Busy Day Soup

Busy Day Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for those days when you need a quick and satisfying meal on the table. Packed with ground beef, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, and pasta, this soup is easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of onion soup mix adds depth to the broth, making it savory and delicious.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply need a fuss-free dinner option, Busy Day Soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Busy Day Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 packet onion soup mix

1 ¾ cup mixed frozen vegetables

5 cups water

1 can diced tomatoes 28oz can

1 cup macaroni uncooked

1/3 cup spaghetti uncooked (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large soup pot, brown ground beef.

Drain fat.

Step 2:

Pour in water, onion soup mix and tomatoes with juice.

Simmer for 1 hour on medium low.

Step 3:

Add macaroni, spaghetti and frozen vegetables.

Cook 15 minutes longer on medium heat.

Serve hot.

Notes:

Quick Preparation: This recipe is designed for busy days, requiring simple ingredients that are easy to prepare and cook.

Versatile Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, onion soup mix, frozen vegetables, and canned tomatoes provides a convenient way to create a flavorful and hearty soup without extensive chopping or preparation.

One-Pot Meal: It’s a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup and making it ideal for family dinners or weeknight meals.

Adjustable Ingredients: The addition of optional spaghetti adds texture and bulk to the soup, but it can be omitted or substituted with other pasta shapes based on preference or what’s available in the pantry.

Flavor Enhancement: The onion soup mix not only seasons the broth but also adds depth of flavor, complementing the beef and vegetables.

Cooking Time: The soup benefits from a simmering time of about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together, ensuring a rich and satisfying taste.

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the types of vegetables used based on personal preference or what’s on hand in the freezer. Similarly, you can vary the amount of water or broth to achieve your preferred soup consistency.

Serve with Accompaniments: Consider serving this soup with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Freezing: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or storing leftovers.

Family-Friendly: The combination of familiar ingredients makes this soup appealing to both adults and children, making it a family favorite for busy days.

Nutrition Information:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than ground beef in this soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat substitutes can be excellent alternatives.

Adjust cooking times as needed for different meats.

Can I substitute fresh vegetables for frozen ones?

Of course! Fresh vegetables can be a great addition to this soup.

Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the vegetables you use.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with any other type of pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of pasta you choose.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Is there a low-sodium option for this soup?

Yes, you can use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of the onion soup mix and diced tomatoes to reduce the sodium content.

You can also adjust the amount of salt to your taste or use sodium-free alternatives like herbs and spices to season the soup.

Can I omit the spaghetti from this recipe?

Certainly! The spaghetti is optional, and you can leave it out if you prefer.

However, it does add a nice texture to the soup.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones.

Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the soup, and adjust the cooking time as fresh tomatoes may take a bit longer to soften.

Can I use beef broth instead of water?

Absolutely! Using beef broth instead of water can add an extra depth of flavor to the soup.

You may want to adjust the amount of salt you add, though, as beef broth can be salty.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for later.

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.

It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences.

You can add herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano, as well as spices like garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor of the soup.

Adjust the amounts according to your taste.