Tips, variations, and serving ideas
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be just tender when you turn off the heat. Pasta continues to absorb liquid as the soup stands, so many cooks recommend serving beef and macaroni soup soon after the macaroni reaches al dente. If you know you will have leftovers, you can slightly undercook the pasta by a minute or two so it holds up better on reheating.
You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have. Extra frozen corn, green beans, or peas fit right in, and small-diced fresh carrots or celery can be sautéed with the onions and beef if you want more classic vegetable soup vibes. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will “spice it up” for those who like a little kick, as suggested in some beef and macaroni soup variations.
To vary the flavor base, you can substitute part of the beef stock with tomato juice or use fire-roasted tomatoes for a deeper, slightly smoky note. Swapping some of the oregano and basil for Italian seasoning or thyme can also shift the flavor in a subtle way while staying firmly in the comfort soup category.
When serving, a side of crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad turns this into a complete dinner. Many beef and tomato macaroni soups are recommended alongside salad and breadsticks for a restaurant-style soup-and-salad combo. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds color and a fresh, herbal lift.
Storage, freezing, and reheating
Like other beef and macaroni soups, this soup stores well in the fridge for several days. Most sources recommend cooling the soup and then storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days, reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Because the macaroni continues to soak up broth over time, you may need to add a splash of beef stock or water when reheating to loosen the consistency.
Freezing is also an option, but pasta can become quite soft after thawing. Guides on freezing soup note that soups with pasta keep best if the pasta is cooked separately and added after reheating, but if the pasta is already in the soup, it will still be safe and comforting, just with a softer texture. Many hamburger macaroni soup recipes suggest freezing portions for up to about 2–3 months in airtight containers, then thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you plan ahead specifically for freezing, you can simmer the broth with beef, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, freeze that base alone, and cook fresh pasta to stir in when you reheat. This keeps the macaroni closer to al dente even after storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, other small shapes like small shells, ditalini, or small penne work well in beef and macaroni-style soups, as long as they are a similar size and cooking time. Just adjust the simmer time to match the package directions for al dente, checking a minute or two early since pasta cooks a bit faster in simmering soup.
Will this soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, like most soups that include pasta, Beef and Macaroni Soup thickens over time as the macaroni continues to absorb broth. When reheating leftovers, adding extra stock or water and warming gently restores a more soupy consistency.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni or another small gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and stock. Many cooks who make gluten-free hamburger soups note that gluten-free pasta can soften more quickly, so watch the cooking time closely and consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
Is it safe to leave the soup out on the stove?
As with any meat-based soup, it should not sit at room temperature for more than about 2 hours for food safety. General food safety guidelines recommend cooling soups and storing them in the refrigerator within that time frame, then keeping leftovers for only a few days or freezing for longer storage.
Beef and Macaroni Soup brings together savory ground beef, tender pasta, bright tomatoes, and hearty vegetables in a rich broth that tastes like a hug in a bowl. It is easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, making it the kind of recipe readers will bookmark for weeknights, snow days, and whenever cozy comfort soup is calling.