Hearty Hamburger and Macaroni Soup Recipe

 

 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook Macaroni Separately:
    • While the soup is simmering, cook the macaroni separately according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  6. Add Cooked Macaroni:
    • Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked macaroni to the soup. Stir gently to incorporate.
  7. Adjust Seasonings:
    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and more oregano or basil if desired.
  8. Serve:
    • Ladle the hearty hamburger and macaroni soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  9. 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.