When life gets hectic and you need a nourishing meal on the table fast, Busy Day Soup is your delicious answer. This one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and colorful veggies, all simmered together in a rich tomato broth. It’s comfort food perfection for those times when you crave something hearty but don’t have hours to spare. With just a few everyday staples and less than 40 minutes from start to finish, you can pull off this family favorite any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how big on flavor Busy Day Soup can be with such a humble list of ingredients. Each one brings its own special touch, from the savory depth of beef and aromatic veggies to the tang of tomatoes and satisfying pasta. Here’s exactly what goes into every steaming bowl:

Ground Beef (1 pound): The star protein that adds hearty substance and classic, comforting flavor to the soup.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Brings an aromatic sweetness and depth, infusing the broth with unmistakable homecooked taste.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a savory punch and complexity—don’t skimp, it makes a big difference!
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté your veggies and keeps everything from sticking while adding a nice, fruity note.
Beef Broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful base, tying all the ingredients together into a rich soup.
Diced Tomatoes with Juice (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds acidity, brightness, and a pleasant chunkiness throughout.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Rounds out the broth, giving it body and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory notes.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 cup): The easy shortcut for color, texture, and sneaky nutrition—use your favorite blend!
Elbow Macaroni (1 cup, uncooked): The pasta soaks up all the flavors and makes every spoonful extra satisfying.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together classic herbs that lift and deepen each bite.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and making the broth sing.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch of heat and warmth that pulls everything together.

How to Make Busy Day Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, letting it soften and become wonderfully fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir for one more minute, just until you can smell that gorgeous garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen. This aromatic base sets the stage for your Busy Day Soup.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef directly into the same pot. Cook it, breaking up any big chunks with your spoon. Let the beef brown and release its flavor, which usually takes about 5 minutes. If things are starting to look a little greasy, feel free to carefully drain off any excess fat—this keeps the soup hearty but not heavy.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Now it’s time to add all the great flavors that transform simple ingredients into a fabulous soup! Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s wonderfully combined and let the mixture come up to a gentle boil. This step is when Busy Day Soup really starts to take on its personality.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Once your pot is bubbling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. The pasta cooks right in the seasoned broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors and adding amazing heartiness to every spoonful. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, just until the macaroni is perfectly tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Take a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper makes all the difference. Ladle your Busy Day Soup into big bowls and get ready for some serious cozy-meal joy!

How to Serve Busy Day Soup

Garnishes

For extra flair, top your Busy Day Soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a handful of shredded Parmesan cheese, or even a swirl of olive oil. These finishing touches add color, richness, and a little contrast to the savory broth.

Side Dishes

Serve with a thick slice of crusty bread (perfect for dunking), a warm roll, or a quick green salad tossed with vinaigrette. These sides help round out the meal and make it even more comforting and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Busy Day Soup in oversized mugs for movie night, or pour into small bowls as a starter for a family dinner. If you’re hosting a casual get-together, try setting out toppings like extra cheese, herbs, or red pepper flakes so everyone can jazz up their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra soup? Lucky you! Let the Busy Day Soup cool fully before transferring to airtight containers and popping them in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days. Just know the pasta will soak up some liquid, so your leftovers may be a bit thicker (and more comforting!) the next day.

Freezing

Busy Day Soup freezes beautifully. For best results, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. If you plan on freezing the whole batch, consider undercooking the pasta just a bit so it holds up well after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two (or three), reheat Busy Day Soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and revive the soupiness if the pasta has thickened the broth. Stir well and heat until piping hot—it’s every bit as delicious the next day!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Any small pasta shape works great—try shells, rotini, or even mini penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and enjoy a fun twist on classic Busy Day Soup.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

It’s perfect for meal prep! Make a big pot, portion into individual containers, and you’re set for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Just keep in mind the pasta will continue soaking up liquid, so add a little extra broth when reheating if you prefer it soupier.

Can I make Busy Day Soup vegetarian?

Definitely—just swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and follow the rest of the recipe. The flavor is still cozy and delicious.

What are some other add-in ideas?

Feel free to toss in a drained can of beans for more protein and fiber, or extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or corn. Busy Day Soup is wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have on hand!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just make sure you have a big enough pot and allow a little extra simmer time to account for the larger volume. Busy Day Soup is always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re juggling a thousand things but still want a homemade dinner that satisfies everyone at the table, you simply have to give Busy Day Soup a try. It’s fast, flexible, and comes together with pantry favorites—what more could you ask for? Grab your pot, and let this wonderful soup become your new go-to comfort meal!

Busy Day Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Busy Day Soup is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. This easy soup recipe is made with ground beef, vegetables, and elbow macaroni in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base

4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Simmer Soup: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetables, seasonings. Bring to a boil. Add macaroni, reduce heat, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.