Creamy Beef Macaroni Soup
Creamy Beef Macaroni Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a velvety creamy broth. This savory and creamy soup combines everyday pantry staples to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta) or regular
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cream or milk
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
Variations (Optional)
- Diced carrots, celery, or spinach for added vegetables
- Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice
- Cream cheese or Velveeta for extra creaminess
- Gluten-free pasta for gluten-sensitive diets
- Spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for low-carb version
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Break it up finely with a spoon for even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until soft and fragrant, which infuses the base with rich flavor.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to let the flavors meld.
- Cook Macaroni: Stir in the macaroni pasta and simmer until it is tender but still holds its shape, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in Cream: Slowly add cream or milk and allow it to heat through without boiling to maintain a silky texture.
- Season and Serve: Finish with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. Serve hot with optional cheese for a comforting, delicious bowl.
Notes
- Use fresh onion and garlic to boost the flavor foundation of the soup.
- Cook macaroni just until tender to avoid mushy soup.
- Warm cream or milk gently to prevent curdling and maintain smoothness.
- Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually to highlight the soup’s rich flavors.
- Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking to deepen the flavor meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Creamy beef macaroni soup, comforting soup, beef soup, creamy pasta soup, hearty soup, easy weeknight dinner