Description
Creamy Beef Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a rich creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days, this soup offers a satisfying meal in every bowl with layers of savory flavors, fresh vegetables, and a velvety texture. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it brings warmth and nourishment to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef – Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and softened. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until fully browned.
- Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth – Stir in diced carrots and celery, cooking for a few minutes to soften. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cook the Macaroni – Add macaroni pasta to the simmering soup. Cook until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Season – Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cream or half-and-half for a silky texture. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley. Simmer gently to blend flavors.
- Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy – Once heated through and creamy, ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with optional garnishes.
Notes
- Brown the Beef Well: Browning the ground beef properly adds deep, caramelized flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook macaroni until just al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- Use Quality Broth: Homemade or high-quality beef broth enhances richness.
- Stir in Cream Last: Add cream at low heat to prevent curdling.
- Customize Seasonings: Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg