If you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that hits the spot every single time, this Hamburger Macaroni Soup is the answer! This soup is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, slurpable macaroni, sweet tomatoes, and just the right blend of veggies all simmered together into pure comfort.

The rich, beefy broth paired with chewy pasta is absolutely irresistible. It's incredibly simple to make in just one pot and fills your home with the most inviting aroma-your family won't be able to wait for dinner!

This is my go-to recipe on chilly nights, after long workdays, or when I need a satisfying meal for a hungry crowd. It brings back memories of childhood and homemade meals around the kitchen table. There truly is nothing better than this classic, soul-warming soup!

A comforting bowl of Hamburger Macaroni Soup, garnished with fresh parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One-pot simplicity: Minimal dishes mean easy prep and cleanup for any night of the week.
Family-friendly flavors: Kids and adults both love the classic combo of beef, pasta, and tomato.
Hearty and satisfying: Packed with protein, pasta, and veggies-this soup is a meal on its own!
Customizable: Easily swap out veggies, adjust the spice, or change the pasta shape to suit your taste.

Key Ingredients for Hamburger Macaroni Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the heart of this soup, creating a satisfying, savory base that flavors the entire pot. I recommend using lean or 85/15 ground beef for a rich taste without excess grease-just be sure to drain off any fat after browning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but beef gives the most classic flavor.

Macaroni Pasta

Elbow macaroni is traditional and gives the perfect tender, slurpable texture after cooking right in the soup. Use regular or whole wheat, or substitute with small shells or rotini for a twist. Gluten-free pastas also work well, but be sure to adjust the cook time and check for doneness early.

Diced Tomatoes

Canned diced tomatoes provide sweet brightness and create a flavorful, tomatoey broth. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth, or try petite-cut for smaller tomato pieces. You can swap in tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but the chunks add nice body to each spoonful.

Mixed Vegetables

A classic blend of carrots, corn, and peas adds color and nutritional value. I usually grab a bag of frozen mixed veggies for convenience, but feel free to use what you have-fresh chopped carrots and celery work great, too. For extra bulk, toss in green beans or spinach near the end.

Beef Broth

Beef broth is essential for a deeply savory, robust soup base that ties all the flavors together. Go for low-sodium broth so you can control the salt. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth in a pinch, but beef will give you the most classic, old-school flavor.

Instructions for Hamburger Macaroni Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until almost browned-about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and garlic, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender and beef is fully browned. Drain off excess fat if needed.

Add Tomatoes and Season

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes so everything is well combined and the seasonings start to bloom.

Pour In Broth and Veggies

Pour the beef broth into the pot and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Pasta

Once the soup is simmering, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still al dente.

Taste and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onion for a spicier kick. Even a few dashes of hot sauce before serving can elevate every tasty slurp.

Go Low-Carb

Swap the macaroni for cauliflower florets to make a lighter, low-carb version. Simmer them in the soup until tender for all the heartiness without the pasta.

Make It Gluten-Free

Substitute your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni or pasta shape-just keep in mind they may cook a bit faster or slower, so check for doneness often.

Veggie-Loaded

Double up on vegetables for extra nutrition! Add chopped zucchini, spinach, or bell pepper to the pot when cooking the onion, or stir in a handful of kale at the end.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the beef and use plant-based ground "meat" or lentils, and swap in vegetable broth for beef broth. The soup will still be rich and satisfying!

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hamburger Macaroni Soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the savory broth. Add a simple green salad, or offer grated Parmesan and fresh parsley as tasty toppings. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese is also a delicious finishing touch!

Storage and Reheating

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the pasta. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months-freeze in portions for easy lunches! Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Macaroni Soup (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

A: Absolutely! Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or rotini all work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, Hamburger Macaroni Soup is great for meal prep. If making ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it before serving to keep it from soaking up too much broth.

Q: How do I make this soup vegetarian?

A: Replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. The results are still hearty and delicious!

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Hamburger Macaroni Soup to bring comfort and smiles around the table! Whether you're serving it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend lunch, it's guaranteed to be a hit. Try it for yourself, and don't forget to leave a comment or a rating to let me know how it turned out!