Best Hamburger Macaroni Soup – Hearty & Comforting Recipe
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and budget-friendly meal, then this hamburger macaroni soup is the perfect choice. Often called “goulash soup” or “cowboy soup,” it’s a family favorite that combines ground beef, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and rich broth into one delicious pot.
This recipe is loved because it’s hearty, easy to make, and ready in under 40 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up on a cold day and leaves everyone satisfied. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and macaroni.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook the Beef: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add Broth & Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Taste & Adjust: Check seasoning and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Swap the Pasta: Try small shells, ditalini, or rotini instead of macaroni.
- Boost the Veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown beef and veggies first, then cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil Option: Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) and skip extra oil.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free macaroni or quinoa pasta.
- Low-Carb / Keto: Swap macaroni with zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes without added salt.
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free unless you top with cheese—skip or use vegan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This hamburger macaroni soup is best served piping hot with garlic bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. It’s also a wonderful make-ahead meal—leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
If you’re craving something cozy, filling, and wholesome, this is the ultimate one-pot family dinner recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make hamburger macaroni soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup without the pasta, then cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid sogginess.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes. Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked macaroni when reheating.
Q4: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage works well as a substitute.
Q5: What if the soup gets too thick?
Simply add more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
