Cowboy Quinoa Soup

Another winner in the kitchen. The kids give it two thumbs up and I really enjoyed it to. I am not really a vegetable soup lover, but this was really good. The name comes from a recipe I love called "cowboy soup", but this one has noodles instead of potatoes and also quinoa added in the mix. You cannot even taste the quinoa or tell its there, so its a healthy addition to the soup. The next time I make it I will increase the onion to 1 whole and the garlic to 2 cloves.

1 pkg ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1- 28oz large can diced tomatoes (puree half)
1 Large Can of water (use tomato can - or 28 oz)
1 can tomato soup
2 Cups beef broth (used two bullion cubes w/ 2 cups water)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery, chopped
1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
1/3 cup quinoa
1 cup chicken broth or 1 can
1 - 2 tbsp chili powder
1 - 2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt; add more as needed (not sure of the final amount added)
1/2 tsp pepper
Italian Cheese Blend

In a large soup pot, brown ground beef; Drain fat and return to pot. Saute onions and garlic with meat. Add seasonings. Add tomatoes, soup, water, beef broth, and chicken broth, quinoa, carrots, celery and simmer for 10 minutes; taste. If needed, add more salt, chili powder and cumin - this is what gives it flavor. Mix in macaroni noodles and cook 7 minutes more. Serve with italian cheese sprinkled on top.

I will try to make this again soon and measure the seasonings a little better. I know I am notorious for not measuring and this makes giving a recipe out very difficult. If you try this, please come back and let me know how it turned out.