I still remember the night I first made Beef and Macaroni Soup. It was one of those evenings when the kids had been running non-stop after school, and my husband came home exhausted from work. I needed something warm and filling but also quick enough to whip up without adding more chaos. When I pulled out this hearty beef soup with pasta, everyone’s faces lit up—my little ones asked for seconds, which is a rare dance in our dinner routine! That Beef and Macaroni Soup felt like a cozy hug on a plate. It wasn’t just about feeding hungry bellies; it was about bringing my family together around a bowl that comforted all of us after a busy day.
Cooking this comforting beef pasta soup was a learning curve, too. At first, I struggled to find the right balance between the beef broth and the macaroni noodles in beef broth, so the pasta didn’t get mushy or watery. I tweaked the simmer times, adjusted seasonings, and now this dish is a household star. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a rushed weeknight, this Beef and Macaroni Soup offers the kind of simple comfort food that makes my family feel loved without keeping me tied to the stove for hours.
If you’re a busy mom juggling schedules and trying to get something wholesome on the table, this easy beef and macaroni stew might be your new best friend. It’s full of flavor, easy on the pantry, and hits that comfort spot like no other. Stick around—I’m going to share the ingredients, step-by-step help, and all the cozy dinner inspiration you need to make this your family’s next go-to! And if you’re curious about other family treasures, check out my chicken parm soup for a tasty twist, or the potsticker soup for a quick, comforting meal idea.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or chuck roast cut into cubes if you prefer hearty beef chunks)
- 1 cup macaroni noodles (the classic little elbows soak up that savory broth perfectly)
- 6 cups beef broth (low sodium helps to control saltiness in your Beef and Macaroni Soup)
- 1 medium onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for that extra cozy aroma)
- 2 carrots, sliced (my family loves the slight sweetness they add)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (adds refreshing crunch and flavor)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (brings acidity and warmth to the beef macaroni soup recipe)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (a comforting herb that lifts the flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always adjust—my kids like milder, so I go easy)
- Olive oil (to brown the beef and soften veggies)
No worries if you don’t have diced tomatoes on hand. I swap in some tomato paste with a splash of water sometimes. It adds richness and makes the Beef and Macaroni Soup more filling. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, usually in the fresh and canned goods aisles. Plus, this Beef and Macaroni Soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive—just pantry staples, delivering big flavor for your money.
Shortcut comfort hack: use pre-chopped onion and garlic from the produce section for faster prep during busy weeknights. Trust me, this Beef and Macaroni Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Brown the Beef Delight: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or beef chunks. Brown until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Your kitchen is already starting to smell inviting—that’s a good sign!
- Sauté the Veggies: Toss in diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies soften. Your Beef and Macaroni Soup is building layers of cozy flavor at this point.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil. If it bubbles up quickly and looks a bit wild, don’t worry—that’s the comforting beef soup with pasta magic beginning!
- Simmer for Comfort: Lower the heat and let your Beef and Macaroni Soup simmer gently for about 25 minutes to tenderize beef and marry those flavors. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak a quiet moment with your favorite mug of tea.
- Add Macaroni Noodles: Pour in macaroni noodles in beef broth and cook until tender but still firm, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye so it doesn’t go mushy! Your kitchen smells like a warm hug right now.
- Final Taste Check: Give your Beef and Macaroni Soup a taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. This is your moment to nail the flavor your family loves.
- Serve and Shine: Ladle into bowls. Watch your family dig in with smiles—it’s those dinnertime wins we all hope for!
This easy beef and macaroni stew usually takes about an hour to reach that perfect comfort-food zone in my kitchen. I used to struggle balancing pasta texture and beef flavor, but now it’s my go-to when I want a cozy, no-fuss meal. If your schedule is wild, check out this comforting beef pasta soup from Rachel’s Healthy Plate for another take on macaroni noodles in beef broth.
How We Love to Eat This!
My kids devour this comforting Beef and Macaroni Soup alongside garlic breadsticks or a crisp, easy salad. The crunchy sides balance the soup’s warmth and softness, making the meal feel complete. This Beef and Macaroni Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want satisfying comfort food fast but without a sink full of dishes afterward.
I also love adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a drizzle of sour cream for a creamy twist that my husband raves about. When friends come over, this soup gets lots of compliments—it’s cozy and approachable but packed with flavor. Sometimes, I serve it with roasted veggies for a heartier dinner. The leftovers reheat beautifully the next day, making lunch or a quick dinner a stress-free win.
For seasonal touches, I’ve thrown in chopped spinach in winter or fresh tomatoes in summer. Each time, it stays delicious and comforting. If your kids enjoyed this hearty beef soup with pasta, they’ll probably also love the Mexican Street Corn Soup I recently shared. It’s a fun way to mix comfort food with flavors that keep everyone guessing and coming back for more.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Beef and Macaroni Soup filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely. The combination of beef and pasta makes it a hearty meal that fuels my busy kids through homework and playtime. The broth, veggies, and noodles give them energy without feeling heavy.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Beef and Macaroni Soup?
Try blending a small portion of the soup and adding it back in—it’s like hiding extra veggies and beef in plain sight! Sometimes serving it with a favorite side or topping helps too.
Can I meal prep this Beef and Macaroni Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! I usually cook the soup but add macaroni right before reheating to avoid mushy noodles. Freeze the soup base in portions and add fresh pasta when ready.
Can I swap ground beef for other proteins?
Definitely. I’ve used shredded chicken or turkey when I needed a change. Just adjust cooking time for tenderness.
Does the macaroni noodles in beef broth get soggy?
If you add noodles during the last 10 minutes, they stay perfectly tender but not mushy. Overcooking is a common worry, but this timing hack saves the day.
What if I don’t have fresh veggies?
Frozen carrots and celery work just fine. They add comfort and nutrition without extra trips to the store.
How can I make this Beef and Macaroni Soup more kid-friendly?
Mild seasoning and extra cheese usually win over my crew. You can also offer a topping bar so kids can add flavors they love.
Sometimes, I think about Paula Deen’s secret to vegetable beef soup, which reminds me how a good beef base can turn simple ingredients into family table gold. Check out The secret ingredient to my Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup for inspiration.
Final Thoughts:
This Beef and Macaroni Soup is a lifesaver when I want to hit that sweet spot between quick and comforting. It’s a soup that meets my family’s taste buds and hunger—without the fuss. My Beef and Macaroni Soup Comfort Hacks?
- Prep veggies ahead to cut down weekday chaos
- Add pasta last to keep texture on point
- Use simple pantry staples for big flavor
I’ve also tested versions with shredded beef for a chunkier stew feel, a spicier twist with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and a tomato-heavy broth for a tangy spin. My little ones favor the classic, while my husband likes it jazzed up a bit.
I encourage you to make this soup your own—switch up veggies or seasonings according to what your family loves. It’s about creating cozy, satisfying meals that work for you, not adding stress. If you want more comforting ideas, you’ll love my potsticker soup or try out this beef pasta soup alternative.
Here’s to many warm bowls and happy tummies from your kitchen to theirs! You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers.
Links throughout to check out:
- Cozy up with my chicken parmesan soup for a creamy twist on family favorites.
- When you want something quick and comforting, my potsticker soup is a crowd-pleaser.
- Craving a zesty flavor burst? The Mexican Street Corn Soup brings fun to the bowl!
- For inspiration from Paula Deen’s beef soups and secrets, peek here: The secret ingredient to my Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup is the …
- Curious about variations? Tomato, Beef, and Macaroni Soup offers a fresh take.
- For a full-flavored option, see this Beefy Macaroni Cowboy Soup—also called “Cowboy Soup,” it’s fully loaded with flavor.
Beef and Macaroni Soup
Hearty and comforting, Beef and Macaroni Soup combines tender beef, macaroni pasta, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth perfect for a satisfying meal any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add diced carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add macaroni pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Notes
For extra richness, top with freshly grated Parmesan or add a handful of spinach in the last minutes of cooking.

