Hamburger Macaroni Soup – Quick, Hearty Comfort in 30 Minutes

Hamburger Macaroni Soup is the cozy, heartwarming bowl of comfort you didn’t know your weeknight needed. Picture this: tender ground beef, chewy macaroni noodles, a savory tomato broth, and a handful of colorful veggies all coming together in less than 30 minutes. It’s like a hug in a bowl—only better because it’s dinner. This Hamburger Macaroni Soup hits all the right notes for busy families who want something hearty yet easy to make.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving something that feels like home, this simple soup delivers big flavor without the fuss. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you’ve been simmering all day, but really, you pulled it off between Zoom calls and soccer practice. Bonus: it reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.

Table of Contents

What is Hamburger Macaroni Soup?

Hamburger Macaroni Soup is a simple one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni noodles, tomatoes, broth, and mixed vegetables. Think of it as the happy marriage between a meaty tomato soup and a quick pasta dish. This old-school comfort food has been around for decades because it’s affordable, filling, and ridiculously easy to make. Some call it “Cowboy Soup” or “Goulash Soup,” but whatever name you give it, the magic is the same—a rich, flavorful broth that warms you up from the inside out.

The best part? You can tweak it to your taste. Add corn, swap the noodles, or toss in extra veggies. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and just plain satisfying—especially when served with a side of warm, buttery rolls.

Reasons to Try Hamburger Macaroni Soup

There are plenty of reasons to make this Hamburger Macaroni Soup, but let’s start with the big one: it’s fast. You can have a full, hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to decide what to order for takeout. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly—most of the ingredients are pantry staples like ground beef, broth, and pasta. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies for kids (or grown-ups who act like kids when it comes to vegetables).

The flavors are classic and comforting—savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and herbs that give it a homey aroma. You can even freeze leftovers, making it a perfect meal prep option. And honestly, there’s something so nostalgic about a bowl of soup that tastes just like mom used to make.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hamburger Macaroni Soup

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups dry macaroni noodles
• 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions to Make Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Let’s dive into this Hamburger Macaroni Soup step-by-step guide that’ll walk you through making this family-favorite meal from start to finish. Each stage builds flavor, saves time, and keeps cleanup simple—because who really wants to wash more dishes on a weeknight?

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build the Base

Start your Hamburger Macaroni Soup step by step by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and diced yellow onion. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks—this helps everything brown evenly and adds that savory foundation your soup needs. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent, about 5–6 minutes.

Once the beef is browned, add in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. (If your kitchen suddenly smells like an Italian grandma’s house, you’re doing it right.) Drain off any extra fat to keep your soup from becoming greasy.

Pro Tip: Want an even richer flavor? Try using the browning technique from our Creamy Crockpot Cowboy Soup—it’s the secret to that deep, comforting taste that feels like it’s been simmering all day.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Broth

Now it’s time to build the heart of your Hamburger Macaroni Soup step by step. Pour in 6 cups of beef broth, then add your diced tomatoes (juice and all), Worcestershire sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix those flavors together.

Turn up the heat and bring the soup to a boil. You’ll start to see small bubbles forming around the edges—that’s your cue to lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step lets the herbs infuse into the broth and gives your soup that cozy homemade aroma.

If you’re curious about balancing flavors or seasoning tips, check out our Curried Chicken Soup Recipe—it breaks down how to adjust spice and sweetness for perfect soups every time.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni to Perfection

In this Hamburger Macaroni Soup step-by-step phase, stir in your dry macaroni noodles directly into the simmering broth. You don’t need to cook them separately (one less pot to wash!). Let the noodles cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking to the bottom.

The macaroni will absorb some of the broth as it cooks, giving your soup that hearty, satisfying texture. Test a noodle at the 7-minute mark—it should be tender but still slightly firm in the center. Remember, the pasta will continue to soften a bit as it sits in the hot broth.

Want to swap the macaroni for something fun? Small shells or rotini work beautifully and hold up well in broth. For pasta substitution inspiration, you might love our Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese—it’s full of noodle options and tips.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Finish Strong

The final Hamburger Macaroni Soup step by step is all about color, nutrients, and flavor. Toss in your frozen mixed vegetables—corn, carrots, peas, and green beans add a great mix of texture and color. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 3–4 minutes, just until everything is heated through.

Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed, or even a splash of Worcestershire for extra depth. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes so the broth reduces slightly.

Feeling creative? Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a spoonful of sour cream on top just before serving—it turns the dish into something almost creamy and extra comforting. For more hearty dinner ideas that pair perfectly with this recipe, check out Hamburger Potato Casserole—another cozy classic worth bookmarking.

Final Step-by-Step Tip: Serve your steaming bowl of Hamburger Macaroni Soup with a side of crusty bread or homemade rolls for dipping. If you’re in a cozy mood, try it alongside our Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes—the perfect comfort food duo.

This Hamburger Macaroni Soup step-by-step recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor to your table. It’s simple enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to impress the whole family. Grab a ladle, take a deep breath, and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like home in every spoonful.

What to Serve with Hamburger Macaroni Soup

A bowl of Hamburger Macaroni Soup is practically a meal on its own, but let’s be real—it gets even better with sides. Serve it with buttery Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a slice of Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese if you’re all about that carb life. Homemade dinner rolls, crusty bread, or even a side salad make great pairings, too. For something cozy on a cold day, try it with Creamy Crockpot Cowboy Soup—it’s like a soup night party.

Key Tips for Making Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Use lean ground beef to keep the broth from becoming oily. Browning the meat well is key to a deeper, richer flavor. If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly. Sugar might sound odd in soup, but trust me—it balances the tomato’s acidity beautifully. Want to add more protein? Toss in cooked beans or diced sausage.

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-sodium broth. And here’s a pro move: cook the pasta separately if you plan on storing leftovers, so it doesn’t soak up all the broth overnight.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Hamburger Macaroni Soup

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. If you’re freezing it, skip adding the pasta and cook fresh noodles when you reheat—it keeps the texture perfect. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened. Microwave reheating works too—just stir halfway through to keep the heat even.

FAQs

Can I use another pasta? Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but rotini or small shells work great too.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the beef first, then combine everything (except the pasta) in your slow cooker. Add the pasta 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make it vegetarian? Sure! Swap the beef for lentils and use veggie broth—it’s still hearty and flavorful.
Why add sugar? It softens the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the soup a smoother, rounder taste.

Final Thoughts

Hamburger Macaroni Soup is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something comforting and delicious. It’s easy, affordable, and deeply satisfying—like a warm blanket in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this soup delivers both flavor and nostalgia. Want more cozy meal ideas? Don’t miss Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup for another easy weeknight favorite. So grab your ladle, pour yourself a steaming bowl, and savor the simple joy of homemade comfort food.

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