There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort on a chilly day or even as a satisfying meal any time of the year. This Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup is a delicious blend of savory flavors, tender beef, and the comforting bite of bow-tie pasta. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
To create this delicious and filling soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large container of beef broth (or 2 smaller boxes)
- 1 large can of petite diced tomatoes
- 2 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large diced onion
- Fresh pressed garlic (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic salt (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Basil (to taste)
- A few bay leaves
- Tomato sauce (to taste)
- Brown sugar (to taste, usually about 1 tablespoon)
- Bow-tie pasta (amount as preferred)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Begin by pouring the beef broth into a Dutch oven and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add the can of petite diced tomatoes, diced onion, fresh pressed garlic, and your preferred seasonings: pepper, garlic salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Allow the mixture to return to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. This will give the onions time to cook and the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
While the broth is simmering, cook the lean ground beef in a separate pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to break the beef into smaller pieces and cook until it’s fully browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
Step 3: Combine Meat and Broth
Add the cooked ground beef to the simmering broth mixture. Stir in tomato sauce to add flavor and slightly thicken the soup. Adjust the amount of tomato sauce to your preference. To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add brown sugar to taste, usually about one tablespoon, but adjust as needed.
Step 4: Simmer
Allow the soup to continue simmering for about 40 minutes. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to come together, creating a rich and savory soup.
Step 5: Add Pasta
While the soup simmers, cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup just before serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft and ensures it maintains its texture in the soup.
Additional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 350 Kcal
Tips for the Best Soup
- Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper flavor profile, consider using a mix of beef broth and beef stock. The stock will add richness to the soup.
- Balancing Acidity: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to perfectly balance the acidity of the tomatoes, ensuring a smooth, flavorful broth.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep. Store extra portions in airtight containers for a quick and easy meal later.
Conclusion
This Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a comforting lunch, this soup delivers rich flavors and plenty of warmth. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and sure to become a favorite in your household.