Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe

Beef Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and warm spices with the classic texture of macaroni pasta. It's a wholesome and filling soup that's perfect for chilly days or when you're in the mood for a satisfying meal that feels like home. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups of beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 can (29 oz) of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups of elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Add 3 cups of beef broth, the diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Season the Soup
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the soup.
Continue to simmer until the macaroni is cooked to al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Finalize and Serve
Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the bay leaves and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the beef macaroni soup hot, with your choice of bread or crackers.

Serving Suggestions:

Beef Macaroni Soup is great when served with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. It's a complete meal on its own and is perfect for a cozy night in.

Tips:

1. Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the soup.
2. Pasta Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the hot soup.
3. Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. The soup may thicken when chilled, so you can add a little water or broth when reheating if necessary.

Prep Time:

• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving (varies based on serving size and specific ingredients used)
• Protein: 15-20g per serving
• Sodium: Varies based on the beef broth and added salt

Conclusion

Beef Macaroni Soup is a classic, hearty dish that offers the comfort of a homemade soup with the robust flavors of beef, tomatoes, and herbs. It's an easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for a filling weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this delightful soup with your family and friends!