Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean for best results)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) beef broth (or substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, crumbled bacon, extra cheese, or green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until vegetables soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, milk, and water. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Step 5: Once the soup base comes to a gentle boil, add the macaroni. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Thickening Tip: If the soup feels too thin, let it simmer a bit longer after the pasta has cooked. Alternatively, stir in 1-2 tbsp of flour with the vegetables before adding liquid for a thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Protein: 22 g