The Easiest Old Fashioned Beef And Macaroni Soup

Soup season is here, and there’s something wonderfully comforting about a steaming bowl of old-fashioned beef and macaroni soup. This cherished recipe, a favorite from my childhood, has been a source of warmth and comfort for generations. As the weather cools down, I can’t help but reminisce about the times I spent in the kitchen with my family, savoring every spoonful of this deliciously hearty meal. Today, I’m excited to share this time-tested recipe with a little twist—fresh spinach. It’s a small addition that adds both flavor and a healthy touch to this classic dish. Let’s grab these simple ingredients and create a heartwarming bowl of nostalgia.

Old Fashioned Beef And Macaroni Soup

The Ingredients

Let’s dive into this simple macaroni soup recipe that’s perfect for fall. It’s one of those easy fall soup recipes that combines the goodness of hearty ingredients with the comfort of homemade goodness. If you’re wondering what to cook with macaroni, this flavorful soup is the answer. Here’s everything you need to whip up this satisfying classic in your own kitchen:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil: Just a touch of olive oil to add a hint of richness to the dish.
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Chopped to perfection, the onion infuses a delightful aroma and flavor into the soup.
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef: Lean and savory ground beef is the star of your soup.
• 3 sticks celery, chopped: Celery brings a refreshing crunch to each bite.
• Fresh carrots (or frozen): These vibrant veggies add a burst of color and natural sweetness.
• 4 cups beef broth: This rich ingredient forms the hearty base of your soup.
• 1 can diced tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes provides a burst of juicy tomato goodness.
• 1 can corn, drained: This sweet corn brings a touch of summer to our fall soup.
• 1 can tomato sauce: The sauce adds to the soup’s rich and comforting texture.
• 1 pack Italian seasoning: A packet of this infuses the soup with a medley of aromatic herbs.
• 3/4 cup uncooked macaroni: A delightful addition you can cook to the perfect tenderness.
• 2 cups (loosely packed) fresh baby spinach: This beautiful green veggie adds a healthy and vibrant touch.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that balances all the flavors beautifully.

Now, let’s whip up this soul-warming soup.

The Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step instructions for this delicious meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this homemade soup will become a family favorite in no time. So, let’s get cooking!

1. Prep The Ingredients:
   • Chop your onion and celery.
   • If you’re using fresh carrots, cut it into thin rounds.
2. Heat Things Up:
   • Place your Dutch oven on the stove.
   • Turn the heat to medium-high.
   • Drizzle in the olive oil and coat the bottom of the pot.
3. Brown Your Ground Beef:
   • Once the oil is heated, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and light gold.
   • Add your ground beef and brown it. While it cooks, add your desired seasoning. Drain if necessary.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Once the beef is nicely browned, it’s time to introduce a delightful array of vegetables. Add the chopped celery and either fresh carrots or frozen ones. Also, toss in diced tomatoes, drained corn, and the beef broth.
   • Now, for that rich tomato goodness, pour in a can of tomato sauce, giving your soup that lovely tomato base.
   • Add the uncooked macaroni to the pot. Stir it all together and let it cook until the macaroni becomes tender.
   • Sprinkle in two cups of loosely packed fresh baby spinach. Let it wilt and blend into the soup, adding a lovely color and flavor.
   • Elevate the taste with a pack of Italian seasoning, enhancing the flavor profile of your macaroni soup. Allow the soup to simmer.
   • Taste your soup and adjust your seasoning as needed.
5. Serve And Enjoy:
   • Serve in your best bowls with a side of cornbread or grilled cheese.

Old Fashioned Beef And Macaroni Soup FAQ’s

How Do You Fix Tough Beef In Soup?

Even though this is one of those easy soup recipes for dinner, it doesn’t mean there can’t be some challenges. Tough ground beef can be one of them. If you ever find your ground beef in your soup turning out a bit tough, don’t worry; there are simple ways to fix it. One trick is to let it simmer longer. Allowing your soup to cook a bit extra can work wonders for tenderizing the meat, making it more enjoyable. Just keep an eye on your soup’s thickness, and if it thickens too much, consider adding a bit more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Another effective method is to use a meat tenderizer. Gently tenderize the tougher portions of ground beef using a meat mallet or even a rolling pin. This approach can be particularly useful if you’ve cooked the beef into larger chunks or pieces, helping to soften it up.

In any case, don’t be discouraged if you encounter some toughness in your soup’s ground beef. With these easy steps, you can still enjoy a hearty and delicious dinner.

What Makes Homemade Soup Taste Better?

When it comes to making homemade soup taste better, there are a few simple tricks that can elevate your bowl from good to gourmet. First, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. Fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and premium cuts of meat can impart rich flavors and vibrant colors to your soup. So, visit your local farmer’s market or grocer to pick up the freshest ingredients available.

Another secret to boosting the taste of your homemade soup is to add depth with spices and seasonings. A pinch of fresh herbs like basil or thyme, a dash of aromatic spices like cumin or paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper can transform a plain pot of soup into a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors that suits your taste buds. Remember, the beauty of making healthy autumn soup recipes at home is that you have full control over the ingredients and seasonings.

In addition to fresh ingredients and flavorful seasonings, the way you cook your soup can make a world of difference. Let your soup simmer slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. And, of course, a dash of love and passion for cooking always enhances the taste of any homemade creation. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to savor some of your best work!

Do You Cook Macaroni Before Adding To Soup?

When it comes to recipes with elbow noodles, there’s a bit of a kitchen debate, but here’s what I do! While many recipes call for cooking the macaroni separately before adding it to the soup, you can save time and make things easier by adding them directly to the simmering pot. Yes, you heard that right! Just toss those noodles right into the soup and let them cook alongside all the other delicious ingredients. It not only simplifies your cooking process but also infuses the pasta with the rich flavors of the broth and veggies.

The key to cooking macaroni in your soup is to ensure that there’s enough liquid in the pot to cover the noodles completely. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors of your homemade soup. So, whether you’re making classic macaroni soup recipes or experimenting with new variations, don’t hesitate to add the macaroni directly to your simmering pot for a convenient and flavorful twist on your favorite comfort food. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners or whenever you’re craving a warm and hearty bowl of goodness!

Do You Rinse Pasta Before Adding To Soup?

The age-old debate about whether to rinse or not to rinse pasta is a common cooking question. While rinsing pasta before adding it to soup is a step some people swear by, it’s not a must-do, especially when you want to infuse your soup with extra flavor. Here’s the tea: rinsing pasta removes some of its starch, which can be beneficial in certain recipes like pasta salads, where you want to prevent sticking. However, when you’re whipping up a delicious pot of soup, the starch released from unrinsed pasta can actually help thicken your broth slightly and give it a full-bodied texture.

So, feel free to skip the rinsing step when adding elbow noodles to your soup. By doing so, you’ll retain that starchy goodness that can enhance the overall taste and texture of your soup. It’s all about personal preference and the specific flavor profile you want to achieve. Embrace the freedom to experiment, and remember, there’s no right or wrong way when it comes to creating scrumptious homemade recipes with elbow noodles!

And there you have it—a delightful and comforting bowl of old-fashioned beef and macaroni soup that’s sure to warm your heart and your belly. Whether you’re savoring it on a crisp autumn evening or whipping it up for a quick and hearty dinner, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your loved ones, ladle out some steaming bowls of this goodness, and relish in the cozy flavors of fall.

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a homemade soup that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table. So, make some heartwarming moments and savor the taste of tradition with every spoonful.

Love this post? Here is an easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe!