Creamy Beef and Pasta Soup (Hearty One-Pot Comfort Food)
Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food dinner recipe, this Creamy Beef and Pasta Soup is rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Made with tender ground beef, small pasta noodles, carrots, onions, herbs, and a luxuriously creamy broth, this dish combines the warmth of a classic soup with the indulgence of a creamy pasta meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather dinners, or when you need a family-friendly one-pot meal that everyone will love. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and made with pantry staples, making it a top choice for home cooks searching for budget-friendly dinner ideas or easy comfort food recipes.
With flavors similar to cheeseburger soup, creamy beef noodle soup, and hamburger macaroni, this dish is filling enough to stand alone as a complete meal. Serve it with crusty bread or garlic toast, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Pasta Soup
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One-pot recipe (easy cleanup)
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Ready in under 45 minutes
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High-protein, filling, and comforting
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Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
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Customizable with vegetables and seasonings
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Great for kids and picky eaters
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Ideal for fall and winter meals
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
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2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
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1 cup heavy cream
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1½ cups small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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¼ tsp dried thyme
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Tip: Browning the beef properly adds deep flavor and improves the final taste of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add chopped onion and carrots to the pot with the beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This step helps thicken the soup later.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta directly into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Important: Do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the soup.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheese (if using). Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the soup thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
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Use small pasta shapes so every spoonful has pasta
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Whole milk creates a creamier texture than low-fat milk
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Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping
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Keep heat low after adding dairy to avoid curdling
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Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking
Variations & Substitutions
Healthier Version
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Use ground turkey or lean beef
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Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk
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Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini
Cheesy Cheeseburger Soup Style
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Add extra cheddar cheese
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Stir in 1 tsp mustard powder
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Top with crumbled bacon
Spicy Version
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Add red pepper flakes
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Use pepper jack cheese
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Stir in a dash of hot sauce
Gluten-Free Option
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Use gluten-free pasta
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Replace flour with cornstarch slurry
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze without pasta for best texture. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Fiber: 3g
What to Serve with Creamy Beef Pasta Soup
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Garlic bread
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Dinner rolls
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Side salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Grilled cheese sandwich
Related Questions (SEO-Optimized FAQs)
What is the best pasta for creamy beef soup?
Small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or shells works best because it holds the creamy broth and cooks evenly.
Can I make creamy beef pasta soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except pasta and cream. Cook on low for 6 hours, add pasta and cream during the last 30 minutes.
How do you thicken creamy soup without cream?
You can use flour, cornstarch, mashed potatoes, or blended vegetables to thicken soup without heavy cream.
Is creamy beef soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for weekly meal prep.
Can I freeze creamy pasta soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without pasta and dairy, then add fresh when reheating.
What makes soup creamy without curdling?
Always add dairy on low heat and avoid boiling after adding milk or cream.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. The mild, creamy flavor is popular with children and picky eaters.
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