Macaroni Soup – tastykitchenjoy

This macaroni soup recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. Packed with nutritious veggies and savory ground beef, it offers a delightful tomato broth that warms you from the inside out. The recipe is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this tasty soup simmering on the stove in no time.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a robust flavor profile that will impress your taste buds.
Versatile Meal: This macaroni soup can be served as a main dish or a starter, making it suitable for any occasion.
Healthy Comfort Food: Loaded with vegetables and lean beef, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing.
Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience easier, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Below are the necessary items you’ll need to whip up this delicious macaroni soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large soup pot
Cutting board
Knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents overflow as the ingredients simmer together.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients efficiently.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

This macaroni soup recipe is simple to make, warming, and inexpensive! It’s loaded with plenty of veggies and ground beef, and it has a delicious tomato broth.

For the Soup Base

1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion (chopped)
1 pound lean ground beef
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
2 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
4 cups beef broth
1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta

3/4 cup uncooked macaroni

For the Greens

2 cups (loosely packed) fresh baby spinach

Seasoning

Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Add the oil, onion, and beef to a large soup pot. Cook for about 7 minutes over medium-high heat, breaking the beef up as you go along. Spoon out most of the excess fat.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients except for the macaroni, spinach, and salt & pepper.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer (covered, with the lid slightly open) for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

Add the macaroni in and continue to simmer until it’s tender (about 12-15 minutes). You may need to increase the heat to get it going again. Stir occasionally so that pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Final Touches

Season the soup with salt & pepper as needed. Stir in the spinach until wilted. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade macaroni soup!

How to Serve Macaroni Soup

Serving macaroni soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delightful dish.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette – Pair with warm, crusty baguette slices for dipping.
Garlic Bread – Serve with buttery garlic bread for added flavor.

Topped with Cheese

Shredded Parmesan – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory kick.
Cheddar Melt – Add shredded cheddar cheese that melts into the hot soup for creaminess.

Garnished with Herbs

Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the presentation and adds freshness.
Basil Leaves – Use torn basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

How to Perfect Macaroni Soup

To make your macaroni soup even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth elevate the overall taste of your soup.
Adjust Seasonings – Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente – For best texture, cook the macaroni al dente before adding it to the soup.
Add Extra Veggies – Boost nutrition by incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together.
Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Macaroni Soup

Pairing side dishes with macaroni soup can complete your meal beautifully. Here are some great options.

Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Garlic Knot Rolls – Soft garlic knots make for a delightful bread option that complements each sip.
Roasted Vegetables – Serve a medley of roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the rich flavors of the soup.
Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies create a hearty addition to your meal.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying side that pairs well with any soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making macaroni soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Not using enough broth: Insufficient broth can lead to a dry or overly thick soup. Always measure your broth accurately for the best results.
Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the macaroni too long, it can become mushy. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
Skipping the seasoning: A bland soup can ruin the dish. Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before serving.
Ignoring veggie sizes: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking times. Ensure all veggies are chopped to similar sizes for even cooking.
Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing the simmering process can result in flavors not fully developing. Allow at least 10 minutes for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store macaroni soup in airtight containers.
It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Macaroni Soup

Freeze in single-serving portions for easier reheating.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Macaroni Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macaroni Soup?

Macaroni soup is a comforting dish made with macaroni pasta, ground beef, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.

Can I make Macaroni Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Macaroni Soup?

You can add various vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken.

Is Macaroni Soup healthy?

It can be healthy! This recipe is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious meal option.

Final Thoughts

This macaroni soup recipe is not only warming and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in—give it a try!