Made this soup yesterday and followed directions exactly, adding only salt and fresh black pepper. It was surprisingly really good and very easy! I simmered at least 30 minutes (because I was on the phone and forgot to turn it off!). If you want a more beefy taste, you could up the amount to 3/4 lb. beef. When I reheat it today I will need to add a can of beef broth because the soup has gotten very thick. Can't give it 5 stars because my picky eaters did not approve.

I forgot to mention in my recent review that I used Low-Sodium beef broth, which is why I needed to add salt.

I love this recipe but I tweak it as well. I have to double the recipe because I feed everyone when I make soup. Instead of using water & the bouillon cubes I use cans of beef broth, instead of using the unsalted can of tomatoes I get the basil, oregano & garlic flavored. my other little change is I also put about 1 lb. of beef stew meat cut really small, it makes it a little heartier combined with the ground beef.

Great recipe!