This Busy Day Soup is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, this savory soup is both filling and flavorful, making it a go-to recipe for any time you’re short on time but want something delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of simmering time, this soup comes together in no time.
- Hearty and Filling: The ground beef, pasta, and vegetables make this soup a satisfying meal, perfect for any day.
- Minimal Effort: Everything goes into one pot, making clean-up a breeze!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or pasta for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 cups water
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Broth
Add the water, onion soup mix, and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Pasta and Vegetables
After 1 hour, add the uncooked macaroni noodles and frozen mixed vegetables directly from the freezer. Continue cooking for 15 minutes, or until the noodles and vegetables are tender.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with crackers or bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Kcal: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or beans for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta Swap: You can use other types of pasta like small shells or rotini.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies such as corn, green beans, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, adding a little water if it’s too thick, or heat it in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh vegetables if you prefer. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them when the pasta is ready to cook.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef, then add everything else into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I serve this with?
This soup is great with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This Busy Day Soup is a simple, satisfying, and delicious dish that takes minimal effort to prepare. Perfect for a busy evening, it’s a family-friendly meal that will fill you up and keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the hearty flavors of ground beef, pasta, and vegetables in a savory broth—comfort food at its best!
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Busy Day Soup
This Busy Day Soup is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, this savory soup is both filling and flavorful, making it a go-to recipe for any time you’re short on time but want something delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, this soup is a family favorite!
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 cups water
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Broth
- Add the water, onion soup mix, and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Let the soup simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Pasta and Vegetables
- After 1 hour, add the uncooked macaroni noodles and frozen mixed vegetables directly from the freezer. Continue cooking for 15 minutes, or until the noodles and vegetables are tender.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with crackers or bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or beans for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta Swap: You can use other types of pasta like small shells or rotini.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies such as corn, green beans, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
