Alphabet Soup

I wonder if a mom invented alphabet macaroni? A few nights ago I made alphabet soup, which is a recipe passed down from my mom, and is very yummy! Also very eye-pleasing, as it is very colorful. :) Anyway, Sam was not interested in trying the soup . . . until I pointed out the fact that there were LETTERS in it. Then, he proceeded to gobble up almost all that I had given him, and even noticed when he spilled one letter onto the table--"dropped R!" he said. I told Jim I may have to start adding alphabet macaroni to more kinds of soup. :) It certainly was an easy and inexpensive way to get our little guy interested in eating something new!

Here's the recipe:

Alphabet Soup

1 lb. (or less) ground beef
1 c. chopped onion (I leave this out as my hubby doesn't love onions)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 14-16 oz. can diced tomatoes and juice (I used the ones with roasted garlic and onion; that way you get some onion flavor without overdoing it, plus a little extra garlic)
2 c. beef stock (homemade, or made from boullion, or canned; I actually had a little beef gravy on hand, which I thinned down with a bunch of water, and it worked well!)
2 c. water
1 t. oregano
1 t. basil
1/2 t. pepper
1/3 c. alphabet macaroni
1 1/2 c. frozen mixed vegetables

In soup pot or Dutch oven, cook first 3 ingredients over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring until beef in cooked. Drain off any fat. Add tomatoes and juice. Add next 5 ingredients. Simmer, partly covered, 10 minutes. Add vegetables and pasta. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Enjoy!