Name: Busy Day Soup 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); 1 packet onion mushroom soup mix (1.8 ounces); 2 cups water; 4 cups 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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 pound dry elbow pasta noodles

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 20 reviews

When you’re short on time but craving a delicious homemade meal, Busy Day Soup comes to the rescue with open arms and a full bowl! This colorful, hearty soup is chock-full of tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and vibrant veggies simmered together in a savory broth – the kind of no-fuss comfort food that always hits the spot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need leftovers to power you through the week, Busy Day Soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, promising flavor-packed spoonfuls and minimal cleanup every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Busy Day Soup is how straightforward the ingredient list is – every item pulls its weight in flavor, color, and heartiness! These essentials work together seamlessly, turning common pantry staples into a soup that tastes anything but basic.

Olive oil: Gives the ground beef a golden sear and a light undertone of richness that seeps into every bite.
Lean ground beef (93% lean): Provides savoriness and substance, making this soup filling without excess grease.
Onion mushroom soup mix: Adds layers of umami, depth, and herby goodness you’d expect from a slow-cooked broth – but in seconds.
Water: Allows the soup mix to hydrate and bloom, blending flavors evenly throughout the pot.
Low-sodium vegetable broth: The backbone of the soup’s base; using low-sodium helps you control the salt and savor the natural flavors.
Whole kernel corn (drained): Pops of sweetness and color with every spoonful, plus a hint of crunch.
Cut green beans (drained): Classic veggie comfort and a lovely bite that plays well alongside the other vegetables.
Peas and carrots (drained): Sweet and tender, they melt right into the soup, rounding out the vegetable medley.
Petite diced tomatoes (in juice): Add brightness, acidity, and a stunning red hue that makes each bowl inviting.
Salt: Brings out all the best in the veggies, meat, and broth without overpowering the finished soup.
Black pepper: Brightens the flavor profile with a subtle heat that makes the soup irresistibly sippable.
Dry elbow pasta noodles: The chewy, classic choice that absorbs all the magic from the broth as it cooks.

How to Make Busy Day Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large (6 to 8 quart) stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, until no pink remains. Browning the beef in batches and removing excess fat ensures a deep, meaty flavor without greasiness. Once fully browned, carefully drain any excess fat before moving on – this step gives your Busy Day Soup a deliciously clean base.

Step 2: Add Soup Mix and Liquids

To deliver that homemade-broth flavor in just a flash, combine your onion mushroom soup mix with 2 cups of water and give it a stir so the onions and spices hydrate fully. Pour this flavorful mixture into the pot of cooked beef. Next, add the low-sodium vegetable broth to the party – you’re already building wonderful aromatic layers!

Step 3: Toss in the Veggies

Now for the fun part: add the drained corn, green beans, peas and carrots, and the petite diced tomatoes (juice included!). Each vegetable adds vibrant color and a unique texture, making every spoonful a bit different. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, giving everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling together.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Lower the heat to medium and let your Busy Day Soup come to a gentle simmer. Give it a stir every few minutes to prevent anything from sticking. This 20-minute simmer brings all those canned veggies and seasoned beef together, infusing the broth with a homestyle warmth and depth.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the dry elbow pasta noodles straight into the bubbling soup, letting them cook gently for 10 to 13 minutes. Stir regularly so the noodles don’t stick together and so they soak up all that savory broth. Once the noodles are tender, turn off the heat. The soup is now officially ready for ladling – and you won’t believe how easy it was!

How to Serve Busy Day Soup

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over each bowl for a burst of color and a hit of freshness. If you love things cheesy, a little shredded cheddar or parmesan melts beautifully on top. And don’t forget a crack of fresh pepper or a swirl of olive oil for a restaurant-style flourish to your hot, hearty Busy Day Soup.

Side Dishes

Hearty soups practically beg for sides. Serve Busy Day Soup with warm, crusty bread (think garlic toast or dinner rolls) for dunking and sopping up every last spoonful. If you prefer lighter options, a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette pairs gorgeously and makes the meal feel extra well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a pop of fun to the table by serving Busy Day Soup in colorful mugs or handled bowls – perfect for cozying up on the couch! Hosting? Try ladling it into small Mason jars for an easy grab-and-go addition to lunchboxes. For family-style dining, place the pot at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves (and go back for seconds).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Busy Day Soup, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, but keep in mind that the noodles may continue to absorb broth and soften, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating if the soup seems too thick.

Freezing

For busy nights in the future, freeze Busy Day Soup before adding the noodles (pasta tends to get mushy when frozen and thawed). Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw, bring to a simmer, and stir in freshly cooked noodles for a meal that tastes just as good as day one.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as needed. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, in one-minute bursts. Stir well between intervals to keep the noodles from sticking and ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage all work deliciously in Busy Day Soup. Just brown your protein of choice as you would the beef, and continue with the recipe as written.

Can I make Busy Day Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the ground meat and double up on beans (like cannellini or kidney) or use plant-based ground crumbles. It’s every bit as filling and the veggie broth still brings loads of flavor.

Do I have to use elbow noodles?

Nope! Any short pasta shape works – try small shells, rotini, or ditalini. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since different shapes may cook a bit faster or slower.

What if I only have regular (not low-sodium) broth or canned veggies?

Just dial back the added salt to keep the balance right! Taste as you go; you can always add more salt to taste, but you can’t take it away.

Can I make Busy Day Soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can. Brown the beef first, add all remaining ingredients except the noodles, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Stir in dry noodles about 30 minutes before serving so they cook through but stay tender.

Final Thoughts

If you ever wanted a one-pot wonder that truly saves the day, Busy Day Soup is it. It’s hearty, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable – so don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Grab that stockpot and let Busy Day Soup carry you (and your loved ones) through even the busiest of days!