{ Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup }

So, I don’t post recipes on here often. Probably because I’m not that great of a cook, but I’m really trying to learn. One of my favorite meals is soup – doesn’t matter what kind, I like them all! My husband refers to me as a soup-head because I have no problem having soup for lunch and then turning around and having it for dinner as well. I also have no problem cooking and eating it when it’s 115-degrees outside- as long as it’s not 115* in our home, it’s not really going to affect anything right?? =) Anyway, this one was really easy to make, is VERY filling, and husband and child approved. Lorelai helped a lot and was really excited that she got to do something. She poured all of the ingredients into the pot, stirred, helped butter the bread, and set the table. (Have I mentioned that I LOVE this age???) Here’s the recipe!

Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups chicken broth (about 2 cans)
• 4 cups water
• 1 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
• 2.5 cups of bow-tie pasta *See Tips Below*

Directions:

1. In a saute pan, brown ground beef, over medium heat.
2. In a large stock pot, combine broth, water, onion soup mix, tomato sauce, celery, onion, frozen vegetables and pasta. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the pasta is done.
3. Add browned ground beef, mix and serve.

Tips:

The original recipe called for 3/4ths of a cup of macaroni pasta. Since bow-tie looks a lot better in this soup, that’s what I used. I also upped the amount because it’s oddly shaped and wouldn’t be enough in the soup. You really can just eyeball it – the worst thing that can happen is that you add too much and it soaks up too much juice. If that happens, just add more broth or water – it will be fine!!

The original also called for TWO (1 ounce) packets of the onion soup mix. It was really onion-y with both packets AND the chopped onion. Not BAD, but I will definitely only use 1 packet the next time around. Just go with your gut! =)

Adapted from Allrecipes