Description
Busy Day Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy schedules. Ground beef is browned and simmered with onion soup mix, diced tomatoes, and a medley of frozen vegetables, then combined with uncooked macaroni noodles for a satisfying, easy-to-make soup that delivers rich flavors and warmth in just under an hour and a half.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups water
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large soup pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned throughout. Make sure to break it apart evenly as it cooks. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add Liquids and Soup Mix: To the pot, pour in 6 cups of water followed by 1 packet of onion soup mix and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors and ingredients before heating it.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 hour to allow all the flavors from the beef, soup mix, and tomatoes to meld beautifully, developing a rich and savory broth.
- Add Macaroni and Vegetables: After the simmering hour, add 1 cup of uncooked macaroni noodles and 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables directly to the pot without thawing. Stir them in and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the vegetables are heated through.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the soup carefully and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with crackers or crusty bread to make a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to reduce greasiness and improve soup clarity.
- The soup mix adds a convenient and flavorful base, but you can adjust seasoning with fresh herbs if preferred.
- Adding frozen vegetables directly without thawing keeps prep simple and preserves texture.
- Ensure the macaroni is cooked properly by simmering 15 minutes after adding it with the vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a well-rounded, comforting meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove.
