Hearty Hamburger and Macaroni Soup Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 white onion, peeled and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dry oregano, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil, more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 6 cups water, more to desired consistency
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup fresh carrot, sliced
- 1 cup macaroni (cooked separately)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large soup pot, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add Onions and Seasonings:
- Add the diced white onion to the browned beef and sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Sprinkle dry oregano, dry basil, and seasoning salt over the beef and onions. Stir well to combine.
- Add Vegetables:
- Pour in 6 cups of water to the pot, stirring to combine with the beef and onions.
- Add sliced celery, sliced fresh carrots, and cubed white potatoes to the pot.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook Macaroni Separately:
- While the soup is simmering, cook the macaroni separately according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add Cooked Macaroni:
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked macaroni to the soup. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and more oregano or basil if desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hearty hamburger and macaroni soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve this comforting soup hot and enjoy the heartiness of the ground beef, vegetables, and perfectly cooked macaroni.
Note:
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn.
- This soup is even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers.
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this soup?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version of the soup. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?
A: Yes, this soup reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze the soup, it’s recommended to freeze it without the macaroni. Cook the macaroni separately and add it when reheating to maintain its texture.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
A: You can customize the soup by adding vegetables like green beans, peas, corn, or even spinach. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?
A: Certainly! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well in this soup.