Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup: A Hearty Comfort Dish

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Few dishes offer the pure comfort and satisfaction of a hearty bowl of soup. Whether it’s a chilly day or you simply want something cozy and filling, a well-crafted soup hits the spot like nothing else. One dish that embodies this sentiment perfectly is Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup. This rustic, flavorful meal combines the heartiness of ground beef, the tang of tomatoes, and the nostalgic comfort of bow-tie pasta in one glorious pot.

This dish is more than a soup—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, bringing family and friends to the table with anticipation. Whether served as a main course or a starter, this soup’s rich, savory character and satisfying textures make it a favorite across generations.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This isn’t just any beef soup. It’s a thoughtfully layered meal designed to bring out maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s:

  • Hearty – thanks to a generous amount of ground beef.

  • Flavorful – with herbs, garlic, onions, and a touch of brown sugar to balance acidity.

  • Customizable – add veggies, switch up the pasta, or make it spicier!

  • Meal-prep friendly – stores well, freezes great, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients (US Cups & Units)

For the Soup Base:

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon)

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 2 bay leaves

Ground Beef:

  • 2½ pounds lean ground beef

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Pasta:

  • 3 cups uncooked bow-tie pasta

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or stockpot

  • Wooden spoon or spatula

  • Skillet (if browning beef separately)

  • Strainer

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions: Stage-by-Stage Guide

Stage 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

  1. In a large Dutch oven, add beef broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced onion, minced garlic, and all the dry seasonings: pepper, garlic salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil.

  3. Drop in the bay leaves and let everything simmer together for about 10–15 minutes. This stage allows the aromatics and herbs to begin infusing the broth with rich flavor.

Stage 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. In a separate skillet (or in the same pot if you’re working in batches), add the ground beef over medium heat.

  2. Cook until no longer pink, breaking the meat into small pieces. This should take about 8–10 minutes.

  3. Drain any excess fat to keep your soup from becoming greasy. This step is essential, especially with higher-fat ground beef.

Stage 3: Combine and Simmer

  1. Add the cooked ground beef into the seasoned broth mixture.

  2. Stir in tomato sauce and brown sugar. The sugar helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the soup a slightly sweet, deeply satisfying finish.

  3. Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for about 40 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors marry beautifully.

Stage 4: Cook the Pasta Separately

  1. While the soup is simmering, cook the bow-tie pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions (typically 10–12 minutes for al dente).

  2. Drain the pasta and toss it lightly in olive oil if you’re preparing it ahead to prevent sticking.

Stage 5: Assemble and Serve

  1. Just before serving, stir the cooked pasta into the soup.

  2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—sometimes a touch more salt or oregano brings everything together.

  3. Remove the bay leaves.

  4. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.

Preparation Time & Nutritional Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 1 hour

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

  • Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving

  • Servings: About 8–10 large servings

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze without the pasta for best results (pasta can get mushy when thawed). Store in freezer-safe containers up to 3 months.

  • Reheating: Thaw overnight and warm on the stovetop. Add freshly cooked pasta upon reheating for optimal texture.

Customization Options

Want More Veggies?

  • Add 1–2 cups chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini to the broth base.

Make It Spicy:

  • Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce while simmering.

Go Gluten-Free:

  • Use gluten-free pasta or rice.

Lower the Calories:

  • Swap out beef for ground turkey or chicken and use low-sodium broth.

Cheesy Upgrade:

  • Add a handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese before serving.

What to Serve With This Soup

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to make it a true feast, consider:

  • Garlic bread or grilled cheese for dipping.

  • Simple side salad with vinaigrette.

  • Roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrition.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Results

  1. Let It Rest: Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to mingle.

  2. Avoid Soggy Pasta: Only mix pasta into portions you plan to eat immediately. Store pasta and soup separately for leftovers.

  3. Use Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful beef broth or stock makes a huge difference in depth of flavor.

  4. Garnish Wisely: Top with fresh parsley or basil for color and brightness.

How This Recipe Brings Comfort

What makes a soup “comforting”? It’s not just about warmth; it’s about layers of flavor, nostalgic ingredients, and a touch of love in every spoonful. This soup brings together the familiar taste of seasoned beef, the acidity and sweetness of tomatoes, and the fun shape of bow-tie pasta that children and adults alike enjoy.

It’s the kind of soup that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen, or perhaps a snowy evening wrapped in blankets. Whether you serve it in silence after a long day or around a lively dinner table, it offers a moment of calm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, or even orzo work great in this soup.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based ground beef substitute and use vegetable broth.

Can I cook the pasta in the soup?

Yes, but be mindful that it may absorb more liquid and soften too much, especially for leftovers.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! The mild seasoning, fun pasta shape, and beefy tomato flavor make it a family favorite.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Beef, Tomato, and Bow-Tie Macaroni Soup is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. It’s adaptable, filling, and satisfying on every level. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving a crowd, or just want something heartwarming for dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

It’s not just food—it’s an experience. A warm, savory memory in a bowl.

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