A hearty, one-pot Busy Day Soup made with ground beef, onion soup mix, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and elbow macaroni—your quick-fix dinner in under 40 minutes.
Let me set the scene: It’s Tuesday, the kind of Tuesday that feels like a Monday in disguise. Work deadlines are breathing down your neck, the kids are bickering over something (you’ve stopped asking), and the fridge is looking… well, sad. You need dinner—fast—but cereal again? Even the dog’s judging you.
Enter Busy Day Soup. It’s not fancy. It’s not fussy. But oh boy, is it satisfying.
I remember making this for the first time after a chaotic day of running errands and wrangling toddlers. I barely had energy left to boil water, but somehow, this came together in 40 minutes flat. And when I saw my picky eater go in for a second bowl? Pure magic.
Why You’ll Love This Busy Day Soup Recipe?
- Ridiculously Easy: No complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Just toss, stir, simmer.
- One-Pot Wonder: Because who wants extra dishes? Not me.
- Pantry Hero: Uses stuff you probably already have on hand.
- Comforting & Hearty: Like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Family-Friendly: Even the kids will ask for seconds.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Gets the beef browning and the flavor going.
- 1 lb. 80/20 ground beef – Adds that hearty, meaty base.
- 1 oz. packet dry onion soup mix – Flavor shortcut that never fails.
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth – Your flavorful soup foundation.
- 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes – Adds tang and depth.
- 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen mixed vegetables – Veggies without the chopping.
- 1 cup dried elbow macaroni – The ultimate comfort carb.
Optional (but oh-so-good): Grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, or crusty bread for dipping.
How To Make Busy Day Soup?
Step 1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until browned—about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with your spoon as you go. Once it’s cooked through, drain off the excess fat.
Side note: If you’re the kind who loves a little extra flavor, keep a bit of the drippings in the pot. No judgment here.
Step 2. Boost the Flavor
Add in the dry onion soup mix and stir it through the beef. That packet is like flavor magic—trust me on this.
Step 3. Add the Liquids & Veggies
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (juice and all), and the frozen mixed veggies. Stir it all together, then crank up the heat to bring it to a boil.
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Step 4. Let the Pasta Party Begin
Once the soup’s bubbling away, stir in the elbow macaroni. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta’s tender but not mushy.
Pro Tip: If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it in when reheating. Nobody likes soggy noodles.
Step 5. Taste, Serve & Enjoy
Give it a quick taste—add salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and dive in. Bonus points if you serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Just leave out the pasta before freezing—add fresh pasta when you reheat.
- Reheating: Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth if it thickens up.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Switch the Protein: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use veggie broth and sub in lentils or chickpeas.
- Add Some Spice: Love heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Change the Pasta: Use shells, rotini, or even orzo—whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
- Cheese It Up: Stir in shredded cheddar for a melty, cheesy twist.
What to Serve with Busy Day Soup?
- Grilled Cheese: Because soup and grilled cheese are soulmates.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: For soaking up all that tasty broth.
- Simple Side Salad: To add a bit of freshness and crunch.
- Crackers: Classic, easy, and always good.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the beef first, then toss everything (except the pasta) into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy in leftovers?
Simple—cook the pasta separately and add it in when you reheat the soup.
The Final Word: Soup That Saves the Day
Not all heroes wear capes. Some come in the form of a big pot of Busy Day Soup.
It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it’s the answer to the eternal what’s-for-dinner question—especially on days when cooking feels like too much. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can tweak a million ways. Got extra veggies? Throw ‘em in. Need it spicier? Go wild.
So next time life’s a little too hectic and you need something warm, filling, and fuss-free? Busy Day Soup’s got your back.
Tried it? Loved it? Got your own twist? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Busy Day Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb. 80/20 ground beef
- 1 oz. package dry onion soup mix
- 4 c low sodium beef broth
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 1 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 c dried elbow macaroni
Topping:
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by heating some olive oil in a pot. Once it's hot add the ground beef. Cook it until it turns brown.
- If there's any fat drain it off. Then mix in the onion soup package.
- Next pour, in the beef broth along with the tomatoes and their juice as well as the frozen vegetables. Bring everything to a boil.
- Now stir in the elbow macaroni. Let it cook until it becomes tender, which usually takes 10 minutes.
- Finally, serve this dish while it's still hot and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top if you like.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
