Grandma'S Tomato Beef Soup
A hearty, comforting tomato beef soup featuring tender beef shank, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for cozy family dinners and those craving rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer all ingredients in a large pan except for the pasta.
- Once the beef shank is fully cooked, remove it from the pan.
- Let the beef shank cool, then cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pan.
- Cook the pasta (orzo, shells, or macaroni) separately until almost done.
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with warm French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, sauté the hamburger before adding it to the soup. You can substitute the beef shank with beef stew meat if preferred. If you have fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves, consider adding those for extra flavor. Adjust the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste, especially if you're using bouillon cubes which can be salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with warm French bread for a comforting meal. A side salad can also complement the dish well, providing a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. Consider pairing it with a light dessert like fruit salad to balance the meal. This soup pairs beautifully with Hamburger Chili Macaroni for a satisfying feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Tomato Beef Soup contains roughly 385 calories, with 33g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (190% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato soup?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned tomato soup. Use about 2-3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and add them to the soup along with some broth to achieve a similar consistency. You may need to adjust the seasoning, as fresh tomatoes can vary in sweetness and acidity.
What type of pasta can I use in this soup?
You can use any small pasta shape like orzo, shells, or macaroni. If you prefer a gluten-free option, consider using rice or gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require varying times to cook through.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can also add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, adjusting the amount to suit your taste. This will give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).