If your schedule is jam-packed but you still crave something homemade and satisfying, Busy Day Soup might just be your new best friend. This quick yet hearty weeknight favorite brings together rich ground beef, colorful veggies, and pasta in a flavor-packed broth—all in a single pot. Perfect for kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike, it’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity, comfort, and the joyful chaos of everyday life. Whether you’re coming home late, feeding a hungry crew, or just want to embrace a laid-back dinner, Busy Day Soup is always there to save the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for Busy Day Soup: a handful of humble ingredients that, when tossed together, create pure magic. Each one plays its part to deliver great taste, cozy texture, and irresistible color right to your bowl.

Ground Beef: Gives the soup delicious richness and makes it hearty enough for a stand-alone meal.
Chopped Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweet aroma that builds as the soup simmers.
Beef Broth: Provides a savory, comforting base for the soup to soak up all the flavors.
Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Adds a burst of tanginess and vibrant color, plus extra brothiness.
Condensed Tomato Soup: Thickens the broth and gives it that familiar, nostalgic tomato flavor.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: An easy way to get a rainbow of nutrients and color in every spoonful.
Elbow Macaroni (uncooked): Turns the soup into a meal, with tender pasta that soaks up all the savory broth.
Italian Seasoning: Delivers a subtle herbal lift that brightens up the whole pot.
Garlic Powder: Spreads gentle garlic flavor throughout, tying all the ingredients together.
Salt and Pepper: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors—season to your own taste!

How to Make Busy Day Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab your largest soup pot and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, then cook while occasionally stirring, breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onions are nice and soft. If there’s extra fat in the pot, drain most of it off (leave just a bit for flavor).

Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Soup

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with all their juices, and the condensed tomato soup. Give everything a good stir—this forms your fragrant, tomato-infused broth and starts the base of your Busy Day Soup.

Step 3: Toss in the Veggies and Spices

Add the frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper directly to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup start bubbling so the flavors meld together beautifully. If you love a hint of spice, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 4: Simmer with the Pasta

Once the soup is bubbling away, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Turn the heat down to a steady simmer and let the pasta cook right in the flavorful broth for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir now and then to keep the macaroni from sticking—try not to overcook so the pasta stays tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your soup a taste test! Add more salt or pepper if needed, or a sprinkle of extra herbs for brightness. Then ladle the Busy Day Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot—get ready for all the compliments!

How to Serve Busy Day Soup

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley, a swirl of grated Parmesan, or even a dollop of sour cream all make wonderful finishing touches to your Busy Day Soup. A simple sprinkle of black pepper gives it a rustic, homey finish.

Side Dishes

This soup shines next to a warm, buttery slice of cornbread, a crusty baguette, or soft dinner rolls that are perfect for dunking. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing out the soup’s hearty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling Busy Day Soup into oversized mugs for a casual, cozy vibe. For family gatherings, serve it in a big pot right on the table and let everyone help themselves—add a toppings bar for extra fun with shredded cheese, diced green onions, or even croutons so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Busy Day Soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps happily for up to four days. The flavors get even better overnight, and the pasta soaks up more delicious broth.

Freezing

For longer storage, ladle cooled soup (without the pasta if possible) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. You can add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened in the fridge. Avoid boiling hard to keep the veggies and pasta from getting mushy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Busy Day Soup adapts easily to ground turkey or chicken if you’re in the mood for something lighter. Just make sure to season well and you’ll get a slightly different, but equally delicious, result.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or extra veggies, use vegetable broth, and check that your tomato soup is vegetarian-friendly. You’ll still have all the cozy, satisfying vibes.

What other pastas can I use?

If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, any short pasta shape works well—think small shells, rotini, or even mini penne. Just watch the cooking time so the noodles don’t turn mushy.

Can I add beans for extra protein?

Definitely! A can of drained, rinsed kidney beans or cannellini beans stirs right in for added fiber and protein, turning your Busy Day Soup into an even heartier meal.

How can I make this soup spicy?

For a kick, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like it hot) along with the seasonings, or top your bowl with a splash of your favorite hot sauce before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, foolproof dinner, make Busy Day Soup your go-to. With its comforting spirit, endless flexibility, and family-friendly flavors, there’s every reason to add this to your regular rotation. Go ahead—give it a try and see just how delicious a busy day can be!

Busy Day Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting Busy Day Soup recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Made with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped

Soup Base:

3 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup

Add-Ins:

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Brown Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until fully cooked.
Add Ingredients: Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, frozen vegetables, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.