- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and add with the other dry seasonings)
- 1 pound eggplant, diced (about 4-1/2 cups, cubed, or 1 medium; no need to peel)
- 3/4 cup sliced or diced carrots
- 3/4 cup sliced celery
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans Italian diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (32-ounce) box beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dry macaroni (optional; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (may substitute fresh parsley)