Busy Day Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it uses pantry staples and comes together in under an hour. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and incredibly filling. The flavors deepen as it simmers, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s also endlessly customizable depending on what I have in the fridge or pantry.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion (diced)

• Garlic (minced)

• Diced tomatoes (canned)

• Tomato soup or tomato sauce

• Mixed vegetables (frozen or canned)

• Beef broth

• Elbow macaroni or small pasta

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

• Optional: Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for added depth

directions

1. I start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. I drain the fat if needed.

2. I add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened.

3. I stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato soup, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. I bring everything to a gentle boil.

4. I add the frozen vegetables and uncooked pasta, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

5. I season with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust as needed. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce gives it an extra boost if I want more flavor.

6. I serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with shredded cheese or fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, making it ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage. I’ve also used rice or lentils instead of pasta for a different texture. When I want to keep it vegetarian, I skip the meat and use vegetable broth with extra beans or chickpeas for protein.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth over time, so I add a splash of water or broth when reheating. It also freezes well—just keep in mind that the pasta may soften more after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables?

Yes, I chop and sauté them with the onions to soften them before adding the broth and tomatoes.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. I brown the meat first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. I add the pasta in the last 30 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.

What kind of pasta works best?

I use small shapes like elbows, shells, or ditalini. They cook quickly and hold up well in the soup.

Can I add beans?

Yes, I often stir in kidney beans, black beans, or white beans for added protein and heartiness.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, I let it cool completely before freezing in portions. I reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed.

Conclusion

Busy Day Soup is a dependable, comforting dish I rely on when life gets hectic. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. With flexible ingredients and satisfying results, it’s a recipe that fits into even the busiest of schedules.