American Hamburger Goulash Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground sirloin, very lean
• 3 celery ribs, chopped into 1-in chunks
• 3 -4 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-in chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced (use more or less per your taste)
• 8 ounces frozen baby peas
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-in chunks
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 3 (10 ounce) cans beef consomme
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper (I don’t use the salt, and use about 2 teaspoons of pepper)
• 1 -2 bay leaf
• shell macaroni (optional)
• parmesan cheese (optional)
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic; drain any fat.
2. Add in all remaining ingredients except Parmesan cheese,wine,and pasta and simmer for 3 hours or more.
3. 1 hour before serving add uncooked pasta
4. 1/2 an hour before serving add red wine.
5. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.