Hearty Hamburger and Bean Macaroni Soup
Warm up with this hearty and wholesome Hamburger and Bean Macaroni Soup that combines savory ground beef, nutritious kidney beans, and tender macaroni in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings, this comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love. Serve it with crusty bread for an irresistible dinner experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
hamburger
1 lb (ground)
onion
1 (diced)
crushed garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
beef stock
6 cups
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with juices)
kidney beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
uncooked macaroni
1 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
dried basil
1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and crushed garlic, sautéing for about 10 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
2
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground hamburger. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the beef stock, diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans (rinsed), and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the soup to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the uncooked macaroni. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Hamburger and Bean Macaroni Soup?
It is a comforting and wholesome soup featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and macaroni in a savory tomato-based beef broth.
How long does it take to sauté the onion and garlic?
The diced onion and crushed garlic should be sautéed in olive oil for about 10 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground hamburger.
Do I need to brown the meat before adding other ingredients?
Yes, you should brown the hamburger over medium-high heat until no pink remains before adding the liquids and beans.
What kind of stock serves as the base of the soup?
This recipe uses 6 cups of beef stock to create a rich and flavorful broth.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should add the diced tomatoes along with their juices for extra flavor.
Are the kidney beans added directly from the can?
The kidney beans should be rinsed before being stirred into the soup mixture.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and Worcestershire sauce.
When do I add the macaroni to the pot?
Add the uncooked macaroni once the soup has reached a rolling boil and the heat has been reduced to medium-low.
How long does the macaroni take to cook in the soup?
The macaroni typically takes 15-20 minutes to simmer until it is tender.
Should the soup be covered while it simmers?
Yes, cover the pot while the macaroni simmers to ensure even cooking and to prevent too much liquid from evaporating.
Can I substitute the kidney beans with another variety?
Yes, you can easily substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans.
Is it possible to use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives for the hamburger meat.
What should I serve with this soup?
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a light side salad.
How can I prevent the macaroni from getting too mushy?
To prevent mushy pasta, avoid overcooking it and serve the soup immediately after the macaroni reaches a tender texture.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then combine everything in the slow cooker, adding the macaroni during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient quantities, this recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be sautéed along with the onions for extra nutrition.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, but keep in mind that the macaroni may soften significantly upon thawing; you might prefer to freeze the soup base without the pasta.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe specifies one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh basil; use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil to replace the 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed to be easy to prepare and relatively fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Does the recipe require a specific type of pasta?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of uncooked macaroni, but other small pasta shapes like ditalini will also work.
What garnish is recommended for this soup?
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, are recommended as a garnish for a fresh finish.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Is this soup a good source of protein?
Yes, the combination of ground beef and kidney beans makes this soup very high in protein.
What kind of pot is best for making this soup?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot is ideal for even heat distribution.