Hearty Hamburger Soup with Macaroni
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 white onion, peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt
- 6 cups water (add more for desired consistency)
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup fresh carrots, sliced
- 1 cup macaroni (cooked separately)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced tomatoes, corn, green beans, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the lean ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the sliced celery and carrots, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Season the Soup:
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and seasoning salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Water:
- Pour in the 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- While the soup simmers, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Adjust:
- After the soup has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as desired.
- If using, you can add diced tomatoes, corn, green beans, or bell peppers at this stage.
- Add Macaroni:
- Stir in the cooked macaroni, allowing it to heat through for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Enjoy it hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: You can freeze the soup without the macaroni for up to 3 months. Add the cooked macaroni after reheating.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices! Enjoy your comforting winter soup! 🍲