Beef and Macaroni Soup

### Instructions: How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup

#### Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** (or stew meat) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using stew meat, make sure to brown the pieces well for added flavor.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the meat aside.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the **onion**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Sauté them in the remaining fat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the **garlic** and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the **beef broth**, **diced tomatoes**, **oregano**, **basil**, **thyme**, and **bay leaf**. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

#### Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the **elbow macaroni** (or your preferred pasta). Stir the pasta into the soup, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Continue to cook for another **10-12 minutes**, or until the pasta is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

#### Step 5: Final Adjustments
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional **salt** and **pepper** if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Remove the **bay leaf** before serving.

#### Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

### Variations to Try

While the classic Beef and Macaroni Soup is delicious as-is, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for variations:

– **Add More Vegetables**: Feel free to add extra veggies like **zucchini**, **green beans**, or **peas** for more nutrients and color.
– **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
– **Spicy Kick**: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped **jalapeño** for a little heat.
– **Tomato Paste or Sauce**: For a richer tomato flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste or a can of tomato sauce along with the diced tomatoes.
– **Cheese**: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated **Parmesan** or **cheddar** on top before serving.

### Health Benefits of Beef and Macaroni Soup

Beef and Macaroni Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients too! Here are some of the health benefits of the main ingredients:

– **Protein**: The ground beef provides a solid dose of protein, which helps with muscle growth, tissue repair, and keeping you feeling full longer.
– **Vitamins and Fiber**: Vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes are full of essential vitamins (like vitamin A and C) and fiber, which promote healthy digestion and immune function.
– **Complex Carbs**: The macaroni pasta adds complex carbohydrates to the dish, giving you long-lasting energy and helping to keep you full for hours.

### Final Thoughts

Beef and Macaroni Soup is the perfect recipe for when you want something filling, comforting, and easy to make. It’s a one-pot dish that delivers robust flavors and a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or making it for a family gathering, this hearty soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try making this Beef and Macaroni Soup today, and experience the joy of homemade comfort food at its best!