Busy Day Soup

Busy day soup is a quick, hearty meal packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you need comfort food fast!

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Busy day soup is the perfect quick and hearty meal for busy families. Packed with flavor, this comforting recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, and beans in a savory broth. You can whip it up in no time, making it a lifesaver on hectic nights. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a deliciously satisfying dinner.

This family soup recipe is so easy to make, and you can follow the detailed guide below for perfect results. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions, along with pro tips and tricks to help you out. Plus, check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions for even more helpful advice!

This lazy dinner soup recipe makes a quick, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. You can make this flavorful meal in just forty minutes, so it’s ideal for busy schedules. Packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, every spoonful bursts with savory, comforting goodness. Serve it with fresh bread or crackers, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!

What you'll need to make this Busy Day Soup recipe:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean (93%-7%) ground beef (also known as ground sirloin)
• 1 packet onion mushroom soup mix (I used Lipton brand from a 1.8-ounce box)
• 2 cups water, room temperature
• 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained 
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can cut green beans, drained
• ½ pound dry elbow pasta noodles (8 ounces)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can peas & carrots, drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, in juice
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Personalize your busy day dinner by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These simple changes make it uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Ground Beef: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter version of busy day soup.
• Substitute Vegetables: Use zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers instead of mixed vegetables for a colorful twist and extra nutrients.
• Add Spices: Boost the flavor with chili powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for a zesty, bold taste.
• Substitute Beans: Use black beans, chickpeas, or lentils instead of kidney beans for a different texture and flavor profile.

These swaps and additions let you create a delicious soup tailored to your taste!

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and pictures to make the perfect soup. Check out the tips and tricks below for helpful advice to make it even better. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: In a large (6-8 quart) stockpot, on medium-high heat, add the olive oil and lean ground beef. Brown ground beef for 5–6 minutes, or until no pink remains. Break up the meat as it is browning. Drain any excess fat from the pot before adding the remaining ingredients. 

SECOND STEP: Add the onion mushroom soup mix packet to the 2 cups of water and stir to combine and hydrate the onions and spices. Add to the pot of cooked and drained ground beef. 

THIRD STEP: Next, add the low-sodium vegetable broth, whole kernel corn, cut green beans, peas & carrots, petite diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. 

FOURTH STEP: Lower the heat to medium heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. 

FIFTH STEP: Add the uncooked macaroni noodles to the pot, stir and cook the noodles for 10–13 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes to make sure that the noodles are not sticking to each other. Turn off the heat to the pot once the noodles are cooked fully.

Lazy day soup works for any occasion, season, or crowd. Whether it’s family dinner or a special event, this recipe delivers! Here are some fun ways to serve it:

• Family Dinners or Weeknights: This soup makes a quick, hearty meal that kids and adults love. Pair it with cornbread or a simple pea salad for a balanced dinner. Its comforting flavors make it perfect for busy evenings or cozy family time.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Bring your tasty soup to a potluck, and it will disappear fast! Serve it alongside homemade dinner rolls and a fruit salad for an easy crowd-pleaser. Its rich and savory taste always wins over guests.
• Cool Fall or Winter Nights: Warm up chilly evenings with a steaming bowl of this soup. Add a side of cheesy garlic bread or candied carrots for the ultimate comfort meal. Its hearty ingredients make it perfect for colder weather and festive holidays.

This easy recipe is so tasty and heartwarming. Here are some delicious reasons our readers love it:

• Packed with Comfort: This soup blends savory ground beef, hearty beans, and tender vegetables into a rich, satisfying broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy families or when you crave a cozy, homemade meal.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just forty minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits into even the busiest schedules. It’s a lifesaver when you need something fast, hearty, and full of flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a larger gathering, this recipe shines. Its bold flavors and hearty ingredients make it an instant crowd-pleaser.

What makes this busy day soup recipe so flavorful?
The combination of savory ground beef, beans, vegetables, and a seasoned broth creates a rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.

Can I make busy day recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead and reheat for an easy, delicious meal.

What type of beans work best in busy day soup?
Kidney beans are traditional, but you can use pinto or black beans for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How long does it take to make?
This recipe takes only forty minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules or when you need a quick, hearty meal.

How should I serve busy day soup for a crowd?
Ladle the soup into bowls or mugs for easy serving. Garnish each portion with fresh herbs to add a flavorful touch.

Is busy day soup suitable for kids?
Kids love the hearty flavors and tender vegetables in this soup. It’s a great way to serve a balanced, tasty meal.

What’s the best way to serve busy day soup for lunch?
Serve it piping hot in a sturdy bowl to keep it warm. It’s filling and perfect for midday energy.

Can I serve busy day soup during warmer seasons?
Absolutely! This soup works year-round, and its quick prep makes it great for light summer lunches or dinners.

From making it ahead to reheating leftovers, we’ve got all the details covered. Check below for step-by-step tips and tricks!

Can I prepare busy day soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup a day in advance. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge until needed.

What’s the best way to store leftover busy day soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days.

Can I freeze busy day soup?
Yes, freeze the leftovers in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat busy day soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave in one-minute increments.

Can I reheat this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can reheat it on the low setting in a slow cooker. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Busy Day Soup

Busy day soup is a quick, hearty meal packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you need comfort food fast!

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Easy Dinner Recipes, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef 93% to 7% (also known as ground sirloin)
• 1 packet onion mushroom soup mix (I used Lipton brand from a 1.8-ounce box)
• 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)

DIRECTIONS

 

• In a large (6 to 8 quart) stockpot, on medium-high heat, add the olive oil and lean ground beef. Brown the beef for 5 to 6 minutes or until no pink remains. Break up the meat as it is browning. Drain any excess fat from the pot before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Add the onion mushroom soup mix packet to the 2 cups of water and stir to combine and hydrate the onions and spices. Add to the pot of cooked and drained ground beef.
• Add the low-sodium vegetable broth, whole kernel corn, cut green beans, peas & carrots, petite diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
• Lower the heat to medium and simmer the busy day soup for 20 minutes stirring every few minutes.
• Add the dry pasta to the pot of simmering soup, stir and cook the noodles for 10 to 13 minutes. Make sure to stir the soup every few minutes to make sure that the noodles are not sticking to each other. Turn off the heat to the pot once the noodles are cooked fully.

Notes

• I like to add low-sodium or no salt added broths and canned vegetables when I cook to control the amount of salt in my recipes. Note that if you do not use the low-sodium/no salt versions, you will want to reduce the amount of additional salt added to your recipe. You can increase, or decrease, the amount of salt in the recipe according to taste.
• Ground beef can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to use it. This is a great time saver for busy days.
• You will want to serve this recipe right away as the pasta noodles will continue to cook and absorb the liquid from the soup as it sits.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4276IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg

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For More Soup Ideas, try:
🍲 Lasagna Soup
🍜 Chicken Taco Soup
🥣 Butternut Squash Soup
🍜 Potato Cheeseburger Soup