Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe

If there’s a single dish that instantly transports me back to cozy kitchens and weeknight family dinners, it’s Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. This pot of pure comfort marries tender ground beef, bouncy macaroni, sweet-tart tomatoes, and a gentle hint of spice into a hearty bowl that makes every spoonful count. It’s as quick as it is memorable, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or simply warming your soul. Each bite brings together nostalgic flavors with a little modern ease, making Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup an absolute must-have in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup comes from its simple lineup of kitchen staples—each ingredient lends its own unique flair, from the rich, savory depth of ground beef to the bright punch of tomatoes, all tied together with comforting pasta. Don’t overlook the little details here; each one truly shapes the finished soup!

• 1 pound ground beef: The backbone of this soup, providing hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens into the broth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brightens the soup and delivers that signature garlicky aroma.
• 4 cups beef broth: The savory base that brings everything together; opt for low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Gives a satisfying chunky tomato bite and a burst of tangy flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Builds a silky, tomato-rich broth for the macaroni to soak up.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the soup’s color.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An easy way to infuse timeless herby notes—oregano, basil, thyme, and more.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Gently warms the whole pot and heightens the soup’s rich red color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors—season as you go!
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic, perfectly bite-sized pasta that holds onto the brothy goodness.
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional): Adds sweetness, color, and a little crunch; it’s fun for kids, too.
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, pretty finish that brightens up the bowl.

How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating up your largest pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then crumble in the ground beef. As it cooks, break it apart with your spoon—it should be beautifully browned with no pink spots left. If there’s excess grease pooling in the pot, take a moment to drain it off for a lighter soup.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss in the diced onion and garlic, and let them sizzle alongside the beef for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir often, and enjoy the wave of savory aroma—this step softens the sharpness of the onion and makes the garlic delightfully fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Now comes the flavor boost! Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a grind or two of pepper. Give everything a good stir, then crank up the heat to bring your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup just to a lively boil.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Stir in your uncooked elbow macaroni, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly for about 10 to 12 minutes—don’t forget to stir now and then so nothing sticks! The pasta should turn tender, soaking up those awesome tomato and beef flavors.

Step 5: Add Corn and Finish Up

If you love a splash of sweetness and color, toss in the frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. Once everything is just right, your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is ready to serve! Ladle into big bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of green.

How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

A sprig of chopped parsley instantly brightens a bowl of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, but you can make it even more special. Try a dusting of grated Parmesan, or for a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of extra virgin olive oil gives it a glossy, restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This soup is a superstar all on its own, but pairing it with buttery garlic bread or a crisp, simple green salad makes every meal feel like a celebration. Kids love it with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side—it’s guaranteed comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your serving style! Pour Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup into big mugs for a cozy fireside vibe, dish it up in bread bowls for a wow-factor, or set up a “topping bar” with bowls of shredded cheese, chopped scallions, and croutons so everyone can make their bowl their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer extra soup to airtight containers and refrigerate—it’ll keep well for up to 4 days. Note that the pasta will soak up more broth as it sits, which means leftovers become thicker and heartier. Just add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to bring back the soup’s original slurpable texture.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, it’s best to freeze the soup without the macaroni; cooked pasta tends to soften too much after thawing. Simply prepare as directed, skip adding the pasta and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, cook up fresh macaroni and stir it into the thawed and reheated soup.

Reheating

Gently reheat Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened (as it likely will), just loosen it up with some extra broth or water. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly—heat in 1-minute bursts and stir in between until hot.

FAQs

Can I make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup without beef?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute for a lighter but still satisfying version of this soup. You’ll still get that wonderful tomato-macaroni combo with lots of flavor.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simple—use your favorite gluten-free macaroni or other short pasta. Double-check that your broth and canned tomato products are gluten-free as well, and you’re set for a comforting, gluten-free meal.

Is the corn necessary in this recipe?

Not at all! The corn is totally optional; it adds extra color and sweetness but can be left out with no issues. You can also try stirring in other veggie favorites, like peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers, for a twist.

Can I cook the macaroni separately?

Yes! If you want to keep your pasta perfectly al dente or plan to freeze the soup, cook the macaroni in a separate pot and stir it in just before serving. This way, you avoid any mushiness from the noodles soaking too long.

How do I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, reduce the amount of broth by half a cup, or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after the pasta is done. Remember, leftovers will naturally thicken a bit as the noodles absorb more liquid.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as soul-satisfying as a big bowl of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, and making it at home is a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or a table of grown-up friends, it’s the kind of soup that always gets second helpings. I truly hope you try it soon and make it a regular star at your dinner table!

Print