Beef and macaroni soup

Here’s a hearty, comforting Beef and Macaroni Soup 🍲 — simple, filling, and perfect for chilly days or easy family dinners.

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Beef and Macaroni Soup

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for serving

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Instructions:

1. Brown beef:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add vegetables:
   Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Build soup:
   Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, salt, pepper, seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer:
   Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Add macaroni:
   Stir in macaroni and simmer another 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
6. Finish:
   Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

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⭐ Tips:

• Cook macaroni separately if you plan leftovers (it won’t soak up all the broth).
• For richer flavor, add 1 tbsp tomato paste with the onions.
• Great freezer soup — just freeze before adding pasta.

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🔄 Variations:

• Vegetable beef macaroni soup: Add corn or green beans.
• Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheddar before serving.
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce.

If you want, I can also give you a slow cooker version or a tomato-based goulash-style soup.