If you’re wishing for a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t require endless chopping or a pile of dishes, let me introduce you to Busy Day Soup. This wonderful one-pot wonder is loaded with comforting flavors, rich tomato broth, and a rainbow of veggies and pasta. Best of all, it comes together in mere minutes, making it a perfect solution for those days when time slips away but a homecooked hug-in-a-bowl is exactly what you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about a recipe with simple, accessible ingredients that transform into pure comfort. Each element of Busy Day Soup brings its own texture or flavor, making the soup feel abundant and robust without any fuss.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Adds heartiness and rich flavor; choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Gives the soup a lovely sweetness and savory depth as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth and a subtle kick—fresh is best for maximum flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds chunks of juicy tomato, tang, and a lovely red color.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates a velvety, rich broth that ties everything together.
- 1 (15-ounce) can mixed vegetables (undrained): No chopping required—this shortcut brings color and a variety of veggies in one step.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Brings protein, fiber, and a creamy bite that makes the soup extra satisfying.
- 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup; use low-sodium if you like to control saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with herbaceous flavor—dried basil, oregano, and thyme are key players here.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste especially if your broth is salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and just a hint of spice.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta: The pasta soaks up the flavors and gives the soup its iconic hearty texture.
How to Make Busy Day Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start with a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey and the chopped onion together. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spoon and let it mingle with the onion until both are nicely browned and the meat is no longer pink—about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t skip this step; it builds the base flavors that make Busy Day Soup so rich and satisfying.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute. At this stage, you want to stir frequently so that fragrant garlic doesn’t burn, giving the soup a warm, aromatic boost. Your kitchen will already smell wonderful!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Veggies, Beans, and Broth
Now, dump in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables (with their liquid), and the drained kidney beans. Pour in those three glorious cups of broth. Add in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a hearty stir—this is the moment all the flavors start to come together into something truly magical for Busy Day Soup.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil, Add Pasta, and Simmer
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Once bubbling, toss in your pasta of choice—elbow macaroni is classic, but any small pasta works beautifully. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will plump up, soaking in all those savory flavors and bringing the soup to its perfect, cozy consistency.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings as you like. Maybe you want a little more salt, a few extra shakes of pepper, or an extra sprinkle of Italian herbs. Once you’re happy with the flavors, ladle into bowls and get ready to dig in.
How to Serve Busy Day Soup
Garnishes
This soup is delicious just as it is, but a handful of fresh parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top really elevates it. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic, too. Serving with a lemon wedge for squeezing adds a pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
A crusty piece of warm bread or a buttery biscuit alongside your steaming bowl of Busy Day Soup is simply perfect. If you want to keep things light, a crisp green salad on the side rounds out the meal and complements the soup’s rich, hearty character.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling Busy Day Soup into deep mugs for a cozy, hands-on dinner for family; it’s also fun served in mini bread bowls for a rustic twist. For a packed lunch, pour it into a thermos—it travels beautifully and tastes even better with a few hours for the flavors to meld.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Busy Day Soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors actually get even better with time, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or a fuss-free dinner later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future busy day, freeze the soup (ideally before adding pasta) in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will last up to three months—just label with the date. If you freeze with pasta, the texture will be softer, but still tasty!
Reheating
To reheat Busy Day Soup, simply warm it gently in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water. For single servings, the microwave works great—heat in one-minute intervals, stirring between bursts, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables or beans in Busy Day Soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Use whatever canned or frozen veggies you have on hand (corn, green beans, carrots, etc.) and swap in any bean you love—pinto or black beans are both delicious alternatives.
Is there a way to make Busy Day Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the meat and double the beans for protein and texture, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. You’ll still end up with a bowlful of filling, flavorful goodness.
Can I make Busy Day Soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the meat, onions, and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer them to your slow cooker and add all the remaining ingredients except the pasta. Cook on low for 4–6 hours; add the pasta during the last 30 minutes and cook until tender.
What pasta shapes work best in Busy Day Soup?
Classic elbow macaroni is always great, but any small pasta (like ditalini, small shells, or orzo) will work perfectly. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, wait until the last 7–8 minutes to add it so it doesn’t become mushy.
Can I make a low-carb version?
You sure can! Just skip the pasta and toss in chopped zucchini, cauliflower florets, or even bite-size pieces of cabbage. The soup stays satisfying and is every bit as delicious without the extra carbs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a family-friendly recipe that’s wholesome, adaptable, and seriously easy, Busy Day Soup is ready to become your go-to. Grab those pantry staples, simmer up a pot, and enjoy the satisfying flavors with every spoonful. Trust me, your busiest days just got a whole lot tastier.
Print
Busy Day Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Busy Day Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is a satisfying option for busy weekdays.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can mixed vegetables, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Soup Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, kidney beans, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Add the macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup is perfect for using pantry staples and can be easily adapted with other veggies, beans, or leftover pasta.
- For a low-carb version, skip the pasta and add chopped zucchini or cauliflower instead.
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