Hearty Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup Recipe

Photo byMhbolat Rasha

When the weather turns chilly and you're craving a comforting, homemade meal, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup. One classic favorite that brings together rich flavors and hearty ingredients is Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup. This soup combines tender beef, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta in a savory broth that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it the perfect dish for those who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a go-to recipe for many because it’s easy to adapt based on what you have on hand, allowing you to create a delicious soup every time.

Recipe: Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup

Ingredients:

• Beef broth or stock (about 1-2 large containers, depending on your pot size)
• 1 large can of petite diced tomatoes
• 2-3 cups of diced onions
• Fresh garlic, pressed (to taste)
• Black pepper, garlic salt, and garlic powder (to taste)
• Dried oregano and basil (to taste)
• A few bay leaves
• 2 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
• Tomato sauce (for added thickness and flavor, about 1-2 cups)
• Brown sugar (to offset acidity, about 1 tablespoon or to taste)
• Bow-tie pasta (about 2 cups or enough to reach your desired soup consistency)

Instructions:

1. Start with the Base: Begin by pouring the beef broth or stock into a Dutch oven or large soup pot. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Onions: Once the broth is heated, add the can of petite diced tomatoes and a generous amount of diced onions. The onions will add a sweet depth to the soup as they cook down.
3. Season the Soup: Press fresh garlic into the pot, and add black pepper, garlic salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, basil, and a few bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the onions are tender and the flavors meld together, adjusting the seasoning to your taste as needed.
4. Cook the Beef: In a separate pan, cook the lean ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Add the cooked beef to the soup pot, stirring to combine.
5. Enhance the Flavor: Stir in the tomato sauce, which will add a richer tomato flavor and slightly thicken the soup. To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add about a tablespoon of brown sugar, tasting and adjusting as you go.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 40 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful broth.
7. Add the Pasta: In the final 10 minutes of cooking, add the bow-tie pasta directly to the soup. Cook until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm (al dente). This will ensure it absorbs all the delicious flavors of the broth without becoming too soft.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the bay leaves, ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.

Every spoonful of this Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup offers a perfect blend of tender beef, savory tomato broth, and pasta that’s just right. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy night in or to share with loved ones. The best part? You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, making it as unique as your kitchen.

I've found several great recipes for Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup that will give you all the flavor and comfort you're looking for.

One recipe starts with sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil before adding ground beef. The beef is cooked until browned, and then beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce are added to create a rich, savory base. Spices like basil, oregano, and thyme are mixed in, along with a bit of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. The soup is simmered until everything melds together, and then the bow-tie pasta is added towards the end to cook until al dente. You can serve this soup with a topping of shredded cheddar cheese and some crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal​(Recipes Own).

Another version suggests adding extra vegetables like carrots and celery, which are cooked along with the beef for a heartier soup. This recipe also recommends cooking the pasta separately to ensure it doesn't get too soft, especially if you're planning to save leftovers. It even suggests adding a splash of beef broth when reheating to maintain the soup's consistency​(The Recipe Rebel).