Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you have to try this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe. It’s a charming blend of rich ground beef, bright tomatoes, tender elbow macaroni, and bold seasonings simmered to perfection. Every spoonful offers a satisfying mix of savory flavors and comforting textures that make it perfect for family dinners or a soul-soothing treat any day of the week. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, packing big taste with everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list that comes together effortlessly but with a big payoff in flavor. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory ground beef to the vibrant tomatoes and the comforting pasta, creating a delightful harmony with every bite.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a rich, meaty base that adds depth and heartiness to the soup.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor, balancing the acidity and savoriness.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat and layers of spice.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings a smoky undertone that elevates this classic soup beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes, canned (14.5 oz): Adds bright, tangy tomato flavor and juicy texture to brighten the broth.
- Tomato paste (6 oz): Concentrates the tomato’s richness and thickens the soup slightly.
- Beef broth (6 cups, or chicken broth): Creates a flavorful liquid foundation that ties all ingredients together seamlessly.
- Elbow macaroni (1 cup): Offers a tender, bite-sized pasta that soaks up all those delicious tomato-beef flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant mix of herbs that gives the soup a classic, comforting profile.
- Sugar (½ teaspoon, optional): Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly mellow flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor at serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish): Offers a salty, creamy finish that melts beautifully into the hot soup.
How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This step is crucial because developing that caramelized crust on the beef adds such depth to the soup’s flavor. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, add your diced onion directly to the pot, letting it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. The onions provide a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until the scent becomes fragrant and inviting—this little step wakes up the flavor for the entire soup.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato paste, stirring to combine their tangy richness. Then add the beef broth along with salt, pepper, smoked paprika if you’re using it, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil—this melds all those savory and herbal notes right into the broth.
Step 4: Simmer with Macaroni
Turn your heat down to low and stir in the elbow macaroni. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender but still holding its shape. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking. This step transforms the soup into a filling and hearty meal.
Step 5: Final Taste and Seasoning Adjustments
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as you like. If the tomatoes feel too acidic, a pinch of sugar helps mellow them out beautifully. Add extra salt or pepper if needed—this soup comes alive with those finishing touches.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite garnishes if desired. This is the moment to personalize the dish, whether that means a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color or a shaving of Parmesan for creamy, salty goodness.
How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the soup, making each spoonful feel fresh and vibrant. Grated Parmesan cheese offers a nutty, salty creaminess that melts over the hot soup, intensifying the savory flavors—you won’t want to skip these little extras!
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the juicy broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a nice, light contrast to the heartiness of the soup, rounding out your meal with some crisp texture and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls for a rustic, comforting presentation. You can also top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto to add new layers of flavor. These little touches make it feel special, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld, making it an excellent meal prep choice for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze the Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind the pasta will slightly soften after thawing, so you might want to undercook the macaroni a little if you plan on freezing it.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. This careful reheating keeps the flavors bright and the textures satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the soup a bit lighter. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly to develop plenty of flavor before adding the other ingredients.
Is there a good vegetarian alternative for this soup?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep that rich, savory essence while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What pasta type works best in this soup?
Elbow macaroni is classic here because it holds onto the broth well and cooks evenly. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, shells, or small rotini can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add the pasta in the final 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
How can I reduce the sodium in this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe?
Use low-sodium broth and skip adding extra salt initially. Taste the soup at the end and season lightly to keep the flavors balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying and nourishing meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home—full of comforting warmth and delicious flavor with every spoonful. I encourage you to make a pot for your next dinner and enjoy the cozy goodness with loved ones. You might just find yourself reaching for the leftovers all week long!
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Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is a comforting one-pot meal combining browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based broth seasoned with Italian herbs and smoked paprika. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with optional garnishes like fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
Tomato Base and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
Pasta
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or small pasta)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika if using, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld the flavors.
- Simmer with Pasta: Lower the heat to low and add the elbow macaroni. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the macaroni is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato acidity according to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, don’t skip the smoked paprika but it is optional for a more traditional tomato soup taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if preferred or to lighten the flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar only if the soup tastes too acidic from the tomatoes.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor more than pre-grated cheese.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced carrots or celery during the onion sauté step for extra nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
