Busy Day Soup is the perfect dish for those hectic evenings when time is short but you still want a meal that’s filling, flavorful, and comforting. With a combination of rich broth, tender pasta, wholesome vegetables, and hearty ground beef, this recipe ensures you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table with minimal effort. This guide will take you step-by-step through crafting the best Busy Day Soup and includes helpful tips on customizing the dish to fit your preferences.
Ingredients for Busy Day Soup
To get started with this recipe, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 ¾ cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 5 cups water
- 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni
These ingredients are not only easily accessible but also require very little prep work, making this soup a breeze to whip up on a busy evening.
How to Make Busy Day Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by grabbing a large soup pot and browning the ground beef over medium heat. Ensure you break up the meat as it cooks to avoid large clumps. Once fully browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Next, pour in the water, add the onion soup mix, and stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour on medium-low heat. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a savory broth that is rich and aromatic.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Vegetables
After the broth has simmered for an hour, it’s time to add in the uncooked macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta and vegetables will become tender, absorbing the delicious flavors from the broth. No need to thaw the vegetables before adding them—just toss them straight from the freezer into the pot.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Once everything is cooked through, your Busy Day Soup is ready to serve. This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings and tastes even better when reheated the next day. Pair it with soda crackers or a buttered roll for a comforting meal.
Customization Options for Busy Day Soup
One of the best things about Busy Day Soup is its flexibility. Whether you want to switch up the proteins or adjust the veggies, this recipe can easily be adapted to fit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Swap the Meat
While ground beef is a classic choice, you can substitute it with:
- Ground turkey
- Ground pork
- Ground chicken
- Bratwurst (skins removed)
Each of these meats will bring a unique flavor to the soup. For added depth, consider using a combination of ground beef and sausage. The combination of meats will elevate the flavor and add more richness to the broth.
Change the Vegetables
Feel free to mix and match your vegetables based on what you have on hand. Both fresh and frozen vegetables work well in this soup. Some great options include:
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green beans
- Corn
You can even raid your pantry and throw in some canned veggies. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly versatile, so you can create a different version every time you make it.
Adjust the Pasta
If you don’t have macaroni on hand, other types of pasta can be used as a substitute. Try rotini, shells, penne, or even break up spaghetti noodles for a fun twist. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may slightly change the texture and flavor, but overall, they will still blend well with the broth and veggies.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Soup
To take your Busy Day Soup to the next level, consider adding some delicious toppings that can enhance the flavor and presentation:
- Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning sprinkled on top for added color and a burst of herbal flavor.
- Shredded cheese (such as cheddar or parmesan) to give a creamy, melty richness.
- Croutons or crackers for some crunch.
- A dash of hot sauce if you want to kick up the spice level.
These small additions can bring new life to the dish and make each bowl even more delightful.
Storing and Reheating Busy Day Soup
One of the many reasons we love this soup is how well it stores and reheats. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or simply enjoying leftovers.
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors of the soup actually deepen as it sits, making it taste even better the next day. Simply reheat individual servings on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
If you prefer to freeze your soup, transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the vegetables and pasta (pasta can become mushy). To avoid this, cook the pasta to an al dente texture before freezing. This way, it won’t become too soft when reheated.
Making Busy Day Soup in a Slow Cooker
For even more convenience, Busy Day Soup can be made in a slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Brown the ground beef on the stove, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add the water, onion soup mix, diced tomatoes, and vegetables (frozen or fresh).
- Cook on low heat for 6 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add the uncooked pasta and allow it to cook until tender.
This method is perfect if you want to set it and forget it. By the time you’re ready for dinner, your Busy Day Soup will be warm, flavorful, and ready to serve.
Nutritional Information for Busy Day Soup
This soup isn’t just tasty—it’s also relatively healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28.5g
- Protein: 22.1g
- Fat: 3.1g
- Sodium: 522.4mg
- Fiber: 5.1g
- Sugar: 5g
It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
