Last night, dinner was an impromptu concoction of whatever I had on hand. After a week of fighting the flu, lying on the couch, not going grocery shopping, and being avoided like I had the plague, I needed to feed everyone who helps us make what we do work. I looked for a recipe, but I did not have the ingredients to create any tasty creations that looked appetizing. So, I did what I do well; I made the best of what I had and made it work.
Fortunately, the soup turned out better than okay. It got two thumbs up from The Bean, who is a very picky eater. The Bibbed Wonder declared he would be happy to eat the leftovers for lunch, and Jenna and Ray told me it was really good. The fact that The Bean didn't pick out everything she doesn't like and The Bibbed Wonder volunteered to eat the leftovers tells me it was indeed delicious. After the week I have had, I will take it as a win.
Impromptu Hamburger Soup
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 large white onion
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. thyme
2 bay leaves
4 cups vegetable stock
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded carrots
1 10 oz. can green beans
1 10 oz. can corn
2 cups water
2 cups small pasta
1 tsp. sugar (optional if tomatoes are too acidic to your liking)
2 TBLS. Better Than Bouillon Seasoned Vegetable Flavor
Brown the ground beef in a large stock pot. Add the onion, pepper, and thyme.
Drain the ground beef, then add the tomatoes, tomato soup, vegetable stock, water, bay leaf, and Better Than Bouillon. Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until firm. Add the vegetables and sugar, if desired, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Serve hot with a side salad and breadsticks.
The soup was delicious, filling, and comforting. It was perfect for feeding a small group, easy to make, and made with pantry staples. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend. According to the weather forecast for Southwestern Pennsylvania, it will be a good weekend to enjoy an easy, delicious pot of soup.
On this snowy Friday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy delicious, comforting soup, make the best of what you have on hand, and keep washing your hands.
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