If you are searching for a comforting, hearty meal that combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture, the Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish features tender ground beef simmered alongside vibrant tomatoes and perfectly cooked macaroni, all nestled in a warm, flavorful broth. It’s a bowl of pure comfort that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, making it a beloved favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of flavor or creating the ideal texture. The simplicity of these essentials is what makes this soup both approachable and incredibly tasty.
- Vegetable oil: Helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection while adding a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened, forming the base flavor.
- Green bell pepper: Gives a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that brightens the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the broth with a warm, aromatic bite that enhances every spoonful.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory, meaty backbone to the dish.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle kick and smoky undertone, balancing the tomato’s acidity.
- Dried oregano: Offers an earthy herbal note that complements the beef and tomatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- Condensed cream of tomato soup: Adds creaminess and concentrated tomato flavor for richness.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Contributes fresh acidity and lovely texture throughout the soup.
- Beef broth: Deepens the meatiness and boosts the soup’s savory complexity.
- Water: Balances the broth to the perfect consistency.
- Uncooked pasta: The macaroni softens in the broth, soaking up flavor and adding heartiness.
How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step builds the foundational aroma that will carry through the whole soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy while retaining the meat’s rich flavor base.
Step 3: Spice Things Up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices gently, releasing their bold aroma. This quick step transforms the soup from basic to bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomato and Broth Components
Pour in the condensed cream of tomato soup, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the creamy, tangy, and savory elements into one luscious broth.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then add the uncooked macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks until it reaches al dente texture—tender but still with a slight bite, perfectly soaking up all the flavors.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Now it’s ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed immediately—a soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful.
How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, top your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly shredded cheddar cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream or a few crunchy croutons can also add delightful texture and creaminess, turning a simple bowl into something special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for sopping up every last bit. A light side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast to the comforting warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in individual mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch that impresses guests. For a more modern twist, use clear glass mugs to showcase the colorful layers of beef, macaroni, and tomato broth. Adding a swirl of pesto or hot sauce on top can also provide a flavor pop and beautiful visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe can be transferred into airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together over time, making the soup taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to undercook the macaroni slightly when making it fresh so it holds up better after thawing and reheating, avoiding mushy noodles.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly without overcooking the pasta. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Microwaving is also convenient but be sure to heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional in this soup, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or even elbow pasta work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
Is this soup spicy?
The chili powder adds a mild warmth but this recipe is not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can easily add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the ingredients remain the same to keep that comforting tomato flavor.
How thick or thin is the soup?
The soup has a deliciously balanced broth—not too thick or too thin. The cream of tomato soup gives it a smooth, slightly creamy texture, while the broth and diced tomatoes keep it light and inviting.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing flavor?
Slowly reheating on the stovetop with gentle stirring preserves texture and flavor best. Adding a little broth or water can help maintain the right consistency. Avoid microwaving on high power to prevent uneven heating or dry edges.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe has been one of my cozy favorites for good reason. It’s simple to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on chilly days. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation—warm, nourishing, and utterly delicious every single time.
Print
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is a comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for a family dinner, it simmers vegetables and spices with beef and noodles to create a rich, satisfying soup ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Soups and Liquids
- 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of tomato soup
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 32 ounces beef broth
- 4 cups water
Other
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Season the meat: Stir in chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their aroma and enhance the flavor.
- Add liquids and soups: Pour in the condensed cream of tomato soup, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer with pasta: Bring the soup to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the pasta is just al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the beef and tomato macaroni soup warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape you like, such as macaroni, elbow, or ditalini.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or cook uncovered for a few minutes after adding the pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Optional garnish ideas include shredded cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
