Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup, also known as Cowboy Soup, is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef, pasta, and vegetables in a delicious tomato-based broth. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe is loved by both kids and adults. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for using up leftover ground beef, making it a convenient, crowd-pleasing meal. With a handful of pantry staples and just 35 minutes of cooking time, this soup comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound lean ground beef
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½ cup diced onion
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6 cups beef broth
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14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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1 cup elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
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2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
Directions
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In a large pot, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
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Add the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add the elbow macaroni and mixed vegetables to the pot. Continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
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Serve hot, optionally topped with parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Use ground chicken, pork, or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
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Swap out elbow macaroni for other short pasta types, such as fusilli, shells, or fun shapes for kids.
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Add additional vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
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Spice it up with red chili flakes, taco seasoning, or chili powder for a zesty twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Allow the soup to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: To freeze, cook the pasta separately or leave it out entirely. Store the soup in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta after thawing and reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if necessary.
FAQs
How long can I store Beef and Macaroni Soup in the fridge?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use leftover taco meat for this recipe?
Yes, leftover taco meat works perfectly in this soup and adds a wonderful flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great in this recipe and are a convenient option.
How can I prevent the pasta from getting mushy when reheating?
Cook the pasta separately or add it fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can add red chili flakes, jalapeños, or chili powder to give the soup a spicy kick.
Can I freeze this soup with the pasta?
It's best to freeze the soup without the pasta, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
You can add carrots, peas, potatoes, corn, or beans to make it heartier and more nutritious.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and onion first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding pasta in the last 30 minutes.
What’s a good side dish to serve with Beef and Macaroni Soup?
Cheesy garlic breadsticks and a simple wedge salad are perfect sides for this comforting soup.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Beef and Macaroni Soup is a hearty, filling, and flavorful dish that brings comfort to any meal. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s an easy go-to recipe for busy nights or when you need to use up leftovers. This versatile soup can be customized with various vegetables, meats, and spices to suit your taste, making it a family favorite in many homes.
Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
This hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup, also known as Cowboy Soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef, pasta, and vegetables in a delicious tomato-based broth. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe is loved by both kids and adults. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for using up leftover ground beef, making it a convenient, crowd-pleasing meal. With just 35 minutes of cooking time, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup diced onion
6 cups beef broth
14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 cup elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
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In a large pot, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add the elbow macaroni and mixed vegetables. Continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
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Serve hot, optionally topped with parmesan cheese.
Notes
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Swap out elbow macaroni for other short pasta types, such as fusilli, shells, or fun shapes for kids.
-
Add additional vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
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Spice it up with red chili flakes, taco seasoning, or chili powder for a zesty twist.
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