Hearty Hamburger Macaroni Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Meal
Craving a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Hamburger Macaroni Soup! This recipe combines the heartiness of hamburger meat with the deliciousness of macaroni pasta in a flavorful tomato-based broth, making it the perfect one-pot meal for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a childhood favorite elevated with fresh ingredients and a touch of homemade goodness. Forget canned soup – this version is bursting with flavor and allows you to control exactly what goes into it. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Hamburger Macaroni Soup recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious and comforting result every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Macaroni Soup
* **Easy and Convenient:** This is a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The familiar flavors of hamburger and macaroni are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** Warm, hearty, and flavorful, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of lean ground beef is recommended, but you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped, adds a savory base to the soup.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced, provide a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, diced, add sweetness and texture.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks of celery, diced, contribute a subtle savory flavor.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes (undrained) form the base of the soup.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste enhance the tomato flavor and add richness.
* **Beef Broth:** 6-8 cups of beef broth provide the liquid base and add depth of flavor. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
* **Macaroni Pasta:** 1 cup of elbow macaroni or other small pasta shape.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds a blend of classic Italian herbs.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley, or croutons for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making the most delicious Hamburger Macaroni Soup:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked ground beef.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
**Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste**
* Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste.
* Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
**Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings**
* Pour in the beef broth.
* Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
**Step 5: Simmer and Cook the Pasta**
* Cover the pot and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
* Add the macaroni pasta to the simmering soup.
* Cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes, or according to the package directions.
**Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
* Ladle the Hamburger Macaroni Soup into bowls.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley, or croutons.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Ground Meat:** Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Get creative and add other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, corn, green beans, or peas.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Use Different Pasta:** Experiment with different small pasta shapes, such as ditalini, shells, or rotini.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Instant Pot Version:** Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, except the pasta. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Add the pasta and cook for another 2 minutes with quick pressure release.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger Macaroni Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Pair with a Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
* **Serve with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:** Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing with tomato-based soups.
* **Offer a Variety of Toppings:** Set out a bowl of shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and croutons so everyone can customize their soup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and become even more delicious over time. Add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the soup will still be delicious.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on a recipe serving 6)
* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* **Can I use different types of pasta?**
Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you like, such as ditalini, shells, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
* **Can I make this soup vegetarian?**
Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.
* **Can I freeze this soup?**
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?**
This soup will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
* **Can I add more vegetables?**
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as diced potatoes, zucchini, corn, green beans, or peas.
* **Can I use canned tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes?**
Yes, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes. Just adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Macaroni Soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its hearty flavors, simple ingredients, and customizable options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a warm and delicious bowl of homemade goodness! Happy cooking!