Name: Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe
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% lean, 7% fat, also known as ground sirloin); 1 packet (1.8-ounce) onion mushroom soup mix (Lipton brand recommended); 2 cups water (room temperature); 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium vegetable broth; 15.25 ounces whole kernel corn, drained; 14.5 ounces cut green beans, drained; 14.5 ounces peas and carrots, drained; 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes in juice; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ pound dry elbow pasta noodles (8 ounces)

I absolutely love sharing this Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe with you because it’s my go-to comfort meal when I need something quick, nourishing, and downright delicious. It’s loaded with a perfect balance of rich seasoned beef, a rainbow of vegetables, and soft noodles that soak up all the savory goodness of the broth. Whenever I’m juggling a hectic schedule but still crave a homemade meal that warms me up inside and out, this soup hits all the right notes without any fuss.

Why You'll Love This Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe

What really makes this Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe stand out to me is how the flavors marry so beautifully with minimal effort. The beef provides just the right savory punch, the vegetable medley adds fresh sweetness and texture, and the noodles become deliciously tender after simmering in the broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl, where each mouthful feels balanced and satisfying without being too heavy.

I also find this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, which is such a relief when time is tight. The ingredients come together quickly, and while the soup simmers, I can take a moment to breathe or prep something else. I never worry about spending hours in the kitchen, yet the result tastes like I’ve been at it all day.

This soup truly shines for any busy weeknight dinner, casual family get-together, or even when you want to pack a wholesome lunch to-go. It stands out because it is hearty enough to feel like a complete meal, but still light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down. Plus, each time I make it, my whole family asks for seconds which is always the best kind of compliment!

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with a chunky soup containing small pasta pieces, green beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes in a reddish broth. The soup has bits of ground meat mixed throughout, with a mix of light brown, green, red, and orange colors. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a spoon and a dark cloth with blue and orange stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward staples that you might already have on hand, and each plays an essential role in creating the soup’s comforting texture and flavor harmony. From the lean ground beef that brings protein and depth, to the colorful variety of canned vegetables that add sweetness and crunch, every ingredient is important.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
Lean ground beef (93% lean): Provides hearty, seasoned protein without excess fat.
Onion mushroom soup mix: Infuses the broth with deep, savory onion and mushroom flavors, boosting umami effortlessly.
Water and low-sodium vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful soup base while keeping salt levels balanced.
Whole kernel corn, cut green beans, peas & carrots, petite diced tomatoes: A colorful medley that adds sweetness, texture, and nutrition.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors to life.
Dry elbow pasta noodles: Tender and classic, they soak up the broth perfectly for a comforting finish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large 6 to 8 quart stockpot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the lean ground beef. Brown it for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until there’s no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat from the pot before moving on.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the onion mushroom soup mix packet with 2 cups of room temperature water, stirring well to hydrate the onions and spices. Pour this mixture into the pot with the browned beef, stirring to combine thoroughly.

Step 3: Add 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth along with the drained whole kernel corn, green beans, peas & carrots, petite diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep the vegetables from sticking and help all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add the dry elbow pasta noodles directly into the simmering soup. Stir well and continue to cook for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once the noodles are tender and cooked through, turn off the heat immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe generously makes about 10 servings, perfect for feeding a family or prepping leftovers for the week. Prep time is quick—just about 10 minutes to get everything ready. The cooking time totals around 30 minutes, with the soup simmering and the noodles cooking to tender perfection. Overall, you’ll have this comforting soup on your table in about 40 minutes—not bad at all for such a full-flavored meal! I usually like to serve it right away, since the noodles can absorb too much liquid if left standing too long.

How to Serve This Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick soup made of small round pasta, ground meat, diced carrots, green peas, and tomato bits in a red broth. A silver spoon is lifting a mix of pasta, meat, and green beans above the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The overall look is hearty and colorful with reds, greens, and browns all mixed in one layer of soup photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this soup, I love making it the star of a cozy meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast on the side, perfect for dunking into every last drop of that savory broth. For a fresh contrast, I sometimes add a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to brighten the plate.

Garnishing ideas that really elevate the dish include sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light grating of Parmesan cheese also adds a lovely salty note that complements the rich flavors. I always serve this soup hot, straight from the pot, as the warm temperature brings out the comforting essence that makes this meal so satisfying.

Drink pairings depend on the occasion—if it’s a casual family dinner, I reach for a cold sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light herbal tea. For something a bit more special, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully, as it cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate. This soup fits seamlessly into weeknight suppers, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a no-fuss, hearty comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.

Variations

I love mixing up this Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe by swapping ingredients depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken work well instead of beef if you prefer a leaner protein, and I sometimes use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten-free diets without losing any of the satisfying noodle texture.

For a vegetarian or vegan twist, I replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth exclusively. To keep that rich flavor, I add extra mushroom-based soup mix or a splash of soy sauce for umami depth. Feel free to experiment with different veggie blends as well—adding diced zucchini or chopped kale can bring fresh new textures and nutrients.

Another way I like to switch things up is by trying different cooking methods: for example, browning the meat and simmering the soup in a slow cooker results in incredibly tender flavors melding over hours, perfect for a relaxed weekend day. Or I use an Instant Pot to speed up the process while still developing deep, rich tastes. The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is while still staying delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your first round, you can store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I recommend glass containers with tight lids—they keep the soup fresh without absorbing flavors. Give the soup a good stir before placing the lid on to ensure the noodles and vegetables stay evenly distributed. Be mindful that the noodles will continue to soak up broth over time, so the soup may thicken somewhat, but it still reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe doesn’t freeze super well because the noodles tend to become mushy after thawing. However, if you want to freeze it, I suggest omitting the noodles when you first prepare the soup and adding freshly cooked noodles after thawing and reheating. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to redistribute the ingredients. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the consistency if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving in tightly sealed containers to maintain even heat distribution and avoid overcooking the noodles. If you froze the soup without noodles, cook fresh pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can brown the ground beef in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. When ready to cook, just add the beef to the soup pot and follow the recipe steps. Just keep in mind the noodles are best cooked freshly when serving.

What if I don’t have onion mushroom soup mix?

You can substitute with a homemade mix of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, dried mushrooms (if available), beef or vegetable bouillon, and seasonings like thyme and paprika. This lets you control sodium and customize flavors fully.

Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

Yes! I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when the soup is simmering or stirring in a dash of hot sauce before serving to give it a gentle kick without overpowering the comforting vibe.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Definitely! Just adjust cooking time as fresh veggies usually take longer to soften—add them earlier in the simmering step. Fresh corn, green beans, peas, carrots, and tomatoes all work beautifully here.

How do I know when the noodles are perfectly cooked?

Start checking the noodles about 10 minutes after adding them to the simmering soup. They should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, known as al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and avoid overcooking, which can turn noodles mushy.

Conclusion

I really hope you enjoy making and savoring this Busy Day Soup with Hearty Vegetables, Seasoned Meat, and Tender Noodles Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortless yet nourishing, perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave something warm and comforting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite soup to count on time and again!