Ingredients
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Proteins and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 5 cups low sodium beef broth
- 798 ml canned diced tomatoes (28 oz, 1 large can)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat macaroni pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped carrots, onion, and celery. Cook and stir until the vegetables have softened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Stir frequently to crumble the meat and cook until it is lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the low sodium beef broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and cook for 5-10 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the whole wheat macaroni and tomato sauce. Cover the pot and cook, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked through, serve the soup hot for a delicious, filling meal.
Notes
- Stir frequently during the pasta cooking step to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pot.
- Use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber and nutrition.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Low sodium beef broth helps keep the sodium content in check.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat