Quick Hamburger Soup

I have seen many variations of this soup, in fact, my mom has made her version for as long as I can remember. I love my version because it is very fast and easy to make on the busiest of days. Blessings...

Recipe:

1 lb. 4% ground beef

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1 envelope dry onion soup mix (from a 2 oz. package)

7 cups water

1 8-oz. can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 cup thinly sliced celery

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1 cup elbow macaroni

1. Brown meat in a large soup pot.

2. Add spices, soup mix, water, tomato sauce and soy sauce.

3. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

4. Add celery and frozen vegetables. Bring soup back to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for another 15 minutes or until veggies are fork tender.

5. Add elbow macaroni and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until macaroni is tender but firm. Do not overcook as macaroni will fall a part.

Yield: 10-1/2 cups
132 calories per cup.

Tip: When using dried herbs, if you will rub them between your fingers as you add them to the pot, the flavor is released and makes a much better tasting dish.