Introduction

This Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day you want a warm, filling meal. It combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and mixed vegetables in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

A close-up of a large metal pot filled with a thick, warming soup, showing a rich brownish-red broth. Inside the soup are several layers of chunky ingredients including bright orange diced carrots, pale beige elbow macaroni, small green peas, yellow corn kernels, and bits of browned ground meat. The texture looks hearty with soft cooked vegetables and tender pasta floating throughout. A silver spoon stands upright in the pot, partially submerged in the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled textured surface with a soft beige cloth nearby and blurred garlic bulbs in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
6 cups beef broth
14 oz diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 whole bay leaf
1.75 cups macaroni
1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks until browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat by tilting the pot and using a spoon to push meat to the side, then carefully pour off the liquid. Leave a thin coating of fat to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Add the tomato paste to the pot with the cooked beef and onions, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook it slightly and deepen the flavor. This prevents a raw taste and helps it blend smoothly into the broth.
Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine and dissolve the tomato paste completely.
Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the seasonings to infuse fully.
Step 5: Stir the macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables into the simmering soup. Return to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and vegetables are heated through.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brown the ground beef with a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Substitute macaroni with small shells or elbow pasta if preferred.
Add fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a boost of greens.
Use homemade beef broth for a richer taste or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Pasta may absorb liquid over time, so reheating with extra liquid restores the desired consistency.

How to Serve

The image shows three white bowls filled with a hearty soup placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a rich tomato-based broth with visible layers of small curvy pasta in creamy beige, ground beef in brown, bright orange carrot slices, green peas, and bits of celery. The soup has a slightly thick texture with a mix of chunky vegetables and meat spread evenly throughout the bowls. A shiny silver spoon rests next to the nearest bowl, which is in clear focus, capturing the steam and warmth of the dish. Small green herb sprigs are scattered lightly around the bowls for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Cooking times remain similar, but the flavor will be milder, so consider adjusting seasoning to taste.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

This soup can be made a day in advance and often tastes better as the flavors meld overnight. Reheat thoroughly before serving, and add any delicate vegetables or fresh herbs just before serving.