Busy Day Soup Recipe
When life feels extra hectic and time is at a premium, there’s nothing quite like a big, steaming pot of Busy Day Soup to swoop in and save the day. This recipe is my secret weapon for those nights when you crave something comforting, hearty, and home-cooked, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Packed with tender ground beef, colorful veggies, and satisfying pasta all swimming in a tomato-rich broth, Busy Day Soup is a satisfying one-pot wonder that’s as flexible as it is flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a fuss-free meal, this soup checks all the boxes for taste, speed, and pure cozy satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Busy Day Soup is in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, creating layers of savory flavor, delightful textures, and a cheery splash of color with every spoonful.
- Lean ground beef: Adds richness and substance; you can also use ground turkey or a plant-based substitute if you like.
- Chopped onion: Brings sweetness and depth, forming a classic flavor base for the soup.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the broth with irresistible aroma and that comforting home-cooked taste.
- Beef broth: Provides a deep savory background that ties everything together.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Introduces a bright, tangy note and adds body to the soup.
- Canned tomato sauce: Makes the broth richer and builds extra flavor with every simmer.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: The ultimate shortcut for color, nutrition, and convenience; any blend will do!
- Elbow macaroni or small pasta: Gives the soup hearty substance and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A simple shake of this brings a cozy, herby lift to the pot.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and brightening all the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and finishes the soup with just the right zing.
How to Make Busy Day Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by grabbing your favorite large soup pot and setting it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want the meat to be browned and crumbly, with no more pink showing. If there’s extra fat, go ahead and drain it—this keeps your Busy Day Soup from turning greasy and heavy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for the onions to soften and start turning a bit translucent, and for your kitchen to be filled with that mouthwatering, garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now comes the easy part! Pour in the beef broth, then add the canned diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors mingle nicely. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Pasta
Once your soup base is bubbling, add the frozen mixed vegetables and the uncooked pasta. Stir it all in, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the lovely, simmering broth. Turn the heat down just a notch, so the soup stays at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Let your Busy Day Soup cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Check the pasta—it should be tender but still pleasantly chewy, and the veggies should be hot through. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. That’s it—dinner’s ready!
How to Serve Busy Day Soup
Garnishes
Dress up each bowl of Busy Day Soup with a shower of fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a few crunchy croutons on top. A little drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper adds that extra bit of polish and flavor.
Side Dishes
While this soup is a meal in itself, it plays especially well with warm garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even classic saltine crackers. If you’ve got a busy household, just pop a loaf of crusty bread in the oven while the soup simmers and let everyone dunk to their heart’s content.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn ordinary into memorable by ladling Busy Day Soup into mugs for a cozy, portable meal on the couch, or serve it in bread bowls for an extra-special touch. Leftovers also make a fun packed lunch in a thermos—just add a side of fruit for a complete meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Busy Day Soup, lucky you! Let the soup cool to room temperature, then ladle it into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making for ultra-convenient lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
Yes, Busy Day Soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Keep in mind the pasta will soften as it sits, but the soup is still delicious. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bring the soup to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works, too—just go in short bursts and stir between each to distribute the heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in Busy Day Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble mimic the texture and heartiness of beef. Just follow the same browning steps and season to taste.
What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
No problem. Any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or ditalini works great in Busy Day Soup. Even broken-up spaghetti or rice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make Busy Day Soup in advance?
Definitely! The flavors meld and deepen as the soup sits, so make it a day ahead if you like. Wait until just before serving to add the pasta so it doesn’t get too soft.
Is Busy Day Soup good for picky eaters?
This soup is a crowd-pleaser and super customizable. Use veggies you know your family loves, or let everyone top their own bowl with cheese, crackers, or herbs.
How can I make Busy Day Soup gluten-free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your broth and tomato products are gluten-free as well. The soup is just as delicious and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or just yourself after a whirlwind day, Busy Day Soup brings all the homemade comfort with none of the hassle. It’s nourishing, customizable, and the kind of recipe everyone needs in their weeknight arsenal. Give it a try—you might just find it earns a permanent spot in your cozy dinner routine!
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Busy Day Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting soup perfect for busy days, Busy Day Soup is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a savory broth. This easy-to-make soup is a family favorite and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ground Beef Mixture:
Soup Base:
Add-Ins:
Seasonings:
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Add frozen vegetables and uncooked pasta, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe is very flexible—use any small pasta or vegetables you have on hand.
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as a substitute for beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
