One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

This One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is a delightful and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines the richness of beef with the freshness of tomatoes and vegetables, creating a comforting dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners.
• One Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
• Nutrient Packed: Loaded with vegetables like carrots and celery, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the tasty macaroni mixed with savory beef and tomato flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To create this easy One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring even cooking.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

To make this delicious One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 3 large carrots (peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 rib celery (finely chopped)

Seasonings

• 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

Protein & Base

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 5 cups low sodium beef broth
• 798 ml canned diced tomatoes (28 oz, 1 large can)

Pasta & Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat macaroni pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup tomato sauce

How to Make One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add carrots, onion, and celery. Cook and stir until the vegetables have softened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Add Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the mixture. Stir to crumble the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the low sodium beef broth along with the canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover and cook for about 5-10 minutes until carrots are tender.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in uncooked whole wheat macaroni pasta and tomato sauce. Cover again, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Serve warm!

Now you have a delicious bowl of One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup ready to enjoy!

How to Serve One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

This hearty soup is not only filling but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole or torn basil leaves to bring an aromatic touch.

Accompanying Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs beautifully, adding a rich flavor contrast.

Toppings

• Grated Cheese: Top each bowl with grated cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add richness and tanginess that complements the soup.

Salad Side

• Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed lightly will provide a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

Want to elevate your One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup? Here are some tips to make it even better.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices based on your preference.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For less starchiness in the soup, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Store Correctly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but consume them within 3 days for best quality.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so over low heat while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a lovely caramelized taste that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a hearty side that matches well with this dish.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be enjoyed alongside the soup for an extra bite.
6. Bruschetta: Fresh tomato bruschetta brings a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring Vegetable Preparation: Cutting vegetables too large can lead to uneven cooking. Always chop them finely for even texture and flavor.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Leaving the macaroni in the pot for too long can result in mushy pasta. Monitor closely and cook until al dente.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting the soup before serving may leave it bland. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Not Using Low Sodium Broth: High sodium broth can make the soup overly salty. Opt for low sodium options to control saltiness.
• Neglecting Storage Tips: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Follow proper guidelines for storing leftovers to keep them fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag.
• It will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months.

Reheating One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup that you might find helpful.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide a delicious flavor while being leaner.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use lentils or beans instead of ground beef.

What 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.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after all the flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with nutrients and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. Give it a try today!