Beefy Tomato Soup

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb. ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 (23.5) oz jar of spaghetti sauce
• 4 cups of chicken stock
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni or short-tubed pasta
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, divided

Preparation

Step 1

Instructions
In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens.
Add the ground beef to the onions, breaking up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink.
Next add the salt, pepper and oregano to the beef and stir to combine.
Now pour in the chicken stock and the pasta sauce, stir and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth then add 1/2 of the fresh basil.
Pour in the pasta, stir and let cook for 10 minutes, covered, stirring halfway through cooking.
Spoon into bowls and garnish with the leftover basil.
Notes
Your favorite spaghetti sauce can be substituted, or even a can of crushed tomatoes with a little more seasoning works!

*If you want this soup for leftovers, cook the pasta separately and then add to the soup with each bowl.