Grandma's Comforting Tomato Macaroni Soup
This irresistible soup recipe hails from my husband's beloved grandmother, who had a special knack for turning simple ingredients into heartwarming meals. The first time I made this soup, it quickly became a cherished family favorite, especially on chilly evenings. With tender macaroni, juicy diced tomatoes, and the rich creaminess from the milk and butter, every bowl is a hug in a dish. Paired perfectly with a slice of homemade cornbread, this filling soup is not just a side; it’s a complete meal that nourishes both body and soul. Simple to prepare and delightful in taste, it's a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni and cheese mix
1 (8 ounce box (with the powdered cheese))
Diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce can)
Milk
2 (cups)
Butter or margarine
1/2 (cup)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Onion
1 (small, diced)
Water
as desired
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
While the onions and tomatoes are cooking, prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
Once the onion and tomato mixture is ready, add the drained macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4
Pour in the milk and sprinkle the powdered cheese from the macaroni mix on top. Stir until the cheese is fully incorporated into the mixture.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. Cook over medium heat until the soup is heated through and just beginning to boil.
6
Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Comforting Tomato Macaroni Soup?
It is a heartwarming family recipe that combines tender macaroni, juicy diced tomatoes, milk, and butter for a rich and creamy meal.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thinner soup, you can gradually add water during the cooking process until you reach your desired consistency.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes for this recipe?
No, you should add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices to the pot to enhance the flavor of the soup.
What size box of macaroni and cheese is required?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce box of macaroni and cheese mix that includes a powdered cheese packet.
How much butter or margarine is used in the soup?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of butter or margarine to create a rich and flavorful base.
What is the first step in preparing the soup base?
The first step is to melt butter in a large pot and sauté a small diced onion until it is soft and translucent.
Should the macaroni be cooked before adding it to the soup pot?
Yes, prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain it before stirring it into the onion and tomato mixture.
When is the powdered cheese added to the recipe?
The powdered cheese from the macaroni mix is added after the milk is poured into the pot with the tomatoes and macaroni.
How much milk is needed for Grandma's Tomato Macaroni Soup?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk to achieve its signature creamy texture.
What is a good side dish to pair with this soup?
This filling soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade cornbread for a complete meal.
How long should I sauté the onions?
You should sauté the diced onions for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
Does this soup recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the soup should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is simple to prepare and serves as a hearty one-dish meal that is ideal for busy evenings.
Should the soup be boiled?
The soup should be heated over medium heat until it is heated through and just beginning to boil.
Why should I let the soup sit before serving?
Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the heat helps it to thicken slightly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
How many ingredients are required to make this soup?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients: macaroni and cheese mix, diced tomatoes, milk, butter, salt, pepper, onion, and water.
How long do the tomatoes cook with the onions?
After adding the tomatoes to the sautéed onions, they should cook together for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What size onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one small onion, diced.
Is this soup a family favorite?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family favorite that is especially popular on chilly evenings.
What type of pasta is in the macaroni and cheese mix?
The mix typically contains elbow macaroni, which is used as the pasta base for the soup.
Can I add water if the soup is too thick?
Yes, water can be added as desired to reach your preferred soup consistency.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, the recipe comes from the creator's husband's grandmother.
What heat setting should be used to cook the soup?
Medium heat is recommended for both sautéing the onions and heating the final soup mixture.
Can this soup be considered a complete meal?
Yes, because it contains pasta, vegetables, and dairy, it is filling enough to be served as a complete meal.
Is the cheese packet from the box essential?
Yes, the powdered cheese provides the primary cheesy flavor for the soup base.
What is the texture of the macaroni in the soup?
The macaroni should be cooked until just al dente so that it remains tender in the hot soup.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
One 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes is required for this recipe.
Is the soup better served hot?
Yes, it is best served hot, especially on cold nights, as a comforting meal.