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 low sodium beef broth or stock; 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained; 6 ounces tomato paste; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 12 ounces mixed vegetables (frozen); 1 ¾ cups macaroni noodles; Chopped parsley (optional); Shredded Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 57 reviews

The Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe is a comforting, hearty meal that brings together the perfect blend of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and tender macaroni noodles simmered in a rich, savory broth. This one-pot wonder is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite to warm up chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. With its comforting flavors and simple ingredients, this soup is destined to become your go-to recipe when you crave something wholesome and delicious in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a cooking process in a white pot with a brown rim set on a white marbled surface. The first layer is cooked ground beef with two light brown bay leaves placed on top, filling the pot. The second layer shows the pot filled with a mix of clear brown broth, chopped green beans, orange carrot bits, peas, whole yellow corn kernels, diced red tomatoes, and a single bay leaf floating on the surface. The final layer is a thick soup with elbow macaroni pasta, browned ground beef, diced red tomatoes, green beans, corn, and orange carrots, all mixed in a rich reddish-brown sauce that fills the pot evenly. Next to these images, all the raw ingredients are laid out neatly on the white marbled surface including a white bowl of yellow elbow macaroni, a white plate with raw ground beef, a white bowl of frozen mixed vegetables, a white plate with a mix of seasoning including pink salt, black pepper, and two bay leaves, a can of chopped tomatoes, a small cup of tomato paste, a measuring cup with brown broth, and a small bowl of a dark liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the hamburger macaroni soup so irresistible. From the savory ground beef to the tender macaroni and the bright kick from diced tomatoes, these staples come together effortlessly to create a balanced and hearty dish.

16 ounces ground beef: Use lean beef for a hearty base with less grease to drain off.
1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt: Adds a punch of garlicky seasoning, perfectly complementing the beef.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a subtle herbaceous note enhancing the overall depth.
2 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with a gentle aromatic essence during simmering.
6 ½ cups beef broth or stock, low sodium: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all ingredients together.
28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds freshness, acidity, and a gorgeous red color to the soup.
6 ounces tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and enriches the broth’s texture.
2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium: Contributes an umami boost and depth of flavor.
12 ounces mixed vegetables (frozen): Brings vibrant color and wholesome nutrition to the hearty meal.
1 ¾ cups macaroni noodles: The comforting pasta that absorbs the broth and makes the soup extra filling.
Chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, green touch that brightens the dish before serving.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top, melting in rich, savory goodness with every bite.

How to Make Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Season

Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it sizzles. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily. Then sprinkle in the garlic salt, dried basil, and toss in the bay leaves. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the seasonings and infuse that rich flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Vegetables

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and soy sauce. These ingredients create a robust and savory broth that forms the foundation of the soup’s rich taste. Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables to add texture, color, and nutrition. Stir gently and bring the entire mixture just to a boil, preparing for the macaroni to join the party.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

Once boiling, add the macaroni noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender but still firm to the bite—al dente perfection. This step allows the pasta to soak up the delicious broth without becoming mushy, creating a luscious and hearty bowl of soup.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the bay leaves carefully, then ladle the steaming soup into bowls. If you want to elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop of color, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. A generous handful of shredded Parmesan cheese melts beautifully when sprinkled over the hot soup, adding an extra layer of indulgence you won’t want to miss.

How to Serve Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a hearty soup showing three main layers: the bottom layer of rich red tomato broth, the middle layer of macaroni pasta in pale beige, yellow corn kernels, green peas, and small chunks of brown cooked meat, and the top layer sprinkled with fresh light green chopped parsley. A spoon is partially inside the bowl, scooping up some pasta and vegetables. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the soup is delightful on its own, adding chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkling of shredded Parmesan cheese turns it from simple to spectacular. The parsley adds a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth, while the Parmesan brings creamy, salty notes that melt into every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair this comforting soup with a warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to sop up every drop of the broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the rich, meaty flavors, offering a refreshing balance. For an extra cozy meal, serve with garlic bread for a familiar classic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls by hollowing out small round loaves—this adds a rustic charm perfect for a casual dinner. Another idea is to ladle the soup over a scoop of cooked rice or mashed potatoes in a deep bowl, transforming it into a comforting casserole-like meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to personalize each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, allow any leftover Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Note that the noodles and vegetables will absorb some of the broth, so the soup may thicken. When reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully for longer-term storage. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to three months. To prevent the noodles from becoming too mushy, consider cooking the macaroni fresh when reheating, or accepting a softer texture that still offers great flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is thicker than you’d like, add a little broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. Avoid microwaving at too high a temperature to ensure the flavors stay vibrant and the soup heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or elbow noodles can all work beautifully in this soup. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some pastas may cook faster or slower than macaroni.

Is this Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just keep in mind that the texture of the macaroni might soften after freezing and reheating, so if you prefer firmer noodles, you might want to add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

You can! Ground turkey or chicken will lighten the soup but still provide good protein and texture. You might want to adjust seasoning slightly, as these meats are milder than beef.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the broth and vegetables to give your Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe a kick of heat.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The frozen mixed vegetables and tomato base will still create a rich and satisfying soup.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe is a heartwarming, no-fuss dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s cooked all in one pot and packed with flavors that hug you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or simply craving something cozy and delicious, this soup delivers comfort, convenience, and taste every single time. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Hamburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need