Beef and Macaroni Soup

Here’s a comforting recipe for beef and macaroni soup:

Beef and Macaroni Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or stew meat, cut into small pieces)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano and basil)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. If using stew meat, cook until browned on all sides. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cook the macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked and tender.
5. Taste and adjust: Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy your hearty beef and macaroni soup!