Busy Day Soup

Busy Day Soup is a quick, hearty, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It combines ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful tomato-based broth, requiring minimal prep time.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix (for seasoning)
1¾ cups mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, green beans, corn)
5 cups water
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup macaroni, uncooked (elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice)

Construction (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Brown the Beef:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Build the Broth:

Stir in the onion soup mix and diced tomatoes (with juices).
Add 5 cups of water and bring to a boil.

3. Add Vegetables & Simmer:

Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and reduce heat to a simmer.
Let cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

4. Cook the Pasta:

Add the uncooked macaroni and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (salt, pepper, or additional herbs).
Serve hot, optionally with bread or crackers.

Variations

Low-Carb/Keto: Replace macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
More Protein: Add 1 can of drained kidney beans or chopped cooked chicken.
Thicker Soup: Reduce water to 4 cups or add a small can of tomato sauce.
Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with rice.

Tips for the Best Busy Day Soup

Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to avoid excessive grease.
Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue softening in the broth.
For extra flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
Make it ahead! The soup tastes even better the next day.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Would you like serving suggestions or pairing ideas?