its ease of preparation and impressive results, it’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with your favorite ingredients and make it your own. Whether you’re a busy professional or an avid home cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, meaty flavors and comforting, familiar ingredients. You’ll likely have most of the pantry staples on hand, making it a convenient option for a last-minute meal.
Ease of preparation: With a straightforward cooking process and minimal prep work, you can have this soup on the table in no time. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal without the fuss.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields a truly impressive result. The combination of tender beef, al dente macaroni, and rich, savory broth is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show in this recipe is, of course, the beef. You’ll want to use a cut that’s suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. The macaroni provides a satisfying texture contrast to the tender beef, while the onion, garlic, and carrots add a pop of color and freshness. You can also customize the recipe to your taste with your favorite herbs and spices. Some practical substitutions include using ground beef instead of cubed, or swapping out the macaroni for another type of pasta. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, and carrots. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped vegetables and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
Step 2: Add the cubed beef to the pot, browning it on all sides. Once the beef is browned, add in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and macaroni. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente and the beef is tender. Season with your favorite herbs and spices to taste.
Step 4: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream, to let everyone customize their bowl to their liking.

Handy Tips

Use a high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can also make your own broth from scratch using beef bones and vegetables.
Don’t overcook the macaroni – it should still have a bit of bite to it. If you prefer your pasta more tender, simply cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the combination that you like best. Some options include dried thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.

Heat Control

This recipe uses a moderate heat to simmer the soup. You’ll want to keep an eye on the heat to ensure that it doesn’t get too high, which can cause the soup to boil over or the macaroni to become mushy. Aim for a gentle simmer, with an occasional bubble rising to the surface. This will help to cook the soup slowly and evenly, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this soup is all about contrast – the tender beef and macaroni are balanced by the crunchy freshness of the carrots and onion. To achieve this texture, be sure not to overcook the vegetables. You want them to still have a bit of crunch to them, which will add depth and interest to the soup. If you prefer a softer texture, simply cook the vegetables for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot to cook the soup, as these retain heat well and can help to cook the soup evenly.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool slightly.
Consider making a double batch of the soup and freezing it for later. This is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand, and the soup will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the soup fresh.
Store the soup in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help to keep the soup fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
When reheating the soup, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This soup is a great candidate for gifting, especially during the holiday season. Consider packaging it in a decorative jar or container, along with a bag of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You could also include a few fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika to add a pop of color and freshness. Whatever you choose, be sure to include a thoughtful note or card to make the gift extra special.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky, savory flavor.
🌟 Use ground beef instead of cubed, and add in some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
🌟 Substitute the macaroni with another type of pasta, such as shells or elbow macaroni. You could also add in some cooked vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the soup is too thick, simply add in a bit more beef broth. If it’s too thin, try simmering it for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have macaroni, you can substitute it with another type of pasta. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Over/undercooking signs: If the beef is not tender, it may need to be cooked for an additional 10-15 minutes. If the macaroni is overcooked, it will be mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to check the soup regularly to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe contains macaroni, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the macaroni with a gluten-free alternative, such as rice or quinoa.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the soup in a larger pot.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup is a true comfort food classic. With its rich, satisfying flavor and easy preparation, it’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Whether you’re a busy professional or an avid home cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own – your taste buds will thank you!

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