Imagine a hearty, soul-warming soup that combines the rich, meaty goodness of ground beef with the comforting embrace of tender macaroni - this isn't just another soup, it's a culinary hug in a bowl! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour, this Hamburger Macaroni Goulash Soup is about to become your new family favorite. With its robust flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon while cooking.
- Once the beef is partially browned, add chopped onions and diced carrots. Sauté together until the onions become translucent and the meat is completely browned, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness and ensure a cleaner soup texture.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the can of diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, which will add depth and richness to the soup's flavor profile.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. Start with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, then taste and modify as needed.
- Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Add uncooked macaroni to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Taste the soup once more and adjust seasoning if required. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow further flavor development.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the most flavorful base, use high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to enhance the soup's richness.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the beef and vegetables caramelize develops deeper, more complex flavors.
- Drain excess fat after browning the meat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, but leave some for added flavor.
- Use fresh vegetables when possible for the most vibrant taste and nutritional value.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or sprinkle in some flour while cooking the meat.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika when sautéing the vegetables.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld together.
- This soup freezes beautifully - make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
