If you’re looking for a bowl full of the ultimate comfort, rich flavor, and nostalgia all in one, Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is the answer. This classic, one-pot meal packs tender ground beef, plump macaroni noodles, and a tomato-rich broth kissed with herbs into every spoonful. It’s a weeknight favorite that’s quick to make but tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup brings everyone to the table for a hearty helping of home-cooked goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is that each ingredient plays a vital role in creating depth of flavor and a comforting vibe. With just a handful of basics, you’ll have everything you need for a soup that’s both simple and irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to sauté your beef and veggies to perfection.
- Ground beef: The heart of the soup, giving it satisfying flavor and protein.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth to the base.
- Garlic: Adds essential savory notes—don’t skip this!
- Beef broth: Amps up the meatiness and makes the broth ultra-flavorful.
- Water: Balances the richness so every spoonful is light but hearty.
- Diced tomatoes: Gives juicy tomato chunks and bright tang—canned or fresh works!
- Tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and intensity to the soup’s base.
- Tomato paste: Just a bit brings a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with fragrant herbs for that classic, homey touch.
- Paprika: Lends gentle warmth and a hint of color.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate everything else.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic, bite-sized pasta that turns this soup into a meal.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Offers a bright, fresh finish as a garnish.
How to Make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Give it a few minutes until it’s deeply browned and flavorful. If you see any excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter soup. This step lays the foundation for all the meaty goodness in your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them into the beef. Let them cook for about two to three minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This little step transforms the base into something aromatic and creates layers of flavor that make all the difference.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth and water, then stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add your Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir and crank up the heat until everything comes to a gentle boil. This is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing and the soup gets its robust, tomato-infused base.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once the broth is bubbling, lower the heat and let it all simmer away for about ten minutes. This gives time for all the flavors to meld and deepen. If you’re standing nearby, sneak a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—every cook deserves a preview!
Step 5: Add Macaroni
Stir in the uncooked macaroni and continue simmering for another eight to ten minutes. Make sure to give it a gentle stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The macaroni will plump up, absorb all those savory juices, and become perfectly tender in the heart of your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is just right, your soup is ready for action! Ladle it into bowls and, if you want an extra-fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve it piping hot and watch the smiles light up at the table.
How to Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

Garnishes
There’s nothing like adding a pop of color and freshness right before serving. Try showering your Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a creamy finish. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes livens things up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This soup is totally satisfying on its own, but a warm piece of crusty bread or a buttery roll makes it downright irresistible. If you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette—perfect for scooping or sopping up every last drop of that rich tomato broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends or feeding the family? Serve Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup in big mugs for a cozy feel, or ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, Instagram-worthy twist. For make-ahead meal prep, portion it into jars or containers for easy weekday lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this soup are every bit as delicious, if not even more so! Simply allow the Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making it a wonderful option for busy weeknights or easy lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup, though keep in mind the macaroni may soften a little more upon reheating. For best results, consider leaving out the pasta before freezing and adding freshly cooked macaroni when you’re ready to serve. Freeze in individual portions or in a big batch—just label and date your containers for easy grab-and-go meals later!
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftover soup, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or pop single servings in the microwave. If the soup thickens up as it sits, just add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your ideal consistency. Stir well and heat until piping hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape in Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in small shells, ditalini, or any other short pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cook time and adjust as needed to ensure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the macaroni and double-check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as hearty and satisfying as the original.
How can I make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup vegetarian?
If you want to skip the beef, try using a plant-based ground or simply leave the meat out entirely and add extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Swap in vegetable broth for beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian twist.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
This soup is a great base for all sorts of additions. Stir in spinach, kale, diced carrots, celery, or even corn during the simmering stage for extra nutrition and pops of color.
Can I make Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Wait to add the macaroni until just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft, or cook the pasta separately and add it fresh to each bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with comfort, Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup deserves a spot on your table. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself to a hearty homemade hug. Give it a try and see why this classic favorite never goes out of style!
Print
Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup recipe that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This soup is packed with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, simmered in a flavorful broth and seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic, cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add broth and seasonings: Stir in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add macaroni: Add the uncooked macaroni and simmer for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Notes:
- For a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly.
- You can also stir in a handful of spinach or shredded cheese just before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg