Elbow Macaroni Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as heartwarming and satisfying as a well-made Elbow Macaroni Soup. This dish blends the simplicity of elbow macaroni with a savory, flavorful broth that’s perfect for any season, though it’s especially delightful in the cooler months. It’s a dish that’s both filling and nourishing, with just the right amount of heartiness to keep you satisfied, but not overly heavy.

Whether you’re trying to warm up on a chilly evening or need a quick, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy, elbow macaroni soup is the way to go. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your taste. From hearty meat options to vegetarian twists, there’s no limit to the variations you can try. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies or use up whatever leftovers you have lying around.

In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into the perfect Elbow Macaroni Soup Recipe, explore some essential ingredients, give you some expert tips, and even offer creative variations. Let’s get started!

Now, let’s dive right into the recipe itself. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experts alike. It doesn’t require much fuss, and the steps are easy to follow, so you can have a hot, delicious bowl of elbow macaroni soup on the table in no time.

Ingredients Needed

Elbow macaroni – 1 ½ cups (or about 8 oz)
Vegetable broth – 4 cups (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
Carrots – 1 medium, diced
Celery – 2 stalks, diced
Onion – 1 medium, chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (optional, but adds a lovely tangy touch)
Ground beef or sausage (optional) – 1/2 pound (or go vegetarian with beans for a lighter version)
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper – to taste
Parmesan cheese (for garnish) – optional, but highly recommended for added richness

Cooking Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice your carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. If you’re using meat (beef or sausage), crumble or brown it as needed. If you’re using canned tomatoes, drain them and set aside.
Cook The Vegetables

Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Brown The Meat (if Using)

If you’ve chosen to add meat to your soup, this is when you’ll want to brown your ground beef or sausage. Add it to the pot and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks.
Add The Broth And Tomatoes

Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
Season The Soup

Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Cook The Macaroni

Now, add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Continue to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Finishing Touches

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the soup from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning one last time. If you’d like to add some grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top for an added layer of flavor.
Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. If desired, garnish with more Parmesan or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Ingredient Insights

The beauty of elbow macaroni soup lies in its versatility. Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. Let’s break down some of the key ingredients:

Elbow Macaroni: This pasta is perfect for soup because of its shape. The small, curved tubes hold onto the broth and bits of vegetables and meat, making each spoonful satisfying. It’s hearty but not overwhelming.
Broth: The broth is the base of the soup. Vegetable broth keeps it light and vegan-friendly, while chicken broth adds a rich, savory depth. Homemade broth always brings an extra layer of complexity, but store-bought works fine for quick prep.
Carrots and Celery: These veggies add both texture and natural sweetness to the soup. The celery gives a bit of crunch, while the carrots become tender and slightly sweet when cooked.
Ground Meat (optional): If you add ground beef or sausage, it gives the soup a meaty depth. Sausage, in particular, adds a spicy kick, while beef provides a classic hearty flavor. You can skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version or substitute with beans for extra protein.
Tomatoes: The canned tomatoes bring acidity to balance the richness of the broth, which is especially important if you’re using a fatty meat like sausage. They also add color and a subtle tanginess that makes the soup feel more complex.
Herbs and Spices: The combination of oregano and basil creates a classic Italian flavor profile. You can always adjust the spices to your personal preference, adding more heat with red pepper flakes or some extra umami with a dash of soy sauce.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Elbow macaroni cooks quickly, so make sure to add it toward the end of the cooking process. You don’t want mushy pasta, and you also don’t want to undercook it so it’s too hard.
Customize the Vegetables: If you prefer certain vegetables over others, feel free to add them! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale can make wonderful additions to this soup.
Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or ground turkey, throw that into the soup for a quick upgrade.
Add a Touch of Cream: For an ultra-creamy version, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half right at the end. It will create a luxurious mouthfeel.
Make It Spicy: Spice lovers can kick things up a notch by adding chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Recipe Variations

While the base of elbow macaroni soup is simple and reliable, there are countless ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations you might consider:

Vegetarian Elbow Macaroni Soup: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. For added protein, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Spicy Sausage Elbow Macaroni Soup: Swap regular sausage for spicy Italian sausage. The heat from the sausage will infuse the broth, adding a fiery kick to each spoonful.
Creamy Macaroni Soup: Add a splash of cream or milk for a richer, creamier texture. You could also throw in a handful of shredded cheese for extra decadence.
Italian-Style Macaroni Soup: Add in a little Parmesan rind while simmering for a more pronounced cheesy depth. You could even add basil pesto at the end for an herbal infusion.

Final Words

Elbow macaroni soup is the definition of comforting, adaptable, and easy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this soup has a way of bringing people together. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with textures, and offers endless ways to experiment.

It’s the perfect balance of hearty ingredients, light broth, and savory flavors that make each bite a cozy experience. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and leftover veggies, so you don’t have to worry about wasting food.

Elbow Macaroni Soup Recipe