Hamburger Soup

A tasty hamburger soup with simple ingredients.

1 lb ground beef
1 chopped onion
1 tsp garlic
1 cup diced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (with Italian seasoning)
1 can tomato paste
1 envelope dry Italian dressing mix
1 T light soy sauce or Bragg liquid aminos
1 14 oz can beef broth
1 14 oz can chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
(40 oz of liquid total)
1 lb cooked orzo (or other small pasta)
Grated parmesan cheese to garnish each bowl.

In a large stock pot, brown beef with onion and garlic, drain, then add celery, carrots, soup mix, salt and pepper, and cook until veggies are tender.  Add remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese).  Cook on stove top for about 30 minutes.  Wait until last few minutes and add the cooked pasta.  Adding pasta earlier will soak up much of the liquid.  If you want to cook the pasta with the soup, just add more broth or water as needed.

To make in the slow cooker, brown beef, onions and garlic, drain.  Add to slow cooker and add all other ingredients, except pasta and cheese.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  Again, do not add pasta until the end.