Beefaroni Tomato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever had the comfort of a warm, hearty bowl of Beefaroni Tomato Soup, you know that it has all the charm of a nostalgic family meal, with the added benefit of being easy to whip up in no time. Combining the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the satisfying texture of pasta, this dish is one of those perfect cozy meals that ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it up to warm up on a cold day, Beefaroni Tomato Soup is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Today, we’re going to dive deep into everything you need to know about this delicious recipe, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips and variations that can take your dish to the next level.

Beefaroni Tomato Soup Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you’ll find it easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or what flavors you prefer. Let’s take a look at the basics, the ingredients, and how you can transform this simple idea into a soul-satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed

To make Beefaroni Tomato Soup, here’s a list of the essential ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef (80/20) for a good balance of flavor and fat content. This will provide the rich base of the soup without excess grease.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes for convenience, but feel free to go for fresh tomatoes if you’re up for a bit more prep work. The diced tomatoes provide the signature tang and heartiness to the soup base.
• Tomato Sauce: This is the creamy, smooth base that combines with the diced tomatoes to form a velvety texture for the soup.
• Beef Broth: This enhances the umami flavor of the soup and gives it depth. If you prefer a lighter version, you can opt for vegetable broth or chicken broth as an alternative.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta for Beefaroni! Small, tender, and perfect for soaking up the tomato soup’s rich flavors.
• Onion: Adds savory sweetness and a layer of complexity. Chop it finely for smoother texture in the soup.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced or chopped, will infuse the soup with a delicious, aromatic base note.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the onions and garlic before adding the beef. It provides a nice backdrop of flavor.

• Seasonings

  • Oregano: For that herby, Mediterranean taste.
  • Basil: Pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and gives a fresh pop.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for a subtle heat, or leave it out if you’re avoiding spice.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated on top before serving, it adds a salty, umami-rich finish to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together in a mouthwatering bowl of Beefaroni Tomato Soup:

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.

2. Brown The Beef

   • Push the onions and garlic to the sides of the pot and add the ground beef.
   • Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef into small crumbles. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add The Tomatoes And Broth

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce.
   • Pour in the beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Season The Soup

   • Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.

5. Cook The Pasta

   • In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, just until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Combine The Pasta And Soup

   • Add the cooked pasta into the soup and stir until fully incorporated. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Finish And Serve

   • Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you want to get extra cozy, pair it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Now, let’s take a moment to talk about the role of some key ingredients and how they elevate the dish:

• Ground Beef: This is the star of the show. By using lean beef, you’re not only getting a rich, flavorful meat but also keeping the dish from becoming overly greasy. Plus, beef is rich in protein and iron, making it a hearty addition.
• Tomato Sauce vs. Diced Tomatoes: The combination of both diced tomatoes and tomato sauce creates layers of texture and flavor. The diced tomatoes add chunks of tomato goodness and tang, while the sauce smooths everything out into a rich, velvety base.
• Elbow Macaroni: Its small, curved shape is perfect for holding the soup’s liquid and making each spoonful satisfying. Pasta in soup isn’t just for texture; it adds substance to the dish and helps it stretch further if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Herbs and Spices: Oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes are the trifecta that gives this soup its signature warmth. Oregano is classic in Italian cooking, and basil is a natural pairing with tomatoes. Red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Expert Tips

• Make it Ahead: Beefaroni Tomato Soup actually gets better the next day. If you make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they meld together. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months-just be sure to leave out the pasta until you’re ready to serve, so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
• Cook the Pasta Separately: Pasta can absorb a lot of the soup’s liquid over time, making the dish thicker than you might want. To prevent this, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
• Season to Taste: Depending on the type of canned tomatoes you use, the soup may need more or less salt. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Consider adding finely chopped carrots or celery when you sauté the onions. These veggies will blend right in without overwhelming the soup’s flavors.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Beefaroni Tomato Soup is delicious, there are plenty of ways to change it up:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Both still give you that meaty richness but with less fat.
• Add Cream: For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk at the end of cooking. This gives the soup a velvety texture and makes it extra comforting.
• Spicy Beefaroni: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when you sauté the onions. For even more spice, a drizzle of hot sauce when serving adds a nice zing.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat altogether and use lentils, beans (like kidney beans or cannellini), or crumbled tofu for a plant-based alternative. The texture might change slightly, but the soup will still be hearty and satisfying.

Final Words

Beefaroni Tomato Soup is the kind of recipe that can be customized, made in bulk, and always leaves you feeling satisfied. It’s the comfort food that doesn’t require too much effort but delivers a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping or serving to a crowd.