Name: Busy Day Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7%); 1 packet onion mushroom soup mix (about 1.8 ounces); 2 cups room-temperature water; 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 can (15.25 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained; 1 can (14.5 ounces) cut green beans, drained; 1 can (14.5 ounces) peas and carrots, drained; 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, in juice; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ pound (8 ounces) dry elbow pasta noodles

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Busy Day Soup is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, a mix of vegetables, tender elbow pasta, and a savory broth. It comes together in about 40 minutes and makes enough to feed a crowd or stock the fridge for the week.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy this soup is to make, especially on days when I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Everything goes into one pot, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. The combination of a rich broth, tender pasta, and colorful vegetables makes it both satisfying and comforting.

ingredients

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

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7%)
1 packet onion mushroom soup mix (about 1.8 ounces)
2 cups room-temperature water
4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium vegetable broth
1 can (15.25 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) cut green beans, drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) peas and carrots, drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, in juice
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ pound (8 ounces) dry elbow pasta noodles

directions

In a large stockpot over medium–high heat, I add the olive oil and ground beef. I cook for 5–6 minutes until no pink remains, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. I drain off any excess fat.
I stir the onion mushroom soup mix into the 2 cups of water, then pour this mixture into the pot with the beef.
I add the vegetable broth, corn, green beans, peas and carrots, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. I lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I add the dry elbow pasta and cook for 10–13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender, I turn off the heat and serve right away to keep the noodles from absorbing too much liquid.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap canned vegetables for frozen mixed vegetables for a slightly fresher texture.
I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
I change up the pasta shape—shells, rotini, or penne work just as well.

storage/reheating

Fridge: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To avoid mushy noodles, I sometimes keep the pasta separate and combine when reheating.
Freezer: I freeze the broth without pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw it, heat it, and add freshly cooked pasta.

FAQs

Can I freeze Busy Day Soup?

Yes, but I recommend freezing without the pasta to keep the texture just right.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, I make it up to the point before adding noodles, then add pasta just before serving.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a great alternative and cook just as quickly.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work best for this soup.

Conclusion

Busy Day Soup is my go-to for a quick, filling, and versatile meal. I can mix and match the vegetables, meats, and pasta shapes to suit my mood or pantry, and it always turns out delicious. It’s the perfect recipe for those times I need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing comfort or flavor.

Busy Day Soup

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Busy Day Soup is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, a mix of vegetables, tender elbow pasta, and a savory broth. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep, it comes together in about 40 minutes and serves a crowd.

Instructions

In a large stockpot over medium–high heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef. Cook 5–6 minutes until no pink remains, breaking the meat into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
Stir the onion mushroom soup mix into 2 cups water, then pour into the pot with beef.
Add vegetable broth, corn, green beans, peas and carrots, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Lower heat to medium and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add dry elbow pasta and cook 10–13 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once pasta is tender, turn off heat and serve immediately to keep noodles from absorbing too much liquid.

Notes

Swap canned vegetables for frozen mixed vegetables for fresher texture.
Use different ground meats like turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for variety.
Try other pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, or penne.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days; keep pasta separate to avoid mushy noodles.
Freeze broth without pasta for up to 3 months; thaw and add fresh pasta when reheating.