If there’s one dish that captures hearts and cravings on chilly evenings, it’s Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. Comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy to whip up, this soup combines tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and lovable elbow macaroni all simmered in a savory broth. One steaming bowl is a hug in soup form—rich, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. If you’re after the ultimate cozy meal, you cannot go wrong with Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup shines with a simple lineup of ingredients, each one adding its own bit of magic to the pot. Every component plays an important role, from the robust beef to the tangy tomatoes and comforting pasta. Here’s what you’ll want to use for the best results!
- Olive Oil: Adds wonderful depth, and keeps the beef from sticking while browning.
- Ground Beef: The star protein—choose 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful soup.
- Onion: Gives a lovely sweet undertone once softened; yellow or white both work great.
- Garlic: Essential for building that irresistible aroma and flavor in every spoonful.
- Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted if you want an extra layer of smokiness in your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup.
- Beef Broth: Forms the backbone of the soup’s base—go for low-sodium if you like to control the salt.
- Tomato Sauce: Gives the broth its luscious color and tangy taste.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings in herby warmth and balances the richness.
- Smoked Paprika: This adds subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color to perk up the pot.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple, classic seasonings to tie all the flavors together.
- Elbow Macaroni: This pasta shape is both nostalgic and perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Optional): Stir these in for added color, texture, and a veggie boost.
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle on top just before serving for a pop of green and freshness.
How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Watch for the moment it turns perfectly browned—that’s when all those mouthwatering flavors start to form. Don’t forget to drain off a bit of the fat if there’s too much; you want the soup rich, not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once the beef is ready, add in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for a few minutes, letting the onion soften and infuse the pot with its delicate sweetness, while the garlic becomes fragrant. These aromatics make a massive difference, layering flavors right from the start.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Here’s where the soup truly comes to life! Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then bring everything up to a gentle boil. These simple spices add complexity without overpowering the beef and tomato base.
Step 4: Simmer the Broth
Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the broth time to meld and intensify, letting every ingredient get cozy together in the pot. If you’re inclined, pop the lid on but leave a crack to avoid losing too much steam.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, and let them cook right in the broth. This is where the magic happens—the pasta soaks up the savory tomato flavor while thickening the soup just enough. If you love a veggie-packed soup, add your frozen mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking.
Step 6: Taste and Finish
Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Once the macaroni is tender and the broth is fragrant and hearty, you’re ready to ladle up the goodness. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness!
How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
No bowl of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is complete without a flourish of fresh parsley. It’s more than just a pretty touch—the little burst of green wakes up the flavors right before it hits your spoon. If you’re feeling extra, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty slice of rustic bread to soak up all that savory broth. Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches make ideal companions and turn your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup into a full, soul-warming meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup in wide pasta bowls to showcase all those chunky, colorful ingredients. For special occasions, you can ladle the soup into oven-safe mugs, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and pop them under the broiler until bubbly. Add a swirl of pesto or drizzle of olive oil on top for that chef’s kiss of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, keeping Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup delicious for lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though keep in mind the pasta can soften after thawing. To maintain the best texture, you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it in fresh when reheating soup from the freezer. Just portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If the soup has thickened (thanks to the pasta), simply stir in extra beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup, Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any small pasta shape will do—think ditalini, shells, or even rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary by shape and size.
How do I make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup gluten-free?
It’s simple! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free elbows or small pasta shapes, and confirm your broth is gluten-free. The soup turns out just as cozy and comforting.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used if you prefer a lighter version. The soup will still be hearty and delicious, though the flavor profile will be a bit different—consider adding an extra dash of Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
Is it okay to add more veggies?
Definitely! Add whatever veggies your family loves—carrots, spinach, corn, or bell peppers are all excellent in Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. Stir in delicate greens like spinach at the very end to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What’s the best way to adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thinner broth, simply add extra beef broth or water as needed. For a thicker, stew-like soup, let it simmer uncovered a little longer, or add a handful more pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s equal parts nourishing, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing, you absolutely must give Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup a try. It’s one of those recipes that delivers every single time, bringing cozy nostalgia and full-bodied flavor to your table. Grab a big spoon and enjoy—it just might become your new comfort food favorite!
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Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup recipe that is perfect for chilly days. This soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in macaroni and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is tender. If using mixed vegetables, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Leftovers will thicken as the pasta absorbs the broth—add more beef broth when reheating if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
