There’s something utterly comforting about a piping hot bowl of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. With its rich tomato base, hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and bursts of sweetness from corn, this soup checks every box for a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s the kind of one-pot wonder you crave on chilly evenings or busy weeknights—filling, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to please both picky eaters and nostalgic adults alike.

Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes is a handful of kitchen staples to create this nourishing classic. Each ingredient in Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup was chosen for its ability to deepen the taste, add body, or introduce a pop of color—making this soup as beautiful as it is delicious.

Olive Oil: Acts as the flavor base, helping to brown the beef and sauté the aromatics.
Ground Beef: Provides hearty texture and savory richness that anchors the soup.
Onion: Brings a sweet depth, softening as it cooks and infusing the broth with flavor.
Garlic: Delivers that unmistakable, mouth-watering aroma and punch.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that elevate the tomatoes and beef beautifully.
Paprika: Gives subtle warmth and color without overpowering the soup.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste as you go!
Diced Tomatoes: The juicy, chunky tomatoes break down slightly, adding both texture and acidity.
Tomato Sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor for a rich, velvety broth.
Beef Broth: Packs the soup with umami and binds all the ingredients into one harmonious bowl.
Elbow Macaroni: The pasta that turns this soup into a true meal, soaking up all the flavors.
Frozen Corn (Optional): Gives sweet pops of color and taste with each spoonful, or leave it out—your call!
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato base and adds thickness.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a vibrant finish that makes each bowl look extra inviting.

How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up with a sturdy spoon. Cook until it’s browned all the way through—about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pot, feel free to drain it off so your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is perfectly balanced and never greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once your beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until your kitchen smells wonderful and the onion is just beginning to turn translucent. These aromatics lay the foundation for a deeply flavorful soup.

Step 3: Season the Base

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, coating the beef and vegetables. This is where those classic soup flavors start to build up, infusing each bite with herbs and a gentle warmth.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Swirl in the beef broth as well. Raise the heat and bring the pot to a lively boil—this allows all those tomato flavors to bloom and meld with the savory base of your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup.

Step 5: Simmer with Macaroni

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. The macaroni will absorb the delicious broth and become tender—just keep an eye on it for that perfect bite.

Step 6: Finish with Corn and Adjust Seasoning

If you’re adding corn, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Give your soup a taste, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. That little bit of corn sweetness and the final flavor checks are what make your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup truly crave-worthy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the flavors are still vibrant and comforting—it’s the little touches that make each bowl feel like a warm hug.

How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

The simplest touch to elevate your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is a scatter of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. You could also top with a swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good olive oil—add whatever makes your bowl extra special!

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be the star, but it plays beautifully with classic comfort foods. Try it with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even a baked potato on the side. For something lighter, pair it with a cucumber salad to balance all that cozy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup into a dinner party showstopper, serve it in bread bowls for a rustic touch, or portion it into mini mugs for a fun appetizer. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some grown-up heat, or let kids personalize their bowls with a topping “bar” of cheeses, herbs, and croutons.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup stores like a dream. Once cooled, simply spoon leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can absolutely freeze this soup—just keep in mind that the macaroni will continue softening as it sits. To prevent mushy pasta, you can undercook the noodles slightly or freeze before adding them in. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. If the soup has thickened, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. It will come back to life perfectly, making those leftovers as tempting as the first batch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or another protein instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles will work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust your seasoning to bring out the best in whatever protein you choose.

Is there a way to make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster and may soak up broth more quickly.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini are all great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic so they soften and add even more flavor to your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup.

Why did my pasta get soggy in the leftovers?

Pasta naturally continues to absorb liquid as it sits, especially when stored in the soup. For best texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl just before serving if you plan on storing leftovers.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is the perfect make-ahead meal for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients as needed and be sure to use a roomy pot so nothing boils over.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the cozy, soul-warming magic of a homemade Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or keeping leftovers for easy lunches, this recipe guarantees smiles and full bellies. Give it a try soon—you’ll want to add it to your comfort food repertoire forever!

Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and comforting Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup that is perfect for a cozy family meal. This easy one-pot soup is packed with ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and flavorful seasonings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Season the mixture. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add tomatoes, sauce, paste, and broth. Bring to a boil.
Stir in macaroni and simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Optional: Add corn and adjust seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Adjust seasoning and serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by 1/2 cup or simmer longer before adding pasta.
You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground meat.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days; add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American