Beef and Noodle Vegetable Soup

Beef and Noodle Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
– 1 cup uncooked egg noodles or pasta of your choice
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
– Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
– Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned beef and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. **Add the Liquids and Seasonings:**
– Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
– Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. **Add the Vegetables and Noodles:**
– Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and uncooked egg noodles.
– Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

6. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:**
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

7. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
– Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips:

– For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf or two while the soup simmers, then remove it before serving.
– If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or reduce the broth by half a cup.

Enjoy your hearty and delicious Beef and Noodle Vegetable Soup! It’s a perfect dish to warm you up.