Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup with Macaroni

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds ground hamburger meat
• 1 pound dry macaroni
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, corn, peas)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker setting) or 3-4 hours (high setting)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a slow cooker, combine ground hamburger meat, chopped onion, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Set the slow cooker to low setting and cook for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.
3. While the soup is cooking, prepare the macaroni by boiling it in a separate pot of salted water until tender but not overcooked.
4. Once the hamburger soup is almost ready, add the frozen mixed vegetables.
5. When the macaroni is cooked, add it to the soup along with any remaining liquid from the macaroni pot.
6. Mix well and serve hot.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total) Calories: Approx. 400-500 per serving (depending on additional ingredients and sizes) Fat: 20-30g Carbohydrates: 40-50g Protein: 25-35g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful, with a rich tomato-beef broth and tender macaroni.
• Easy to customize with different vegetables and seasoning options.
• Slow cooking allows for maximum flavor extraction and tender meat.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit at my house! The slow cooking made the flavors really blend together."
2. "I added some chili powder for a kick of heat and it was perfect."
3. "Great dish for a cold winter night. The macaroni added a nice texture to the soup."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If using canned meat or vegetables, make sure they are not expired.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste preference. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
• If you want to make this dish even richer, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce during the cooking process.