Name: Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces ground beef; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 bay leaves; 6 ½ cups beef broth or stock, low sodium; 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained; 6 ounces tomato paste; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables; 1 ¾ cups macaroni noodles; Chopped parsley, optional; Shredded Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for that perfect blend of cozy, hearty, and downright delicious, look no further than Hamburger Macaroni Soup! This satisfying classic is a one-pot wonder brimming with macaroni, ground beef, veggies, and juicy tomatoes, all swimming in a flavorful, perfectly seasoned broth. In just half an hour, you’ll have a pot of soul-warming soup that’s guaranteed to be a family favorite—and possibly the best “hug in a bowl” you’ll ever ladle up.

Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how everyday pantry staples come together to create pure comfort in this Hamburger Macaroni Soup. Each ingredient brings its own delicious touch, from rich broth to savory beef and perfectly chewy noodles.

Ground beef (16 ounces, lean): The hearty foundation of the soup, giving it incredible depth and satiety.
Garlic salt (1 ½ teaspoons): An easy way to add savory flavor and a subtle aromatic kick.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Bay leaves (2): Essential for that underlying, simmered-all-day taste—just remember to remove before serving!
Beef broth or stock, low sodium (6 ½ cups): This forms the luscious, flavorful base of your soup.
Diced tomatoes, undrained (28 ounces): Adds brightness, color, and a pop of tomato goodness in every spoonful.
Tomato paste (6 ounces): Thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Soy sauce, low sodium (2 tablespoons): Adds umami depth and perfectly seasons without making it too salty.
Frozen mixed vegetables (12 ounces): Colorful veggies add nutrition, sweetness, and variety in every bite.
Macaroni noodles (1 ¾ cups): Classic elbow macaroni cooks to tender perfection right in the broth—so cozy!
Chopped parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle for fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of color right before serving.
Shredded Parmesan cheese (for garnish): Don’t skip a finishing flurry for irresistible salty, cheesy goodness!

How to Make Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and let it sizzle until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, carefully drain off any excess grease—this keeps your Hamburger Macaroni Soup rich without being heavy.

Step 2: Season and Stir

Now, sprinkle that beautiful browned beef with the garlic salt, dried basil, and bay leaves. Give it all a good stir to coat every bit of meat in those wonderful flavors. This moment is where your kitchen really starts smelling amazing!

Step 3: Add Veggies and Broth

Pour in the beef broth, the entire can of undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together gently, making sure the tomato paste dissolves fully. Raise the heat just until the soup reaches a good, happy boil—this brings all those flavors together fast.

Step 4: Macaroni Time

Finally, add in those classic macaroni noodles. Give it a stir, then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still al dente and the veggies are perfectly cooked. Before serving, remember to remove those bay leaves!

How to Serve Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

Top your steaming bowl with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness, and shower it with shredded Parmesan for the ultimate savory finish. These simple garnishes take Hamburger Macaroni Soup from everyday to extraordinary with barely any extra effort!

Side Dishes

This soup is filling enough to shine on its own but pairs like a dream with a thick hunk of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up every last drop. If you’re feeling ambitious, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, ladle the soup into fun oven-safe crocks and melt a layer of cheese on top in the broiler for a twist. Or serve it in colorful mugs for a cozy, casual feel. For a party, offer a “soup bar” with bowls of cheese, herbs, and crunchy croutons so everyone can customize their own Hamburger Macaroni Soup masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Hamburger Macaroni Soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it’ll taste great for up to three days. Just remember—the noodles will soak up some of that delicious broth as it sits, making it thicker, but still absolutely scrumptious.

Freezing

Want to tuck some away for another day? Totally doable! Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers. Pop them in the freezer and enjoy your delicious Hamburger Macaroni Soup for up to three months. For the best results, freeze before adding the macaroni, or know the pasta might get a bit softer when reheated.

Reheating

Warming leftovers is a breeze. Simply transfer your soup to a pot and heat gently on the stove, adding an extra splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—just stir frequently and heat in short intervals to avoid uneven spots.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in Hamburger Macaroni Soup?

Absolutely! You can swap the elbow macaroni for small shells, ditalini, or any pasta shape you love—just adjust the cooking time and check for doneness as you go.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the beef, use a plant-based ground substitute or extra veggies, and switch to vegetable broth. You’ll still get a delightful and hearty soup, just with a vegetarian twist.

Can I make Hamburger Macaroni Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently. For the best texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding before serving to keep it from getting too soft.

How can I add more flavor to my soup?

If you’re seeking extra depth, toss in a pinch more dried herbs, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of smoked paprika. A few red pepper flakes will also add a little heat if you like things spicy!

What if my soup thickens too much after storing?

That’s easy to fix! Simply stir in a bit more broth or water as you reheat the soup until you reach your preferred consistency. The noodles naturally soak up liquid, but the flavors will still shine brightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that’s unbelievably tasty and comes together with ease, give Hamburger Macaroni Soup a try. It’s a warm, family-friendly bowl of nostalgia and flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to weeknight dinner!