One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

This One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty flavors and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that’s packed with vegetables, making it both a filling and healthy choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of only 28 minutes, you can whip up this meal even on the busiest nights.
• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in just one pot, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals.
• Flavorful and Nutritious: Loaded with lean beef and vibrant veggies, this soup is both delicious and packed with essential nutrients.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta types to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the comforting flavors and fun macaroni texture, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation seamless. Having everything ready will help you create this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you valuable prep time.

Ingredients

This One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is a classic! It’s a healthy, one pot meal made in 30 minutes or less and loaded with vegetables.

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 3 large carrots (peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 rib celery (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

For the Protein

• 1 lb lean ground beef

For the Liquid Components

• 5 cups low sodium beef broth
• 798 ml canned diced tomatoes (28 oz) 1 large can
• 1 cup tomato sauce

For the Pasta

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat macaroni pasta, uncooked

How to Make One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Heat the Base

Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add canola oil when hot. Once the oil shimmers:
1. Add chopped carrots, onion, and celery.
2. Cook while stirring until vegetables soften slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Next, it’s time to enhance those flavors:
1. Stir in Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now we’ll add our protein:
1. Add ground beef to the pot.
2. Stir to crumble it as it cooks until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes

Bring everything together:
1. Pour in beef broth and canned diced tomatoes.
2. Bring to a boil; then cover the pot.
3. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until carrots are tender.

Step 5: Finish with Pasta & Sauce

Finally:
1. Stir in whole wheat macaroni pasta and tomato sauce.
2. Cover again; cook while stirring frequently until pasta is al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Serve hot!

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delightful bowl of One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup ready to enjoy!

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

This One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is deliciously hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect as a main dish but can also be complemented with various sides and toppings to enhance the meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves – Add whole or torn basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Add a dollop of Cream

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt can enrich the soup’s flavor and provide a creamy texture.

Serve with Bread

• Crusty Bread – Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread makes a flavorful companion that complements the soup well.

Accompany with Salad

• Garden Salad – A light garden salad can balance the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with its crunchy croutons adds a delightful contrast.

How to Perfect One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

To ensure your One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Vegetables – Fresh carrots, onions, and celery enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste the soup before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Avoid overcooking the macaroni to prevent mushiness; it should have a slight bite.
• Let It Rest – Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld beautifully.
• Store Properly – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

Serving side dishes alongside your One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options!

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks infused with garlic butter are perfect for dipping.
2. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds flavor and nutrition.
3. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
4. Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits with cheese make a comforting side dish that pairs well.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains or vegetables add variety to your meal.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is easy to prepare and a fun side for everyone to enjoy.
7. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add crunch alongside the soup.
8. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers sweetness that balances out savory flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Vegetables: Neglecting to add enough vegetables can make the soup less nutritious. Always include a variety of chopped vegetables for flavor and health benefits.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long can lead to mushy pasta. Stir often and check for al dente texture during cooking.
• Not Browning the Beef Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a bland taste. Make sure to cook it until lightly browned before adding other ingredients.
• Using Regular Broth: Using high-sodium broth can overpower your soup’s flavor. Opt for low sodium beef broth to control salt levels and enhance taste.
• Ignoring Spice Measurements: Not measuring spices accurately can throw off the flavor balance. Use measuring spoons for precision, especially with strong seasonings like paprika or red pepper flakes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covering loosely, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup that may help you while preparing this dish.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will still provide excellent flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What other vegetables can I add to One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor options.

How do I adjust the spice level of this soup?

To lower the spice level, reduce or omit red pepper flakes. For more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or extra black pepper.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is not only quick but also deliciously satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try today!