Craving a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this delectable Crockpot Hamburger Macaroni Soup! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Imagine the aroma of savory ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and tender macaroni simmering away in your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Ready to discover how to make this easy, satisfying soup that yields six generous servings? Let’s dive into the recipe that will soon become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the crockpot.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add uncooked elbow macaroni to the soup. Stir to ensure pasta is submerged in liquid.
- Cook until macaroni is tender but not mushy, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Brown the Beef Well: Take your time when browning the ground beef. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup, so don’t rush it!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions can elevate the taste of your soup. If possible, opt for fresh herbs instead of dried for an extra burst of flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the Italian seasoning and salt levels to match your taste preferences. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
- Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it stays al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider topping your soup with grated cheese, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream before serving for added richness and presentation.
- Make it Your Own: Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Store Leftovers Properly: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
