Beef Macaroni Soup

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Ground Beef:** Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.

3. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and water. Add the dried basil, oregano, paprika, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to cook through.

4. **Cook the Pasta:** Add the macaroni to the soup and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. **Season and Serve:** Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

6. **Enjoy!** Serve the soup hot, with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

### **Tips for Making the Perfect Beef Macaroni Soup:**

– **Beef Choices:** You can use lean ground beef for a healthier version of this soup, or you can opt for a fattier cut for a richer flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as a lighter alternative.

– **Add More Veggies:** Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutrition. Adding a handful of greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking will give the soup a fresh, vibrant flavor.

– **Make It Spicy:** For an added kick, stir in some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the soup. Adjust the heat level to your taste.

– **Make It Gluten-Free:** If you’re avoiding gluten, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Just make sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster.

– **Storage:** Leftover Beef Macaroni Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to account for the pasta absorbing some of the liquid.

### **Why You Should Make Beef Macaroni Soup**

– **Comfort and Convenience:** It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a meal that the whole family can enjoy, young and old alike.

– **Economical and Filling:** Beef Macaroni Soup is a budget-friendly meal that goes a long way. The combination of beef, pasta, and vegetables fills you up without breaking the bank, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing in advance for busy nights.

– **Customizable to Your Taste:** Whether you prefer it spicier, more veggie-packed, or with a different type of pasta, Beef Macaroni Soup is versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Add more of your favorite seasonings, and make it your own!

### **Conclusion**

Beef Macaroni Soup is a perfect meal for busy days when you need something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dish that combines savory beef, vegetables, and tender pasta in a rich broth, creating a comforting bowl of goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing for meal prep, or craving a hearty soup on a cold evening, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so feel free to make it your own. Give it a try, and savor the warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful!