Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

This is one of my top 5 favorite recipes in our household.  So much so that I go through phases where I make it once a week and the kids are rolling their eyes because we’re having it again (whoops).  It’s super easy to make, and if you make it in the slow cooker the flavors blend so well – plus you can make more, which means leftovers, which I could seriously eat for days.  Maybe I need an intervention.

2 lbs ground beef (this isn’t exact, just use a basic size package)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil
1/8 tsp seasoning salt
1 pkg onion soup mix
1 tbsp soy sauce
8 cups boiling water
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup celery leaves
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup macaroni
grated cheese (parmesan, mozzarella or cheddar)

1. Brown meat and drain fat, transfer to slow cooker
2. Add dry seasonings and soy sauce
3. Stir in boiling water and tomato sauce
4. Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours
5. Add macaroni, continue cooking on high for 1 hr
6. Top with your favorite cheese and serve

If you prefer making this on the stove, just add the macaroni 30 mins before serving.  The beauty of this recipe is you can add various ingredients to suit your taste.  Last time I  made it I didn’t have carrots but added mushrooms instead.  Experiment with different cheese toppings for different flavors too!