Hamburger Soup with Macaroni (Goulash Soup) Recipe

If there’s one dish that screams cozy comfort and effortless cooking, it’s this Hamburger Soup with Macaroni—also known as Goulash Soup. This hearty, soul-warming one-pot meal is packed with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato-based broth that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect go-to dinner for busy weeknights, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy to Make: Everything comes together in one pot, which means fewer dishes and minimal effort. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something filling but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is loaded with protein, pasta, and veggies, making it a complete and comforting meal on its own.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors of hamburger, tomato, and pasta. It’s like a cross between spaghetti and stew—what’s not to love?
• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients, it’s an affordable way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this belly-warming goulash-style soup:

• Ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty base and adds richness to the broth. Lean ground beef is ideal to avoid excess grease.
• Elbow macaroni: The pasta that soaks up the flavors and gives the soup that nostalgic, home-cooked comfort feel.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the base of the soup. Yellow or white onion works well.
• Garlic: A key flavor booster that infuses the entire pot with warm, savory notes.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the broth. Use canned for convenience and year-round availability.
• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and provides a savory backbone to the soup.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness and a pop of color. Dice them small so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Celery: Lends a subtle earthiness and balances the overall flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together. You can also add oregano or basil separately.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust as needed!
• Bay leaf: Optional, but adds a lovely, subtle layer of flavor while the soup simmers.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this hamburger soup? Go for it! Here are a few easy tweaks:

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
• Use Different Pasta: Shells, rotini, or even small rigatoni can be used in place of elbow macaroni.
• Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken work well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Add Beans: Stir in some kidney or black beans for added protein and texture.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition.

How to Make Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup light.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef and sauté for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasoning

Stir in the diced carrots and celery, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf if using. Cook for a few minutes to let the veggies slightly soften.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavor. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Cover and let the soup simmer gently for about 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the broth is full of flavor.

Step 6: Add Macaroni

Stir in the macaroni and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye once the macaroni goes in. It should be tender but not mushy, as it continues to absorb liquid even after cooking.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: This gives you more control over the saltiness, especially since tomato products can be high in sodium.
• Cook Pasta Separately if Freezing: If you plan to freeze portions, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to avoid soggy noodles.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling too hard once the vegetables are in—the soup should bubble gently to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Serve

This soup is already a complete meal, but a few tasty pairings can elevate the experience:

Bread:

Serve with a warm slice of crusty bread or a buttery garlic toast for dipping.

Salad:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Toppings:

Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flair.

For Kids:

Try serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side—kids love the combo!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions or a large container, leaving some space for expansion. For best results, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked macaroni when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can absolutely use gluten-free pasta! Just be aware that some gluten-free varieties may break down more quickly in soup, so it’s best to cook it separately and add it just before serving.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything (except the pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the macaroni in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, use vegetable broth, and you’ve got a delicious meat-free version of this soup.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem—just mix a pinch each of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust to your taste and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Soup with Macaroni is everything you want in a weeknight meal—easy, comforting, hearty, and totally delicious. Whether you call it goulash soup or just good old hamburger stew, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation!

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