If Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup sounds like something you’d order after a long day when your brain is running on low battery… hi, same. This is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hoodie: comforting, forgiving, and ready to save you from the “What are we eating tonight?” panic.
It’s hearty without being fussy, made with simple pantry staples, and it checks all the busy-life boxes: one pot, minimal chopping, and big “everyone actually eats it” energy. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to make sure you don’t end up eating cereal again (no judgment), this soup is here for you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup
Let me count the ways—because this soup is basically a weeknight superhero:
- One pot wonder: Less cleanup, more living your life.
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef + broth + pasta = cozy magic on a dime.
- Kid- and picky-eater approved: It’s like pasta night and soup night had a delicious baby.
- Thick, hearty, satisfying: Not a “where’s the actual food?” kind of soup.
- Flexible: Swap veggies, change pasta shapes, adjust seasoning—this recipe won’t get offended.
And yes… Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup tastes even better the next day. (It’s like it naps overnight and wakes up more flavorful.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the short, sweet list that makes this soup happen:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 6 cups beef broth
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
That’s it. No mysterious ingredients you’ll buy once and then stare at in your spice cabinet for three years.
How to Make Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Build the Flavor Base
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns. You’re aiming for browned beef and softened onion—basically, the smell that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?”
Drain excess fat by tilting the pot and carefully spooning/pouring it off.
Tip from my kitchen: leave a thin coating of fat in the bottom. It adds flavor and helps the next ingredients bloom.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base with Aromatics and Seasonings
Add 2 tbsp tomato paste to the beef and onion. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes.
This tiny step matters more than you’d think. Cooking the paste takes away that raw tomato taste and makes the broth richer—like you secretly worked harder than you did.
Now pour in:
- 6 cups beef broth
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
Stir well until the tomato paste dissolves completely. (No paste clumps hiding out like little tomato surprises.)
Step 3: Simmer the Broth to Meld Flavors
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
I know it’s tempting to rush, but this is where the seasoning settles in and becomes best friends with the broth. Five minutes now = way more flavor later.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Vegetables to Finish
Stir in:
- 1.75 cups macaroni
- 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Bring back to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
- pasta is tender
- veggies are heated through
Heads up: the pasta will soak up broth as it cooks. That’s normal—and honestly, it’s what makes Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup feel so hearty.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf (goodbye, little flavor raft).
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Go gradually since broth can vary in saltiness.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of Parmesan is never a bad idea. If you want to keep it simple, just grab a spoon and live your best cozy life.
My Best Tips for a Soup That Tastes Like You Tried Hard
- Don’t skip cooking the tomato paste. It’s a small step with big payoff.
- Stir the pasta occasionally. Macaroni can stick like it’s trying to become one giant noodle raft.
- Want it thicker? Let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking. The pasta will keep absorbing broth.
- Want it brothier? Add a splash more broth when reheating (especially for leftovers).
- Season at the end. Salt early + salty broth can turn dinner into a thirst trap.
And if your soup looks a little thicker than expected… congrats, you made it extra comforting. That’s not a problem—that’s a personality.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
This soup became one of my go-tos on nights when I wanted something homemade but did not want to negotiate with dinner like it’s a business meeting.
I remember making Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup when I had a busy day, the kitchen was a mess, and everyone was hungry right now. I tossed everything in the pot and hoped for the best. Ten minutes later, the smell alone had people hovering around like they were “just checking something.” Sure. Just checking the soup.
Now it’s the meal I make when I want comfort without complications—and honestly, I think that’s where the magic is.

FAQs About Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Small shapes work best—like shells, ditalini, or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking time since different pastas cook differently.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The pasta will soak up broth as it sits, so expect it to thicken.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but here’s the thing: pasta can get soft after freezing. If you’re planning to freeze, you can cook and freeze the soup base without the pasta, then add fresh pasta when you reheat. If you freeze it as-is, it’ll still be tasty—just a bit softer.
Can I swap the vegetables?
Totally. Use whatever you’ve got: green beans, corn, peas, chopped spinach, or even leftover roasted veggies. This soup is not picky.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can skip it, or add a small splash of soy sauce as a backup. Worcestershire adds depth, but the soup will still be delicious without it.
Grab a Spoon and Let This Soup Save Dinner
There are nights when we need dinner to be comforting, filling, and simple—no drama, no complicated steps, no extra dishes. That’s exactly why Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
It’s cozy, hearty, and dependable—like the friend who shows up with snacks and doesn’t judge your messy house. Make a big pot, enjoy it tonight, and thank your past self tomorrow when leftovers are waiting.
If you try this Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new “I need something warm and easy” favorite. Happy cooking!
More Cozy Dinners to Try Next
- If you loved the hearty, spoonable comfort of this soup, you’ll probably enjoy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup (easy, hands-off comfort) for another simple beefy bowl-night that basically cooks itself.
- Craving that same warm “one-pot saves the day” vibe? Add Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles With Ground Beef (weeknight lifesaver) to your list for a cozy, slurpable dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Want to keep the pasta comfort going (because honestly, why stop)? Try Garlic Beef Pasta (quick, buttery, and family-friendly) when you’re in the mood for something hearty but not soup-y.
- And if you’re feeling like “soup season is my personality,” you’ll love One Pot Lasagna Soup (all the lasagna vibes, way less work)—it’s rich, cozy, and perfect for busy nights.
⭐ Tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to hear how it turned out in your kitchen—please leave a quick review and tap your star rating (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️). Your feedback helps other readers (and makes my day!).
Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup is a cozy, one-pot comfort meal made with tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and veggies simmered in a rich tomato broth—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 cup chopped onion
-
6 cups beef broth
-
14 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp dried basil
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
1 bay leaf
-
1¾ cups macaroni
-
1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
-
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
-
Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and bay leaf. Stir well.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add macaroni and frozen vegetables. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
-
Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
Soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Small pasta shapes work best for even cooking.
Great for meal prep—flavor improves the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg