The Walmart Cook

This is a hearty soup – perfect for a cold winter night and simple enough for a weeknight.  This soup makes 8 servings which means plenty for lunches or even to put in the freezer for an easy meal later.   Total cost $9.92 – makes 2 meals.

Beefy Bean Soup

1 – 29 ounce can of tomato puree  $ .98

1 -14 ½ ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained  $ .92

1 ½ cups water

1 can14 ounce can beef broth  $ .86

4 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon granules  $2.12 (plenty left over)

¾ teaspoon salt

¾ teaspoon dried basil

¾ teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

1 lb ground beef  $2.58

1 cup chopped celery  $ .25

½ cup chopped onion  $ .44

½ teaspoon dried minced garlic, or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1 – 16 ounce can Kidney beans, rinsed and drained  $  .94

1 – 16 ounce can Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained  $  .83

Optional – a few shakes of hot sauce

In a dutch oven, combine first 8 ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Stir in macaroni.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered – stirring frequently – for 10-15 minutes or until macaroni is tender. 

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, celery, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.  Drain.  Add to the tomato mixture and heat through.

Tags: bean, beef, hearty