Taco Mac Soup

 Super easy to make.   Great way to use veggies up before going bad.   Easy to change this to chili mac soup by using chili seasoning rather than taco seasoning.

TACO MAC SOUP

 (serves 8)

Ingredients:

*1 teaspoon olive oil

*3 stalks celery, chopped

*3 carrots, peeled & chopped

*1 medium onion, chopped

*1 ( ounce) container of grape or cherry tomatoes

*1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

*1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

*1 pound ground beef

*1 ( ounce) package taco seasoning

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 

*2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

*1 (32 ounce) container of beef stock

*1 cup elbow macaroni

*sharp cheese, shredded (optional)

*sour cream (optional)

Instant Pot Directions:

~Cook macaroni as directed on package, drain and set aside (I do this once I get the soup going).

~Set instant pot to sauté mode.

~Once hot, add 1 teaspoon olive oil.

~Add all veggies and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

~Add ground beef and cooking until brown, breaking ground beef & tomatoes as they cook.

~Once browned, add taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and cumin, stir until well mixed.

~Add in Worcestershire sauce and beef stock.

~Place lid on and seal.

~Pressure cook for 6-7 minutes.

~Do a quick release. 

~Add cooked macaroni.

~Ladle soup into bowl and sprinkle with cheese (optional).

~Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top (optional).

**You can add uncooked macaroni before the pressure cooking stage if you want.   I would add another 1 cup of beef stock or water if you do this, because the noodles will soak up a lot of the liquids.   I prefer them cooked separately.   

Stove Top Directions:

~Cook macaroni as directed on package, drain and set aside (I do this just before the soup is done).

~In a large stock pot, sauté veggies in olive oil for 4-5 minutes.

~Add ground beef and cooking until brown, breaking ground beef & tomatoes as they cook.

~Once browned, add taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and cumin, stir until well mixed.

~Add in Worcestershire sauce and beef stock.

~Bring to a boil.

~Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

~Add cooked macaroni.

~Ladle soup into bowl and sprinkle with cheese (optional).

~Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top (optional).

Slow Cooker Directions:

~Cook macaroni as directed on package, drain and set aside (I do this right before the soup is done).

~In a large skillet, brown ground beef.

~Once browned add taco seasonings, salt, pepper, and cumin, stir until well mixed.

~Pour into slow cooker.

~Add in veggies, Worcestershire sauce and beef stock.

~Place lid on.

~Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

~Add cooked macaroni.

~Ladle soup into bowl and sprinkle with cheese (optional).

~Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top (optional).