Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Tomato Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Tomato Soup! This delightful dish combines savory ground beef, sweet and tangy tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni, all topped with a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and Italian herbs, this soup is rich in flavor and satisfying enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it up with a side of crusty bread, Ritz crackers, or classic saltines, and you're in for a treat that warms both your heart and your stomach. Ideal for chilly nights or simply when you crave something hearty, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1/2 lb (browned)
onion
1 (chopped)
diced stewed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (canned)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (canned)
elbow macaroni noodles
1 cup (uncooked)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
water
1 cup (none)
cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until they are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the diced stewed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes), tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and water.
4
Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the macaroni noodles are tender.
5
Once cooked, ladle the soup into serving bowls. Generously top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the hot soup to melt the cheese.
6
Serve immediately with your choice of crusty bread, Ritz crackers, or saltines for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Tomato Soup?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a tangy tomato base, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
What ingredients do I need for this soup?
You will need ground beef, onion, diced stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, water, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to cook the soup?
The total simmer time is approximately 30 minutes once all ingredients are combined, plus about 10 minutes for sautéing and browning the beef.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or ditalini.
What kind of ground beef should I use?
A lean ground beef is recommended to minimize excess fat, but you should still drain any grease after browning for the best texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Note that the macaroni may become softer upon thawing and reheating.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this recipe is savory and slightly sweet. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your serving.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery can be sautéed with the onions to add more nutrients and flavor.
What is the best cheese to use for topping?
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melting consistency for this particular soup.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat crumble or extra beans, and ensure you use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce substitute.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, Ritz crackers, or classic saltines for dipping.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and onions first, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30-45 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, but you may need to add a bit more tomato sauce or salt to achieve the same depth of flavor.
Why is brown sugar included in the recipe?
A small amount of brown sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother and more rounded flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lower-fat alternatives that work well in this soup.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the macaroni absorbs too much liquid, simply stir in a small amount of water or beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What should I do if the soup is too thin?
You can simmer the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid or add a little more macaroni.
How should I reheat the soup?
Reheat portions on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the pasta has thickened the soup.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the familiar flavors of beef, pasta, and cheese make this a very kid-friendly meal.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, garlic powder, dried oregano, or a bay leaf can be added to customize the flavor profile.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it?
No, the uncooked macaroni is added directly to the pot and cooks in the soup liquid, which helps thicken the base.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar, but you can adjust this amount based on your preference for cheesiness.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the dish?
It provides a savory, umami depth that enhances the flavor of the ground beef and tomatoes.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, sauté the meat and onions, add the rest of the ingredients, and pressure cook on high for about 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but it can be made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free macaroni and ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double for larger families; just ensure you use a large enough soup pot.
What type of onion is best for this soup?
Yellow or white onions are preferred for their sweetness and ability to blend into the soup after sautéing.
Is this a healthy meal?
This is a hearty, balanced meal containing protein, carbohydrates, and fats, though it can be high in sodium depending on the canned goods used.