If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfies your appetite with every spoonful, this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining juicy, browned beef with the rich tang of tomatoes and perfectly tender elbow macaroni, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your soul with cozy happiness. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want a wholesome meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers all that and more with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup shines because of the straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together in harmony to create a depth of flavor, satisfying texture, and cheerful color. Each component plays a key role—from the savory ground beef providing richness, to the acidic tomatoes that bring brightness, and the macaroni that offers comforting heartiness.
- Ground beef: The foundation of this soup, it adds meaty flavor and hearty texture.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed to sweeten and deepen the base flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for aromatic warmth and a subtle bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle spice that enlivens the soup.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Provides a smoky dimension that complements the beef perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: The heart of this soup, offering bright acidity and body.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the broth.
- Beef broth (or chicken broth): The liquid base that carries all the flavors together.
- Elbow macaroni: Small pasta that cooks tender and soaks up the delicious broth.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile.
- Sugar (optional): A small touch to balance the tomatoes’ acidity if desired.
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish): A salty, umami-rich topping to finish off the soup beautifully.
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. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. This step is crucial as browning the beef develops deep, savory flavors. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily, ensuring a balanced texture in the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss the diced onion into the pot with your browned beef. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just long enough for its wonderful aroma to fill your kitchen—about 1 minute. This flavor base forms the heart of the soup’s savory profile.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, and add the tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika if using, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This combination promises a robust, full-bodied soup with all the classic tomato-beef harmony you love.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the elbow macaroni. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. The macaroni will absorb the tomato-rich broth and become tender, lending a wonderful substance to every spoonful.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings
Now it’s time for the finishing touches! Taste your soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. If the tomatoes are a bit too sharp, a small pinch of sugar can perfectly balance the acidity. This step personalizes the soup so it tastes just how you like it—comforting and homey.
Step 6: Serve with Garnishes
Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you have them on hand. These garnishes brighten the flavors and add a lovely presentation touch that makes the meal feel even more special.
How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only adds a splash of cheerful green but also gives a subtle herbaceous contrast to the tomato richness. Parmesan cheese dissolves slightly into the hot soup, bringing an irresistible salty, creamy note that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. Alternatively, a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the warmth and heft of the soup, making the meal feel complete and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for a rustic feel that’s sure to impress family or guests. You could also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed red pepper flakes on top for added texture and a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even tastier, though the pasta may soften more over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but it’s best to cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the macaroni may absorb a lot of the broth and become mushy after thawing, so for optimal texture you might want to freeze the soup without pasta and add freshly cooked macaroni when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without overcooking the pasta. If the soup thickens too much during cooling, add a splash of broth or water to restore the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or small penne work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
For a plant-based version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The tomato and seasoning base will still give you plenty of flavor.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe leans toward a mild, comforting flavor profile. The smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky warmth without heat. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicier.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a crowd?
Definitely! This soup is fantastic for making ahead and can be easily doubled or tripled. Just remember to store the macaroni separately if possible to keep it from getting too soft before serving.
What should I serve with Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe for a complete meal?
Complement this soup with a simple green salad and fresh bread or garlic toast for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal that covers all the bases.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe to make you feel cozy and content. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup recipe combines ground beef, tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this one-pot soup is seasoned with smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese to elevate its taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or small pasta)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess grease to keep the soup from getting oily.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aroma.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer with pasta: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if desired to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if preferred. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad alongside for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using beef broth intensifies the beef flavor, but chicken broth can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky depth to the soup.
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Add pasta last and simmer just until tender to avoid mushy noodles.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
