Macaroni Soup With Herbs And Spinach

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Macaroni Soup with Herbs and Spinach. This hearty soup combines lean ground beef with a medley of aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs, creating a savory base that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

The addition of elbow macaroni and tender baby spinach adds texture and color, making this dish a delightful meal for any occasion. Perfect for chilly days, serve it alongside your favorite crusty bread for a complete and cozy dining experience!

Macaroni Soup With Herbs And Spinach

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

450 g (1 lb) lean ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium carrot, diced

2 celery ribs, diced

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes

100 g (3.5 oz) elbow macaroni

1.5 litre (6 cups) vegetable stock

100 g baby spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven and cook the ground beef for 5-6 minutes until browned.

Add the onion, carrot and celery and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic, rosemary and thyme and red chilli flakes and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the macaroni and stock to the pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dente.

Stir in the baby spinach and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Season to taste and serve with your favourite crusty bread.

Notes:

Meat Options: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables or beans.

Herb Variations: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor, but you can use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use about one-third of the amount if using dried herbs.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans, for added nutrition and flavor.

Spice Level: Adjust the red chili flakes to your taste. Omit them for a milder soup or increase for extra heat.

Macaroni Alternatives: Other pasta shapes like small shells, penne, or fusilli can be used if elbow macaroni isn’t on hand.

Stock Choices: Homemade vegetable stock will provide the best flavor, but store-bought stock works well too. Adjust salt accordingly if using salted stock.

Cooking Time: Monitor the macaroni closely as cooking times may vary based on the type and brand of pasta used. Aim for al dente to prevent mushiness.

Storing Leftovers: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the pasta separately, as it can become mushy when thawed and reheated.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this macaroni soup?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner version of the soup.

What other herbs can be used if fresh rosemary and thyme are not available?

Dried rosemary and thyme can be used as alternatives, with a recommended substitution ratio of 1:3 (1 part dried herbs for 3 parts fresh).

Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Just be sure to adjust seasoning if needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have elbow macaroni?

Yes, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or small penne in place of elbow macaroni.

How can I make this macaroni soup vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Can I use homemade vegetable stock instead of store-bought?

Certainly! Homemade vegetable stock can enhance the flavor of the soup.

Ensure it’s well-seasoned for the best results.

What’s a good substitute for spinach in this recipe?

Kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes for spinach.

Chop them finely and add during the last minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftover macaroni soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this soup?

While the pasta may slightly change texture upon freezing, you can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw and reheat before serving.

What is a suitable bread option to serve with this soup?

A crusty baguette, Italian bread, or garlic bread are great choices to serve alongside this macaroni soup.