Comforting, creamy, family favorite
This creamy beef and tomato noodle soup is the kind of cozy, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. Packed with tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato base made silky with cream cheese, it’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly family-friendly. With subtle “lasagna soup” vibes but a lighter, more approachable feel, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you want a warm bowl of pure comfort.
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
- Servings: 7–8
Ingredients
- 1–1½ lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of dried thyme
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups short pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Kitchen Tools
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Build the base: Stir in basil, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and brown sugar if using.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer and add pasta. Cook until pasta is just al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Make it creamy: Place softened cream cheese in a bowl. Ladle in 1–2 cups hot broth, let melt, then whisk until smooth.
- Finish: Stir cream cheese mixture back into soup. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Let rest 5 minutes for a thicker consistency.
Pro Tips
- Smooth texture: Blend crushed tomatoes for an ultra-smooth soup.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Serving: Best served with breadsticks or a simple Caesar salad.
Main Body
This soup works so well because it balances richness with simplicity. The tomato base is deeply savory without being heavy, while the cream cheese adds silkiness rather than a strong dairy flavor.
Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb flavor while naturally thickening the broth, eliminating the need for extra starch or cream.
Ground beef provides protein and heartiness, making this soup filling enough to serve as a full meal, especially for growing families.
This recipe fits easily into busy weeknight routines and scales beautifully for meal prep or sharing with friends.
Variation Recipes
- Meatless: Skip the beef and add extra pasta or white beans.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella before serving.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Conclusion
Creamy beef and tomato noodle soup is a true comfort classic easy to make, deeply satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Save it, share it, and enjoy every cozy spoonful.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | 345 | 24g | 41g | 9g |