Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. Brown the Ground Beef
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat **olive oil** over medium-high heat. Add the **diced onion** and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the **ground beef** to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

#### 2. Add Tomatoes and Broth
1. Stir in the **diced tomatoes** (with juices) and **tomato paste**. Mix well to combine.
2. Pour in the **beef broth**, then add the **dried basil**, **dried oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
3. Let the soup simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

#### 3. Cook the Pasta
1. Add the **elbow macaroni** (or your preferred pasta) into the soup and stir.
2. Continue to cook the soup for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

#### 4. Final Adjustments
1. Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preferences.
2. Remove the pot from the heat once the soup is ready to serve.

#### 5. Serve
1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with **fresh parsley** for a touch of color and flavor.
2. For extra richness, top with a sprinkle of **grated Parmesan cheese**.

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### Tips for Perfect Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup

1. **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: If you want a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute the ground beef with **ground turkey** or **ground chicken**.
2. **Add Vegetables**: For extra nutrition, consider adding **carrots**, **celery**, or **zucchini**. These can be sautéed with the onion and garlic for added flavor.
3. **Make it Spicy**: Add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a dash of **hot sauce** to give the soup a spicy kick.
4. **Use Homemade Broth**: If you have homemade beef broth, it will add even more depth and richness to the soup. Store-bought broth is still a great option for a quick meal.

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### Serving Suggestions

– **Crusty Bread**: Pair this soup with some **crusty bread** or **garlic bread** for dipping and added texture.
– **Side Salad**: A light **side salad** with mixed greens or arugula makes for a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
– **Cheese Toast**: Serve with a slice of **cheese toast** for an extra cheesy delight.

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### Why This Recipe Works

Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup is the perfect balance of comforting, hearty, and satisfying. The **ground beef** adds a savory richness, while the **diced tomatoes** and **tomato paste** bring a sweet and tangy depth. The **elbow macaroni** adds a satisfying texture, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the broth. The **herbs** like basil and oregano bring a savory, aromatic touch, making this soup a warm and inviting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

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### Conclusion

**Beef & Tomato Macaroni Soup** is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the heartiness of beef, the richness of tomato, and the comfort of pasta. It’s an easy meal to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this soup will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Try it today for a deliciously comforting meal that everyone will love!