Imagine a steaming bowl of ground beef tomato soup, the rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic mingling with the tangy scent of tomatoes.
The vibrant red broth, speckled with herbs, envelopes tender macaroni and colorful vegetables, promising warmth and comfort with each spoonful.
This hearty soup matters to me because it transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing meal that brings my family together.
On busy weeknights or during leisurely Sunday suppers, it’s a reminder of home and the soothing power of a well-cooked dish.
I remember a particularly hectic day when everyone was running in different directions.
This soup was my savior, filling our bellies and calming our spirits, all with minimal fuss. Its quick preparation and satisfying flavor saved the evening, turning chaos into a cozy family dinner.
Ready to bring some comfort into your kitchen? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with hearty beef and aromatic herbs.
- Uses pantry staples for a convenient and budget-friendly meal.
- Freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Offers a comforting, warm dish for any cold day.
- Provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef — opt for lean cuts to reduce fat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — choose extra virgin for the best flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped — sweet onions work well for a mild taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic enhances aroma.
- 2 cups beef broth — use low-sodium if watching salt intake.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes — no salt added for better control.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste — double-concentrated for robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil — crush slightly to release oils.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano — Mediterranean variety preferred.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — adjust to taste as needed.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground for more pungency.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked — whole wheat for added fiber.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables — guarantee no added sauces.
Step-by-Step Method
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, guaranteeing even cooking of the onions and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness.
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
This step is vital for developing a rich, savory base for the soup. Make certain the beef is evenly browned for maximum flavor. Once browned, carefully drain excess fat to avoid a greasy soup.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
This helps create the soup’s flavorful base. Add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for seasoning. Stir thoroughly, integrating the spices into the mixture.
This step infuses the soup with aromatic herbs and spices.
Simmer Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s important to maintain a gentle simmer, which helps the ingredients integrate without overcooking. Stir occasionally to guarantee even cooking and prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta & Vegetables
Add elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Cook until the macaroni is tender, absorbing the soup’s flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. This step adds heartiness to the soup with the pasta and vegetables.
Rest & Serve
Remove the pot from heat. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the soup to cool slightly, making it safer and more enjoyable to eat. If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding more broth. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of herbs.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
- Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to accommodate vegetarian diets.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.
- For a budget-friendly option, replace olive oil with any neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil.
You Must Know
- Brown in Batches: For a richer flavor, brown the ground beef in batches. This technique helps develop a deeper caramelization, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Confirm that the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant before adding the ground beef. This step helps build a flavorful base for the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your palate.
- Monitor Macaroni: Keep an eye on the elbow macaroni as it cooks. It should be tender but not mushy, so check the texture after 10 minutes of simmering.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste of the dish.
Serving Tips
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.
- Serve in bread bowls for a hearty presentation.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Ground Beef Tomato Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
It also freezes well, allowing for convenient make-ahead meals. For ideal quality, freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating
For gentle reheating, use the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed.
Culinary Traditions and Memories
When the aroma of ground beef tomato soup fills the kitchen, it instantly transports me to cozy family gatherings around a bustling table.
I remember my grandmother stirring a pot, her gentle smile weaving warmth into each simmering spoonful. The vibrant reds of tomatoes, mingling with the earthy scent of beef, created a melody of flavors that felt like a comforting hug.
We’d gather close, enthusiastic for the first taste, as steam danced in the air. Each bowl was a tribute to love and tradition, shared stories, and laughter echoing through the room.
These memories are stitched into the fabric of my culinary heritage, reminding me that food is more than sustenance; it’s a bridge to cherished times and beloved faces.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this comforting Ground Beef Tomato Soup a try and add your own twist to it? Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to make it perfectly suited to your taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
I often swap canned for fresh tomatoes in recipes. I dice them small, watching their vibrant reds blend into the pot. It reminds me of summer gardens. Just simmer longer to soften them, enhancing the soup’s flavor beautifully.
How Can I Make the Soup Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, I replace ground beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic fills my kitchen, a comforting reminder of cozy evenings spent enjoying bowls of delicious, nourishing soup.
What Type of Ground Beef Is Best?
When choosing ground beef, I always go for 80/20. The little bit of fat keeps the soup rich and flavorful, reminding me of cozy evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, her love simmering in every pot.
Can I Freeze the Soup for Later?
I often freeze my soup for those chilly nights when comfort is a must. Just let it cool, pour it into airtight containers, and tuck it in the freezer. It’s like saving a warm hug for later.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
I’ve tried making this soup in a slow cooker, and it worked beautifully. Just brown the beef first, then toss everything in the cooker. Let it simmer all day, filling the house with comforting aromas. Enjoy!
Ground Beef Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until macaroni is tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
