If you’re craving a meal that warms your soul and satisfies your appetite, look no further than this Hearty Macaroni Soup with Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe. It’s a delightful bowlful that brings together tender ground beef, vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach, and just the right amount of pasta to create a comforting, nourishing soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this recipe is bursting with flavor, color, and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, from building rich flavor to balancing textures and giving your soup a beautiful, colorful appeal. You don’t need fancy components, just simple essentials that come together perfectly.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity depth while preventing the beef and onions from sticking.
- Half a medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this soup truly comforting.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth and depth.
- 3 sticks celery, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a fresh, mild bitterness.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices: Infuses smoky, tangy richness that amplifies the beef.
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained: Delivers little pops of sweetness and textural contrast.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A delicate herbal blend to round out the flavors.
- 3/4 cup uncooked macaroni: The comforting pasta that makes this a filling, stick-to-your-ribs soup.
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach: A bright, nutritious finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the layers of flavor.
How to Make Hearty Macaroni Soup with Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by warming olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, cooking over medium-high heat for about seven minutes while letting the beef break up. This step builds a rich flavor base and caramelizes the onion, lending a slightly sweet and savory punch. Remember to spoon out most of the excess fat afterward for a lighter soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic is subtle but powerful, setting the stage for all the other flavors that follow.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Broth
Next, add the celery, carrots, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, drained corn, and Italian seasoning into the pot. This wonderful mixture infuses your soup with layers of texture and flavor complexity, from smoky tomatoes to sweet crunch of corn and carrots.
Step 4: Bring the Soup to a Simmer
Turn up the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
After the initial simmer, stir in the uncooked macaroni. Continue simmering until the pasta is tender — about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep the lid slightly open and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the soup starts to feel really hearty and satisfying.
Step 6: Final Touches with Seasoning and Spinach
Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste, then stir in the fresh baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt gently in the hot broth for a few minutes. This final step adds a fresh, vibrant green element and a boost of nutrients, making the soup as colorful as it is flavorful. Now it’s ready to serve and savor!
How to Serve Hearty Macaroni Soup with Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a creamy saltiness that elevates the whole dish. You can also add a few torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to brighten up each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness and makes for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or rustic mugs for an inviting presentation. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added texture and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and intensify.
Freezing
This Hearty Macaroni Soup with Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to three months. Note that the pasta may slightly soften after thawing, but it still remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat until warmed through and the spinach is nicely wilted again.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be great alternatives if you want a different flavor profile or a leaner option.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it delicious and meat-free.
Can I use dry herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
Of course! A simple mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary works beautifully in place of pre-mixed Italian seasoning.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the garlic for a lovely, warming kick.
What type of macaroni works best?
Traditional elbow macaroni is perfect here because it cooks evenly and holds the broth well, but any small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells can work just as well.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Macaroni Soup with Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe is a true winner for anyone looking to combine ease, nutrition, and incredible comfort in one pot. It’s a dish that brings people together, evokes warmth, and fills bellies with happy satisfaction. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it one of your own favorites—enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Print
Hearty Macaroni Soup with Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Macaroni Soup featuring lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender macaroni pasta simmered together in a flavorful beef broth. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh baby spinach, this soup is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Greens
- 3/4 cup uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and lean ground beef. Cook for about 7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, spoon out most of the excess fat from the pot.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Add the chopped celery, sliced carrots, beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), drained corn, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Cook macaroni: Add the uncooked macaroni to the soup and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. You may need to increase the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cover the pot again with the lid slightly open, stirring occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom.
- Final seasoning and spinach: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious macaroni soup!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade or high-quality beef broth.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually and taste as you cook for perfect balance.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth quantity slightly or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Fresh baby spinach can be substituted with kale or other leafy greens if desired.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
