Base of the Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – butter works beautifully too
• 1 pound ground beef – or swap in ground turkey or chicken
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – shallots are a tasty alternative
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh gives the best pop of flavor
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – use cornstarch if you need a gluten-free option
• 4 cups chicken broth – vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly

For Richness & Flavor

• 1 cup heavy cream – whole milk or half-and-half will lighten things up
• Salt – added to your liking
• Black pepper – to taste
• Onion powder – season as desired
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – feel free to customize
• 1 teaspoon paprika – smoky or sweet varieties both work

For Heartiness

• 1 cup matchstick carrots – fresh or frozen are both great
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni – any small pasta shape holds up well

Cheesy Finish

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – blend with other melty cheeses if you want
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Pecorino Romano adds extra punch