When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a quick, comforting recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition. Busy Day Soup is your answer to hectic schedules, combining the ease of one-pot cooking with the hearty goodness of ground beef, vegetables, and pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or a simple yet satisfying dinner on a cold evening. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with the nutrition you need to fuel your day. Let’s dive into this wholesome, delicious recipe.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a savory, hearty foundation full of protein.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds a rich, robust flavor with minimal effort.
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes: Supplies tanginess and depth, forming the base of the broth.
- 5 cups water: The main liquid for the soup, keeping it light and refreshing.
For the Add-ins
- 1 ¾ cups mixed frozen vegetables: A convenient mix of vegetables to save time while adding nutrients.
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni: Provides heartiness and makes the soup satisfying and filling.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Place a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned all over, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy.
Tip: Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce the amount of fat you need to drain.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Pour 5 cups of water into the pot with the browned beef.
- Add the onion soup mix, stirring well to ensure it dissolves completely.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juice, to add depth and flavor to the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Allow the soup base to simmer for 1 hour. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful base.
Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the soup from boiling vigorously, which can break down the tomatoes too much and result in a cloudy broth.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Pasta
- After the soup base has simmered for an hour, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, stirring to distribute it evenly.
- Increase the heat to medium and let the soup cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the macaroni is tender and the vegetables are heated through.
Tip: Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, by adding salt and pepper to your liking.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad to make this meal even more satisfying.
Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate it overnight for a deeper, more developed flavor.
- Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking of the vegetables and pasta, stir the soup occasionally and keep an eye on the heat level.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Add the pasta towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Herbal Notes: Stir in a teaspoon of dried basil or Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Broth Variations: Replace the water with beef, chicken, or vegetable broth for an even richer soup.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Freezing
- This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra liquid as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! Dice fresh vegetables like carrots, green beans, or zucchini into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Add them in Step 3 and adjust the cooking time if needed.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check the onion soup mix for gluten-containing ingredients. Substitute with a homemade seasoning blend if necessary.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe.
What pasta shapes work best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal. You can also use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for added variety.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Omit the ground beef and use a vegetable-based onion soup mix. Replace water with vegetable broth for a rich and flavorful vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Busy Day Soup is a lifesaver for those chaotic evenings when you need a hearty, delicious meal in a short amount of time. Packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal in one pot. Its simplicity makes it a family favorite, and its flexibility means you can tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or freezing portions for later, Busy Day Soup is a reliable recipe that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. So the next time your schedule is packed, whip up a batch of this comforting soup and savor the satisfaction of a warm, homemade meal.