If you’re searching for a meal that wraps you in warmth, nostalgia, and inviting aromas, look no further than Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. This beloved classic is comfort in a bowl, combining tender ground beef, sweet tomatoes, hearty pasta, and savory seasonings in a way that’s both deeply satisfying and wonderfully simple. Whether you’re serving a hungry family on a chilly night or batch-cooking for easy lunches, this soup never fails to deliver all the cozy, homey feelings that remind us why classics become classics in the first place.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is in its unfussy, down-to-earth shopping list. Every single component has something special to offer—whether it’s the deep flavor from the beef, the bright tang of tomatoes, or the irresistible texture of tender macaroni.
- Olive oil: For browning the meat and sautéing aromatic veggies, this brings a subtle richness to the soup’s foundation.
- Ground beef: Opt for 80-85% lean for a perfect blend of juicy flavor and easy cooking.
- Onion: Dice it small for even sweetness that melts seamlessly into the broth.
- Garlic: Mince it freshly for a deeper, more aromatic punch—pre-minced is handy in a pinch.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): These add body and juicy bits of tomato to every spoonful.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the soup its signature velvety, tangy base.
- Beef broth: Lends savory depth; opt for low-sodium if you like more seasoning control.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that perfectly ties the flavors together.
- Paprika: Adds just a hint of smoky sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out and balancing all the elements.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic choice—its shape holds all that tasty broth and meat.
- Frozen corn (optional): A touch of sweetness and pop of color—stir it in or skip, depending on your mood.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, herby finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup journey by heating olive oil in a big, sturdy pot on medium. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until there’s no pink left. Once browned, don’t forget to drain off any extra fat for a cleaner, lighter soup base—all the flavor remains, but you avoid any oily texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in your diced onion and freshly minced garlic straight into the browned beef. Let everything mingle for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should turn translucent and soft, while the garlic fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering, savory smell that tells everyone something good is on the way.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Now for the flavor foundation! Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a lively boil—this helps all the savory notes blend and bloom together.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Once boiling, pour in your uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer so the pasta softens without becoming mushy. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the macaroni is just tender—stir occasionally to stop any sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
Step 5: Stir in Corn & Finish
If you’re using corn, now’s the time to add it during the last 5 minutes. It gives a little pop of sweetness and color to your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. When everything’s perfectly cooked, it’s time to ladle up bowls of goodness, piping hot and ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a wonderful, simple finish—it brightens each bowl and looks inviting. For extra flair, you can also add a dusting of parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. The key is making every serving of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup feel thoughtful and homey.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with thick slices of buttered sourdough, crisp garlic bread, or a refreshing simple salad. For a heartier spread, add a plate of cheese and crackers or roasted veggies. Since Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is so flavorful and filling, light and crunchy sides offer the perfect balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into oven-safe bowls, topping with mozzarella or cheddar, and broiling for a minute until bubbly. Serve in mugs for cozy movie-night eats, or top with crispy fried onions or crushed croutons to add a playful crunch to every bite—everyone loves an unexpected twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is ideal for making ahead. Simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, often tasting even richer the next day. Just remember, the pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so expect a thicker consistency.
Freezing
To freeze, portion out the completely cooled Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. For best texture, consider freezing before adding the macaroni, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. It’ll keep well for up to three months in the freezer—just label with the date for easy meal planning!
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, simply simmer the soup gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen up the thickened consistency as needed. If you’re microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Add a fresh sprinkle of herbs or cheese to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic in Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, feel free to swap in shells, rotini, or even small penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may cook faster or slower.
What’s the best beef to use for this soup?
Lean or medium ground beef works well, but you can use extra-lean for a lighter soup or a blend with a bit more fat for richer flavor. Just remember to drain off excess grease so the soup doesn’t feel heavy.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Make a delicious vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead. Increase the veggies to make it even heartier!
Can I cook the macaroni separately?
Yes, cooking the pasta separately works especially well if you’re planning leftovers. Add cooked macaroni to each bowl before serving and ladle the hot soup over—it prevents the pasta from soaking up all the broth.
How do I add more vegetables?
Feel free to load up your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup with diced carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach. Just add sturdy veggies with the onions and garlic, and quick-cooking greens near the end for the best texture and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a big pot of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup bubbling away on the stove—a simple meal that brings people together and never goes out of style. Gather your ingredients, embrace the ease, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a bowlful of comforting, homemade goodness tonight. You’re going to love every hearty spoonful!
Print
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Optional:
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add macaroni: Add elbow macaroni, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Optional: If using corn, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers thicken as they sit—add extra broth when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
