Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

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This Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup is the kind of cozy, old-fashioned tomato macaroni soup with ground beef that always hits the spot. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based broth that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl. The pasta soaks up all that hearty flavor, giving you a soup that feels satisfying enough for dinner but still easy enough for a busy weeknight.

It’s essentially a cozy macaroni soup with ground beef, simmered in a rich tomato broth that’s packed with comforting flavor and perfect for a chilly evening.

If you love cozy, hearty beef soups like this, you’ll also want to try my Hamburger Soup and Goulash Soup, both loaded with savory beef and comforting ingredients. For something a little different, and my Beef Barley Soup.

If you’re looking for more easy, comforting meals like this, be sure to check out my full collection of Ground Beef Recipes for even more family-friendly dinner ideas.

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Brown the beef well for the best flavor.
Let the ground beef develop some color as it cooks. Those browned bits add deep savory flavor to the finished soup.

✨ Drain excess grease.
After browning the beef, drain off any excess fat so the broth stays rich and hearty without becoming greasy.

✨ Cook the macaroni just until tender.
The pasta will continue to soften as it sits in the hot soup, so slightly undercooking it helps keep it from getting mushy.

✨ Taste the broth before serving.
Tomato-based soups can vary depending on the brand of tomatoes you use. A small pinch of salt or sugar at the end can help balance the flavor.

✨ Expect the soup to thicken as it sits.
Macaroni absorbs broth over time. If the soup thickens too much when reheating, simply stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Ingredients + Key Notes

Ground Beef: This gives the soup its hearty, savory base. I like using lean ground beef so the broth stays rich without getting greasy.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.

Garlic: A must for rounding out the tomato base.

Tomatoes: Tomato soup, canned tomatoes, or tomato sauce create the classic tomato macaroni soup flavor that makes this dish so comforting.

Beef Broth: Adds body and keeps the soup from tasting flat.

Elbow Macaroni: Classic and comforting. It’s the perfect pasta shape for this soup.

Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a little sugar if needed help balance the tomato flavor.

🥣 How to Make Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

Brown the beef.
Start by cooking the ground beef with the onion until the meat is browned and the onion has softened. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Build the soup.
Stir in the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, then bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors have a chance to come together.

Cook the pasta.
Add the macaroni and simmer until just tender. Keep an eye on it here — you want it cooked, but not so soft that it loses its texture in the broth.

Taste and serve.
Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning before serving it hot.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Brown the beef well for the best flavor

Don’t rush the first step. Letting the beef brown properly adds so much savory depth to the finished soup and keeps it from tasting flat or one-note.

⭐ Watch the pasta closely

Macaroni goes from perfectly tender to overly soft pretty quickly in a hot soup. If you know you’ll have leftovers, you can even cook the pasta separately and stir it into individual bowls.

⭐ Balance the tomatoes at the end

Tomato soups can vary a lot depending on the brand you use. If the broth tastes too sharp or acidic, a small pinch of sugar can smooth everything out beautifully.

⭐ This is even better the next day

Once the flavors have had a little time to mingle, this soup tastes even cozier. Just be ready to add a splash of broth when reheating since the pasta will absorb liquid as it sits.

Why This Tomato Macaroni Soup Is So Comforting

There’s something about a simple tomato-based soup with pasta and beef that just feels like home. The rich tomato broth, savory ground beef, and tender macaroni come together in a way that’s hearty, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

Part of the magic is how the pasta cooks right in the soup. As the macaroni simmers, it releases starch into the broth, naturally thickening the soup and helping every spoonful feel rich and cozy.

It’s also the kind of meal that’s made with simple pantry ingredients most families already have on hand. Ground beef, tomatoes, broth, and pasta might sound humble, but together they create the kind of comforting dinner that always seems to disappear quickly at the table.

What Is Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup? 

Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup is a classic American comfort soup made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s the kind of hearty, simple soup that has been showing up on family dinner tables for generations.

The combination of savory beef, bright tomatoes, and soft pasta creates a cozy, satisfying bowl that feels a little like a cross between tomato soup, vegetable soup, and a lighter version of American Goulash. Some people also call this style of soup beefy macaroni soup or ground beef macaroni soup, but the comforting flavors are the same.

Because the pasta cooks right in the broth, it releases starch that naturally thickens the soup and gives it a rich, comforting texture. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling without a lot of fuss.

Many families simply call it tomato macaroni soup with ground beef, and it’s been a staple comfort meal for generations.

Variations of Tomato Macaroni Soup

One of the best things about tomato macaroni soup is how flexible it is. Families have been adapting this classic recipe for decades depending on what ingredients they have on hand.

Cheeseburger Soup

If you enjoy hearty soups made with ground beef, you might also love my Cheeseburger Soup, a rich and creamy comfort soup packed with beef, potatoes, and melty cheese.

Ground Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup

This is the most common version and the one used in this recipe. Ground beef adds rich flavor and protein, making the soup hearty enough to serve as a full meal.

Tomato Macaroni Soup with Vegetables

Many versions include vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini. These additions add extra flavor, nutrition, and texture while keeping the soup light and fresh.

Old-Fashioned Tomato Macaroni Soup

Traditional versions of old-fashioned tomato macaroni soup are often very simple, made with tomatoes, beef broth, macaroni, and ground beef. Many families grew up eating a version of this tomato macaroni soup with ground beef, making it a true comfort-food classic.

Creamy Tomato Macaroni Soup

Some cooks like to stir in a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even a little cream cheese at the end of cooking. This softens the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a richer, slightly creamy soup.

What to Serve With Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup

This cozy, hearty soup is filling on its own, but a few simple sides turn it into a complete comfort-food dinner.

Fresh + Crisp Sides

A House Salad, Harvest Salad, or Sweet Potato Salad adds a cool, crisp contrast to the rich tomato broth.

Cozy Breads

Homemade Crescent Rolls, Garlic Bread, or Practically No Knead Bread are perfect for soaking up every last spoonful.

Sweet Finishes

Finish things off with Bisquick Peach Cobbler, Heaven on Earth Cake, Sugar Cream Pie, or Toll House Cookies for an easy, comforting dessert.

Storing, Reheating, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb broth as it sits, so the soup will thicken over time.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water as needed to loosen the soup back to your preferred consistency.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the pasta. Cooked macaroni can become quite soft after freezing and thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Make-Ahead

You can make the soup base a day ahead, then cook and add the macaroni just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup ahead of time?

✦ Yes, but expect it to thicken. The macaroni will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so leftovers will be much thicker the next day.

✦ For the best texture, make the soup base ahead and cook the pasta fresh when serving, or stir in a splash of broth when reheating.

How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy?

✦ Cook it just until tender. Overcooking the pasta during the initial simmer is the fastest way to end up with mushy macaroni.

✦ Remember that pasta keeps softening as it sits. If you want the best leftover texture, cook the macaroni separately and stir it into each serving.

Why is my Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup so thick?

✦ This soup naturally thickens as it sits. The pasta releases starch into the broth while cooking, then continues absorbing liquid after the soup is done.

✦ To loosen it back up, stir in extra beef broth or water a little at a time while reheating until it reaches the consistency you like.

How can I make tomato macaroni soup less acidic?

✦ A little richness helps mellow the tomatoes. If the soup tastes too sharp, stir in a small pat of butter at the end of cooking.

✦ A pinch of sugar can also help. You only need a tiny amount to round out the acidity without making the soup taste sweet.

✦ Parmesan is another great fix. It adds savory depth and helps soften the tomato bite.

What kind of ground beef works best in this soup?

✦ Lean ground beef is usually the best choice. It gives you plenty of flavor without leaving the broth greasy.

✦ If you use higher-fat beef, drain off the excess grease after browning so the finished soup stays balanced.

Can I use a different pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

✦ Yes — small pasta shapes work best. Ditalini, small shells, and rotini are all good choices here.

✦ Just watch the cook time carefully, since different pasta shapes may soften faster or slower than elbow macaroni.

Can I add vegetables to Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup?

✦ Absolutely. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach all work well in this soup.

✦ Vegetables make it even heartier and are a great way to stretch the soup a little further for dinner.

Is Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup the same as goulash?

✦ Not quite. The flavors are similar, but Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup is brothier and meant to be eaten like a soup.

✦ Goulash is usually thicker and more like a skillet meal or a stew.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you bake + cook with confidence! 💗

More Hearty Beef Soup Recipes

If you love cozy beef soup recipes like this Beef Tomato Macaroni Soup, these hearty favorites are packed with rich flavor and comforting ingredients.

• Cowboy Soup: A hearty, flavor-packed soup loaded with ground beef, beans, vegetables, and tomatoes — a filling, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

• Busy Day Soup: An easy pantry-friendly soup with ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes that comes together quickly on busy nights.

• Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the classic stuffed pepper flavors — beef, rice, tomatoes, and peppers — simmered into an easy slow cooker soup.

• Beef Noodle Soup: A comforting soup with tender beef, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth.

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! 💗 Kathleen

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Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

This simple but satisfying, hearty Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup will be a repeat visitor to your dining table when the temperatures drop and appetites grow.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ▢ 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• ▢ 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 pound ground beef
• ▢ 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ▢ 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of tomato soup
• ▢ 1 (15-ounces) can diced tomatoes undrained
• ▢ 32 ounces beef broth
• ▢ 4 cups water
• ▢ 2 cups uncooked pasta

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Heat the vegetable oil (2 tablespoons) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions (1), green bell pepper (1), and garlic (2 cloves) and saute until the onion mixture begins to soften about 5-6 minutes. 
• Add the ground beef (1 pound), crumbling with a wooden spoon, cook until there is no longer any pink. Drain off excess fat. 
• Add the chili powder (2 teaspoons), oregano (2 teaspoons), salt (1 teaspoon), and pepper (1/2 teaspoon) and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Add condensed cream of tomato soup (2 (10.75-ounce) cans), diced tomatoes with their juice (1 (15-ounces) can), beef broth (32 ounces), and water (4 cups).
• Bring to a boil, add pasta (2 cups). Reduce heat and cover and simmer until the pasta is just al dente. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Fans Also Made:

• 
  Black Eyed Pea Soup
• 
  Busy Day Soup
• 
  Hamburger Soup Recipe
• 
  Sausage Tortellini Soup

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Notes

1. Chili-Mac – If you love chili mac as much as I do, you might try adding a teaspoon or two of cumin to this soup to give it a Mexican flair.
   • You can even sprinkle a little shredded Mexican cheese blend on top before serving and garnish with a little chopped cilantro.
2. Broth – Homemade stock is always the best, but I don’t always have some in my fridge or freezer. There are tons of store-bought options that have homemade flavor, and you can also find low-sodium versions if you need to watch your salt intake.
   • In a pinch, you can also use Better than Bouillon instead of beef broth. Just mix 1 ½ tablespoons into 32 oz. of water (you can even do this in the pot rather than dissolving the bouillon in the water first).

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of the recipe | Calories: 829kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 80.5mg | Sodium: 2643mg | Potassium: 815mg | Fiber: 8.5g | Sugar: 9.5g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 26.4mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 4.2mg

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