Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup
Warm and hearty, Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is the perfect comfort dish that brings together the wholesome flavors of beef, tomatoes, and pasta in a single, satisfying bowl. This classic soup recipe offers a delightful combination of savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and tender elbow macaroni, creating a meal that is both nourishing and delicious.
The rich beef broth, infused with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, provides a robust base that complements the sweetness of diced tomatoes and mixed vegetables. Quick to prepare and easy to love, this soup is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a comforting embrace with every spoonful.
Whether served as a standalone meal or accompanied by a sprinkle of shredded cheese, this dish promises to warm hearts and fill stomachs with its homey, satisfying flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of lean ground beef, tender macaroni, and a medley of vegetables makes this soup both filling and satisfying. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for those seeking comfort and nourishment.
Rich and Flavorful Broth: The beef broth, enhanced with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, creates a rich and savory base that is deeply flavorful. The addition of herbs like oregano and basil introduces aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste.
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep work and simple steps, it allows home cooks to create a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile and Adaptable: The soup can easily be customized to suit personal preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, swap in different types of pasta, or add more vegetables. This flexibility makes it a versatile dish that can be tailored to individual tastes or dietary needs.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors of this soup continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers equally, if not more, delicious. It stores well in the refrigerator, providing a convenient option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Key Ingredients:
Lean Ground Beef: This provides the soup with a rich, savory foundation. The lean variety ensures that the dish remains hearty without being overly greasy, contributing to a balanced and satisfying meal.
Beef Broth: Serving as the base of the soup, beef broth infuses the dish with deep, umami flavors. It enhances the richness of the soup and complements the ground beef, creating a robust and flavorful experience.
Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These ingredients add a tangy, slightly sweet element that balances the savory beef and broth. The diced tomatoes provide texture, while the tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, enriching the overall taste of the soup.
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta adds a comforting and filling element to the soup. Its shape and texture make it ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth, ensuring each bite is both satisfying and delicious.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient and colorful addition, these vegetables enhance the nutritional value of the soup. They bring a variety of textures and subtle sweetness, complementing the savory and tangy notes of the other ingredients.
Aromatic Seasonings (Onion, Worcestershire Sauce, Oregano, Basil): The combination of onion and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile. Oregano and basil introduce earthy and aromatic notes, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup onion diced
6 cups beef broth
14 ounces diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
In a large soup pot brown beef and onion until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in macaroni noodles and vegetables, simmer an additional 8 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Serve with shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
If adding fresh vegetables add before the pasta so they have time to soften.
If you are not going to be eating this all at one sitting, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl. If the macaroni is left in the soup overnight, it will soak up the broth and become mushy.
Change the flavor of this soup with seasonings and toppings. Try taco seasoning, with avocados, sliced jalapenos, and a dollop of sour cream on top for a taco soup.
For a meatless option, swap out the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or black eyed peas.
For best results when freezing, leave the pasta out and add when reheating.
Ground Turkey: Lean ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Pasta Varieties: Besides elbow macaroni, other small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini can be used.
Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables can replace frozen ones; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Worcestershire Sauce Substitute: Soy sauce can be used as an alternative to Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor profile.
Browning Meat: Ensure thorough browning of beef and onion to enhance flavor.
Pasta Cooking: If not consuming the entire batch at once, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it to individual servings to prevent mushiness upon reheating.
Fresh Vegetables Timing: Add fresh vegetables before the pasta to ensure they cook through.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to customize the soup’s flavor. For instance, try taco seasoning with avocado, sliced jalapenos, and sour cream for a taco-inspired twist.
Meatless Option: Swap ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or black-eyed peas for a meatless alternative.
Freezing: For best results when freezing, exclude the pasta and add it when reheating to maintain its texture.
Make Ahead: The soup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 359 | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 661mg | Potassium: 1083mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2469IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or fusilli.
Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked to your preference.
Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making ahead.
In fact, the flavors often deepen and become more pronounced with time.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened, and heat gently on the stovetop.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
You can add more vegetables or substitute plant-based protein such as lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for added heartiness.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup freezes well.
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop, adding additional broth if necessary.
What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?
This soup is quite hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory soup.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft in the soup?
To avoid overcooked pasta, add it to the soup just before serving.
Cook the pasta separately to al dente, then stir it into the soup at the end.
This way, the pasta retains its texture even if you plan to store or reheat the soup later.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add more beef broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Adjust the seasoning as needed after diluting the soup to ensure the flavors remain balanced.
How can I enhance the flavor if my soup tastes bland?
If the soup lacks depth, consider adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce, or a pinch of salt to enhance the umami flavors.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also add freshness and complexity.
Additionally, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the overall flavor.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Certainly! Fresh vegetables can be a great addition to the soup.
Simply chop your choice of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, corn, or green beans, and add them to the soup along with the broth.
Keep in mind that fresh vegetables might require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the cooked beef and onions?
Draining the fat from the cooked beef and onions helps reduce the overall grease content of the soup, resulting in a cleaner and more balanced flavor.
However, if you prefer a richer taste, you can leave a small amount of fat for added flavor, but be mindful of the potential increase in calorie content.