Instant Pot Macaroni Beef Soup

This Instant Pot Macaroni Beef Soup is gluten free, comfort food at its best. With a tasty tomato base, succulent chunks of ground beef and fulfilling macaroni noodles, it’s simple, speedy but so delicious.

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When it comes to feeding a family, it’s important to me that the meals I make are healthy, fulfilling and delicious. There’s no question this macaroni beef soup ticks all three boxes.  Although it’s a soup, this recipe won’t take hours simmering on the stove or leave you craving carbs an hour later. That’s why it’s perfect for those cold yet chaotic weeknights when we need comfort food quickly. Packed with protein and veg it’s hearty yet healthy that all ages will enjoy.

While I love soup season, no one wants a house full of hangry teenagers waiting 2 hours for dinner to cook. That’s why I let my Instant Pot do all the work. You literally throw the ingredients in the pot, set the cooking time for four minutes, and voila, done. Set it and forget it. A gluten-free family dinner in under 30 minutes makes family meal planning so much easier.

New to the Instant Pot? Check out my guide to Instant Pot Tips and Tricks You Need to Know.

About The Ingredients

• Ground beef – For best results use lean ground beef as this has less fat content. You can also use regular ground beef but you will need to drain it. If you prefer, you can also switch out beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Yellow onion – Sauteing onion at the start helps to release flavor that will create the base for your soup.
• Diced tomatoes – don’t drain the liquid from the diced tomatoes as this is needed for your broth.
• Worcestershire sauce – is a simple, affordable way to pack in powerful flavors without adding several ingredients. Anchovies give Worcestershire sauce its unique flavor, but savoriness is also tempered by vinegar. This combination really helps to enhance rich, meat-focused meals like this soup.
• Macaroni – no need to cook before hand, it will cook in the soup. I use gluten free, large elbow macaroni noodles but you can use whatever kind you have in your pantry.
• Beef Broth – I prefer homemade bone broth as I can control the salt content. If using store bought make sure to opt for low sodium.
• Dried Oregano leaves – dried oregano has a more intense flavor than fresh so stick with dried.
• Dried basil – dried basil is more concentrated than fresh basil leaves so will add a stronger flavor.
• Chopped parsley – optional but fresh parsley is the perfect garnish for this Instant Pot macaroni beef soup.

How To Make Instant Pot Macaroni Beef Soup Step By Step

1. Add the ground beef and onion to the Instant Pot. Sauté until the ground beef is brown and onions translucent.
2. Drain any excess grease from the beef and onions then return them to the Instant Pot.
3. Add all the remaining ingredients.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing.
5. Set for a manual high time of 4 minutes, allowing for a quick pressure release at the end of the cooking time. Remember, it can take up to about 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and then begin the cooking time.
6. Once ready, spoon your soup into bowls to serve and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with gluten free bread.

How To Store Macaroni Beef Soup

Leftover tomato macaroni soup will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I prefer to store food in plastic free containers but any air tight container will do. Note it will thicken in the fridge as the noodles soak up the broth.   

If you wish to freeze it, prepare as per instructions but do not add the pasta. Pasta will go super soggy if you try to freeze and thaw it. Once completely cool, add to an airtight container or freezer-friendly zip loc bag. It can then be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Add the pasta during reheating.

Fun fact, I actually got rid of my microwave, but you may prefer to use one to reheat or check out my guide of ways to reheat food without a microwave. You can also reheat using the Instant Pot, or warm on the stove until hot throughout. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out.

Can you make macaroni beef soup in the slow cooker?

If you prefer to chuck in all the ingredients before work and have a delicious soup ready for dinner when you get home then the slow cooker method is for you. First fry the ground beef and onion in a pan until brown. Then drain the grease. Add to the slow cooker followed by the broth, tomatoes, herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours. Add dry macaroni around 30 minutes before serving, or cook the macaroni first and add when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add extra veggies?

Ofcourse. Soups are an excellent way to use up veggies or sneak in extra to your kids diet.  Carrots, celery, kale and spinach all make great additions but feel free to experiment. Frozen veggies can also work particularly well as they won’t go too soft in the Instant Pot.

Can you make this macaroni beef soup vegetarian?

Yes. If you prefer a meatless version, you could switch out the beef for beans and use vegetable stock instead. Try black beans, cannelloni or kidney beans. Alternatively, you could check out my Minestrone Soup Recipe.

Is this soup spicy?

This macaroni beef soup is ideal for all ages as it is not spicy. If you are looking for a meat soup with a kick, check out my Instant Pot Taco Soup recipe, alternatively you could add a 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder, cumin or a few jalapenos.

Top Tips

• This soup is best served immediately to avoid the pasta going mushy. If you plan on storing it, it will thicken in the fridge so you may need to add more broth before serving the leftovers.
• This soup also works well with ground turkey or chicken.
• Although it’s a four minute cook time, keep in mind that your Instant Pot needs time to build pressure. This is usually around 20-25 minutes.

More Instant Pot Soup Recipes You Might Like

• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Instant Pot Taco Soup
• 50+ Instant Pot Soup and Stew Recipes
• Instant Pot Fajita Soup

Have you tried this Instant Pot Macaroni Beef Soup? Don’t forget to comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.