There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort, nourishment, and satisfaction—especially when it’s made with simple ingredients, cooked in one pot, and ready in under an hour. Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is a modern twist on a classic American comfort dish, bringing together the rich flavor of ground beef, the tang of tomatoes, and the heartiness of elbow macaroni in a broth that soothes the soul.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something wholesome and hearty, this soup checks all the right boxes. It’s affordable, versatile, filling, and packed with flavor—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs.
1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup isn’t just another soup recipe. It’s a complete meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates into a single, satisfying bowl. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation:
- One-pot simplicity: Less mess, less cleanup, more joy.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it!
- Quick & easy: From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Meal-prep ready: Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.
- Freezer-safe: Ideal for freezing in portions for future meals.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
Whether it’s a chilly winter night or just a long day, this soup is always a welcome, warming option.
2. What Makes This Soup Unique?
At its core, this soup is an elevated blend of ground beef and tomatoes, but its appeal lies in the balance of textures and flavors:
- The meaty base from sautéed beef creates depth and richness.
- Diced onions and Italian seasoning build aromatic warmth.
- Elbow macaroni adds chew and makes the dish feel like comfort food at its finest.
- A combination of tomato sauce and canned diced tomatoes gives the soup body and brightness.
- The broth isn’t too thick or too thin—it’s just right for slurping, dipping bread, or ladling over rice.
Unlike chili, this soup is lighter and more broth-forward, and unlike pasta dishes, it’s not overly heavy. It’s a hybrid of both worlds, and that’s what makes it a timeless recipe for home kitchens everywhere.
3. Ingredient Spotlight
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this recipe shine:
✅ Ground Beef
Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) for the best flavor-to-fat ratio. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
✅ Onion
Yellow or white onions work best. Dice them finely to ensure they melt into the soup and contribute a mellow sweetness.
✅ Italian Seasoning
This pantry staple is a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It adds that subtle, herby undertone that rounds out the tomato flavor beautifully.
✅ Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning, of course. Always taste as you go!
✅ Beef Broth
This forms the savory base of your soup. Choose low-sodium broth if you want more control over the saltiness.
✅ Water
Used to balance the broth and create the perfect soup consistency without overpowering the flavor.
✅ Tomato Sauce
Smooth and rich, it helps create a velvety tomato broth that coats every bite.
✅ Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
Provides acidity, texture, and chunks of tomato for extra heartiness. No need to drain the can—use it all.
✅ Elbow Macaroni
Short pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs just the right amount of flavor. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions can also be used.
✅ Optional Add-ins
- Shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Chili flakes for a little heat
4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to make your own delicious pot of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup at home.
🥄 Step 1: Brown the Beef & Onion
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Use a spoon to break the meat into small crumbles.
🥄 Step 2: Drain & Season
Drain excess fat from the pot if needed. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it toast for 1–2 minutes to wake up the dried herbs.
🥄 Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour in the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, and the full can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together thoroughly and bring it to a boil.
🥄 Step 4: Simmer with Pasta
Once the soup reaches a boil, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
🥄 Step 5: Taste & Serve
When the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded, taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
5. Pro Tips for the Perfect Pot
- Use a heavy pot: Cast iron or thick stainless steel helps prevent burning.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents sogginess when reheated.
- Taste as you go: Especially before adding salt—broth and canned tomatoes can vary in sodium.
- Avoid overcooking: The pasta will continue cooking slightly even after the heat is off.
6. Substitutions & Variations
You can tweak this soup easily to suit your dietary preferences, leftovers, or ingredient availability.
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, chicken, or lentils |
| Elbow Macaroni | Shells, rotini, ditalini, or gluten-free pasta |
| Beef Broth | Chicken or vegetable broth |
| Tomato Sauce | Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée |
| Additions | Spinach, bell peppers, carrots, corn, peas |
Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoon of sour cream before serving.
7. How to Make It Ahead
This soup is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to make it ahead:
- Option 1: Cook everything and store it
Cool the finished soup completely, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. - Option 2: Cook everything except pasta
Make the broth and meat base, refrigerate it, then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
8. Storing & Reheating Leftovers
This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for batch cooking.
🧊 Refrigerating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the texture.
❄️ Freezing
Let the soup cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Lay bags flat to freeze, then stack to save space. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
9. Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty on its own, but you can make it a feast with these sides:
- Warm, crusty bread or garlic toast
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Caesar or garden salad
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
For a cozy dinner, serve with a blanket and your favorite movie.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything except the pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Q: Can I use leftover pasta?
Absolutely. Stir in already-cooked pasta at the very end and warm through.
Q: Is it spicy?
Not at all! It’s mild and family-friendly, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
11. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~385 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
(Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients.)
12. Printable Recipe Card
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the beef and onion.
- Drain fat. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add broth, water, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then stir in the pasta.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
- Serve hot, topped with cheese or herbs if desired.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to, no-fail, flavor-packed recipe that makes everyone feel at home, Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is the answer. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re planning a week of meals or searching for a quick dinner tonight, let this one-pot wonder bring warmth, nutrition, and a whole lot of flavor to your table.
