Hearty Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort seekers adore this hearty beef and tomato macaroni soup that hugs your soul with every spoonful.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through each rich, savory bite.

Warm, robust flavors emerge from simple ingredients blended with care.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments when this soup arrives at the table.

Rustic and satisfying, each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked goodness.

Childhood nostalgia mingles with deep, umami notes that make you close your eyes in pure contentment.

Hungry?

This soup promises to become your new go-to comfort classic.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this soup?

Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and less grease. The meat will brown nicely and provide rich taste without excessive fat.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup and refrigerate it for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth since pasta absorbs liquid and might thicken the soup.

• Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, beef, and mild tomato flavors makes it appealing to children. The soft macaroni and familiar ingredients typically please younger palates.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use ground turkey instead of beef, add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots, and choose whole wheat macaroni for increased nutritional value. You can also reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt added.

Why You’ll Enjoy Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a hearty, soul-warming soup that satisfies hunger with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Pot Dish: Simplify your cooking by using a single pot, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess dramatically.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like pasta and ground beef, this soup guarantees clean plates and happy faces at dinner.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customize with optional toppings like cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream to match individual tastes and preferences.

What You Need for Tomato Macaroni Soup with Beef

• Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful meat that adds protein to the soup.
• Beef Broth: Rich liquid that deepens the meaty flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide a savory base.
• Garlic: Fragrant ingredient that enhances overall taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Tangy and chunky tomatoes that add texture and freshness.
• Tomato Soup: Smooth tomato base that creates a rich soup consistency.

• Chili Powder, Oregano: Warm and herbaceous spices that boost flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance taste.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that adds hearty substance.

• Vegetable Oil: Light oil for sautéing vegetables.
• Water: Additional liquid to adjust soup consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic

Sauté until vegetables turn soft and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Slide ground beef into the pot.

Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon.

Cook until beef loses all pink color.

Drain away excess fat for a lighter soup.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir spices and let them bloom for 1-2 minutes, releasing their deep flavors.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

• Tomato soup
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Beef broth
• Water

Mix everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add macaroni to the bubbling liquid.

Lower heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let pasta cook until tender but still slightly firm, around 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touch

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like fresh herbs or grated cheese.

Tips to Make Your Macaroni Soup Even Better

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup and enhance the clean, rich flavor of the dish.
• Toast spices for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids to release deeper, more complex flavor profiles and maximize aromatic intensity.
• Add pasta near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture, ensuring the noodles don't become mushy.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to control spiciness, allowing you to personalize the soup's warmth for different taste preferences.
• Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving to add brightness and fresh contrast to the hearty soup.

How to Save and Reheat Beef Macaroni Soup

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring to restore original consistency.

Sides That Work with Tomato Macaroni Soup

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel that complements the hearty beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the soup's richness with its bold fruit notes.
• Bread Partner: Serve crusty garlic bread or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the savory broth, adding delightful texture and extra flavor dimensions to each spoonful.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust taste and provide a fresh, cool contrast to the warm, meaty dish.
• Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to brighten the soup's appearance and add a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the overall taste experience.

Soup Flavor Twists with Beef & Tomato

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Variation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a protein-rich meat-free soup that keeps the robust tomato base and spice blend.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium beef broth and canned tomatoes, reduce added salt, and incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme to boost flavor without increasing sodium content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, increase chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice for a zesty southwestern-inspired soup that brings extra heat and complexity.

Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef & tomato macaroni soup combines classic comfort with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate. Warm, satisfying spoonful by spoonful, this soul-soothing recipe brings Italian-American cuisine right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 32 ounces (907 grams) beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (10.75-ounce/305 grams) cans condensed cream of tomato soup
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Pasta:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked pasta
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups water

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, drizzling vegetable oil across the surface to create a sizzling foundation.
2. Gently tumble chopped onions, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic into the heated oil, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef into the vegetable medley, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil until no rosy hues remain. Discard accumulated grease to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper across the meat mixture, stirring consistently to awaken the spices’ deep, complex notes.
5. Pour tomato soup, chunky diced tomatoes with their vibrant juices, robust beef broth, and pure water into the pot, creating a harmonious liquid landscape. Stir thoroughly to integrate all components.
6. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, then introduce macaroni pasta, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, allowing the pasta to tenderly cook and absorb the savory essence for 10-12 minutes.
7. Taste the soup, calibrating seasonings with additional salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter soup.
• Use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber and a nutritious twist on the classic recipe.
• Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt content and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder or adding a dash of hot sauce for spice lovers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg