We eat a soup for kids in our house (often on Sundays), and this one is a favorite. It’s similar to one my grandmother used to make, and I love how versatile and delicious it is. I’ve tried to streamline the chopping you need to do for this, but there are options for pre-cut or frozen vegetables. We love the flavor of this tomato broth with the ground beef and veggies for its a nod to Italian-American cuisine. It’s particularly good with grated Parmesan cheese on top, and adults may enjoy some crushed red pepper or hot sauce. It’s one of our family’s favorite dinner recipes with hamburger meat. (You may also like a week of easy kids meal ideas, easy packed lunch ideas, my Pastina Soup, Chicken Soup for Kids, and Red Pepper Pasta as more easy options.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this macaroni soup to share with your family. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Garlic cloves: Peeled and minced. You can also use jarred. Mirepoix: This mix of onion, carrot, and celery is now commonly sold prepared in the produce or freezer aisle. You can also dice the three veggies from fresh. Italian seasoning: This adds classic Italian flavor with minimal effort. Ground beef: You can use 90-95% lean ground beef here. Reduced-sodium chicken broth: You can trade in beef or veggie broth if you prefer. Marinara sauce: Marinara sauce adds a lot of flavor to the broth. You can also use crushed tomatoes. Elbow pasta: This is my preferred type of macaroni to use in this soup, but any other small shape will work. Frozen green beans or corn or peas: Pick the ones you prefer. Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Ingredient Substitutions
You can make the following substitutions if you prefer:
You can use ground turkey or chicken, mild Italian sausage, or beef stew meat instead of the ground beef. To make this vegetarian, omit the beef and add 2 cans rinsed and drained white beans. Use another small pasta shape in place of elbows such as mini bowties or wagon wheels. Use a gluten-free pasta if needed. Use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. Instead of using pre-cut mirepoix, dice onion, carrots, and celery.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this macaroni soup recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and timing. Tip: Adults may enjoy this topped with hot sauce or crushed red pepper, too.
How to Store
Store leftover macaroni soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. If the pasta has absorbed most of the broth, you can add a little more before heating to ensure there is enough.
Best Tips for Success
Mirepoix is simply a mix of carrots, onion, and celery. It is commonly sold pre-cut in the produce or freezer aisle. To make your own, simply dice about 2/3 cup of each and add to the pot in Step 1. You can make mirepoix, too. To make this vegetarian, omit the beef and add 2 cans rinsed and drained white beans. Use a gluten-free pasta if needed. Use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. If using another shape of pasta, you may need to adjust the cooking time in this macaroni soup. Using marinara sauce adds a little more flavor than crushed tomatoes, but both work.
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This post was first published October 2022.
