Simple Tomato Hamburger Soup

This easy hamburger soup combines tomato juice, ground beef, and cooked pasta. It has the shortest ingredient list on the page and is a good choice for beginning cooks.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Yield: About 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, alphabet pasta, or other small pasta
• 5 3/4 cups tomato juice, approximately one 46-ounce can
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set it aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef to a large soup pot over medium heat.
3. Cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until it is browned and reaches 160°F.
4. Carefully drain excess fat from the pot.
5. Add the tomato juice, water or broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, if using.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Stir in the cooked pasta and heat for 1-2 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.