Description
Busy Day Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for when you need a satisfying meal with minimal fuss. This savory soup combines browned ground beef, flavorful onion soup mix, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and tender macaroni noodles all simmered together for a rich, delicious taste. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a great option for family dinners or meal prep.
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
Vegetables & Pasta
- 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, heat over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add Broth Ingredients: Pour in the water, add the onion soup mix and the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together to combine the flavors, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 1 hour. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Noodles and Vegetables: After simmering, add the uncooked macaroni noodles and frozen mixed vegetables directly into the pot. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes until the noodles and vegetables are nicely tender.
- Season to Taste: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed, ensuring the flavor is just right.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair with crackers or bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to use any frozen vegetables of your choice to customize the soup.
- For a thicker broth, reduce the water to 4-5 cups or add more noodles.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni noodles and verify the onion soup mix does not contain gluten.
