Dinner

Busy Day Soup Recipe

Byreem everly December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Introduction

This Busy Day Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for when time is short but you still want something delicious. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and tender macaroni noodles, it comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner.

A close-up top view of a white round pot filled with beef and vegetable soup featuring chunky red tomato pieces, small yellow pasta tubes, bright yellow corn, green beans, small ground beef pieces, and sprinkled green herbs. A ladle inside the pot lifts a portion of the soup showing the same colorful mix of vegetables, pasta, and beef in a rich reddish broth. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth featuring orange flower prints partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (lean)
1 ounce Beefy Onion Soup mix (1 packet or 1 tablespoon)
28 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
2 cups macaroni noodles
Grated or shaved parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if desired.
Step 2: Add the Beefy Onion Soup mix, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and water to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and macaroni noodles. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Remove the soup from heat and serve warm, garnished with grated or shaved parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté some chopped garlic with the ground beef before adding other ingredients.
Swap macaroni noodles for any small pasta, like shells or elbows, depending on what you have on hand.
Use fresh vegetables instead of frozen; just add them earlier in the cooking process to ensure they soften properly.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful macaroni soup. The soup has curved, yellow macaroni noodles mixed with small green beans, bright yellow corn kernels, diced orange carrots, and bits of ground brown meat. The broth is a rich reddish-orange color, thin in texture, and there are small green herb pieces sprinkled throughout. A silver spoon is lifting a portion of the soup, showing a close-up of the layered ingredients like macaroni, corn, peas, carrots, and meat clearly visible. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, adding a clean and fresh look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Can I freeze Busy Day Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.