Hearty Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Hearty Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup, a delightful blend of ground beef, savory tomatoes, and tender pasta that's sure to warm your soul. This quick and easy recipe features a rich tomato base enhanced with robust spices and creamy cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, including rich chicken stock and zesty Rotel, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes. Each spoonful is packed with flavor and nutrition, providing a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or as a starter, this soup is destined to become a beloved staple in your home. Don't miss out on adding this recipe to your regular rotation of meals!
N/A
Servings
340
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (crumbled)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
spaghetti sauce
24 ounces (jarred of your choice)
Rotel
8 ounces (canned and undrained)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
ground cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional)
chicken stock
4 cups (not broth)
cream cheese
1/2 cup (whipped and at room temperature)
small macaroni noodles
1 cup (such as ditalini or small shells)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped, divided)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3
Introduce the ground beef to the pot, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
4
Season the beef mixture with salt, ground black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to ensure the spices evenly coat the beef.
5
Pour in the chicken stock, spaghetti sauce, and undrained Rotel. Stir thoroughly to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
While the soup simmers, use a whisk to blend in the room temperature cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth. Add half of the chopped fresh basil and stir to combine.
7
Add the small macaroni noodles to the soup, stirring to ensure they are submerged. Cover the pot and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
8
Once the macaroni is tender, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup?
It is a comforting and soul-warming soup made with ground beef, savory tomatoes, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese-enhanced base.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
This recipe is quick and easy, coming together in under 30 minutes.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of crumbled ground beef.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to heat the pot and sauté the aromatics.
How many onions and garlic cloves are needed?
You will need one chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves.
What are the primary seasonings for the beef?
The beef is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is the soup spicy?
The recipe includes an optional pinch of ground cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, and Rotel adds a zesty flavor.
What is the base of the soup liquid?
The liquid base consists of 4 cups of chicken stock, 24 ounces of spaghetti sauce, and 8 ounces of undrained Rotel.
Do I need to drain the Rotel?
No, the 8 ounces of canned Rotel should be used undrained to maintain flavor.
Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?
The recipe specifically recommends using 4 cups of chicken stock rather than broth.
What makes the soup creamy?
The creaminess comes from 1/2 cup of whipped cream cheese blended into the soup.
What temperature should the cream cheese be?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly into the soup.
What type of pasta should I use?
One cup of small macaroni noodles, such as ditalini or small shells, is recommended.
When is the fresh basil added?
The 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil is divided: half is stirred into the soup with the cream cheese, and the rest is used as a garnish.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
How do I ensure the beef is cooked correctly?
Break the beef up with a wooden spoon and stir until it is browned and no longer pink.
How long does the soup simmer before adding pasta?
After adding the stock and sauces, allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
How long does the macaroni take to cook in the pot?
The macaroni takes an additional 10 minutes to cook once added to the soup.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 340 calories per serving of this soup.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 16.5g of fat per serving.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this soup good for weeknights?
Yes, its quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The soup is garnished with the remaining fresh chopped basil before serving.
Should the pot be covered while the pasta cooks?
Yes, cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
What kind of spaghetti sauce is best?
You can use any jarred spaghetti sauce of your choice.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a delightful comfort food that warms the soul.
Can I use ditalini pasta?
Yes, ditalini is a recommended small macaroni shape for this recipe.
How do I incorporate the cream cheese?
Use a whisk to blend the room temperature cream cheese until it is fully incorporated and smooth.
What size of Rotel can should I use?
The recipe calls for an 8 ounce can of Rotel.