The rich flavors of this Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup bring together the best of both worlds: savory beef and tangy tomatoes, paired perfectly with tender elbow pasta. It’s the kind of bowl that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. This one-pot wonder is incredibly simple to whip up and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, this hearty and nourishing soup is a must-add to your dinner rotation. Serve with a chunk of warm bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ cup chopped onion
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1 tsp minced garlic
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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4 cups beef broth
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1½ cups elbow macaroni
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 cup frozen corn
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
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Add elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
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Stir in frozen corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Bowl Full of Comfort
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a warm, hearty bowl of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. It’s the kind of meal that transports you back to childhood kitchens, snow days, and cozy family dinners. A staple in many households, this soup perfectly marries savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and tangy tomato broth into a soul-soothing one-pot meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking to enjoy a comforting dinner on a chilly night, this recipe is a perfect choice. The simplicity of ingredients paired with bold flavors makes it both accessible and satisfying.
Origins and History
While it’s hard to trace the exact origins of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, it clearly draws influence from both American and Italian comfort food traditions. The concept of combining pasta, beef, and tomato-based sauces or broths is common in Italian-American cuisine—think pasta bolognese or goulash-style dishes. However, the idea of turning these ingredients into a soup is more aligned with American home cooking, particularly from the mid-20th century.
During the 1950s and ‘60s, easy-to-make, budget-friendly recipes became widely popular in American households. This soup likely evolved as a creative and frugal way to stretch pantry staples into multiple servings while still delivering nutrition and flavor. It has remained a mainstay ever since, with countless variations tailored to individual tastes and dietary needs.
Why We Love It
There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this simple yet deeply flavorful dish:
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Affordable Ingredients: Most of what you need is already in your pantry or fridge.
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One-Pot Convenience: Fewer dishes, less fuss. Everything comes together in a single pot.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the mild, comforting flavors.
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Customizable: You can make it spicy, veggie-heavy, gluten-free, or even dairy-rich.
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Meal Prep Hero: It stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
In a world where weeknight dinners often need to be fast, filling, and flavorful, this soup delivers on all fronts.
Flavor Profile and Texture
What makes this soup truly irresistible is its balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef provides a rich, savory base that anchors the soup. The tomato sauce and diced tomatoes add a tangy brightness, while the beef broth deepens the flavor with umami goodness.
Elbow macaroni brings a comforting chew and helps thicken the soup as it cooks. Additional veggies like corn or peas can add pops of sweetness and texture, while herbs such as Italian seasoning, basil, or parsley contribute aromatic depth.
The result? A spoonful that is slightly creamy, deeply savory, and utterly satisfying. Every bite is a harmony of meat, pasta, and tomato simple ingredients elevated through time-tested technique.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its heartwarming qualities, Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup also offers a decent nutritional profile, especially when made with lean ground beef and added vegetables:
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Protein-Rich: Ground beef provides a generous source of protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
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Carbohydrates for Energy: Pasta supplies the energy needed to power through busy days.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants such as lycopene.
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Fiber Boost: If you add corn, beans, or whole wheat pasta, the fiber content increases significantly.
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Low Waste Cooking: It’s a great recipe for using up leftovers or wilting veggies, reducing kitchen waste.
Health-conscious cooks can also lighten up the dish by using ground turkey or chicken, opting for low-sodium broth, or substituting with high-protein legume pasta.
Popular Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways home cooks love to change things up:
1. Cheesy Macaroni Soup
Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan at the end for a cheesy, gooey version that kids adore.
2. Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicier variation.
3. Vegetable Boost
Toss in chopped carrots, celery, green beans, peas, or zucchini to bulk up the veggie count and add texture.
4. Southwestern Style
Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add black beans and top with avocado or tortilla strips.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free elbow pasta or even rice to cater to gluten sensitivities.
6. Creamy Tomato Base
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end to create a luscious, creamy broth.
Each twist offers a unique spin on the classic while retaining the soul of the original dish.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple pairings:
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Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast: Perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop of broth.
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Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.
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Grated Cheese or Sour Cream: Add a creamy or tangy finish just before serving.
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Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, or chives sprinkled on top offer freshness and visual appeal.
And don’t forget this soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld, making it an ideal leftover lunch or freezer-friendly meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best parts of making a big batch of this soup is enjoying it over several days. Here are a few tips for storing and reheating:
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in single-serving portions. Let cool completely before freezing, and reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave.
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Pasta Note: If you’re planning to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Conclusion:
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup isn’t just another dinner idea it’s an experience. It represents everything we love about home cooking: it’s easy, budget-friendly, comforting, and adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, tweaked slightly over the years, and becomes part of your family’s unique culinary story.
Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this soup brings joy to the table. From the fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen to the satisfied smiles of everyone you serve, it’s a reminder that simple food really is the best food.
So go ahead pull out your favorite pot, grab those pantry staples, and create something heartwarming. Because with every spoonful of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, you’re not just feeding your body you’re feeding your soul.