Minestrone Hamburger Soup

This is my Mother's recipe. It has lots of memories for me. I will often double this recipe and cook in the crock pot. Very easy and hearty soup that's even better on the second day!

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  lb  ground chuck
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 1  cup  raw chopped potato
• 1  cup  chopped celery
• 1  cup  raw sliced carrot
• 1  cup  shredded cabbage
• 28  ounces whole tomatoes
• 2  cups water
• 3  bay leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon basil
• 1⁄4 cup macaroni
• 1  quart water
•  salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Brown ground chuck with chopped onions. Drain well.
2. Place all ingredients in stock or crock pot (including raw macaroni) and cook over low heat for 1-1/2 to 2 hours; stirring often.
3. Can place in crock pot over low heat 5-6 hours or until vegetables are tender.
4. *If you prefer your pasta al dente, then cook pasta separately and add to soup just before serving or add towards the end and cook until it is done to your preference. You can also use rice instead of macaroni.