Our busy day soup is so practical, efficient, and tasty that you just can’t have enough of it. What makes this busy day soup recipe so special? To begin with, the soup is hearty and warm, which is a better alternative for an action-packed weekday. There are no fancy, niche ingredients that will give you a hard time, the prep time is short enough, and you even get to make some tweaks here and there! Let’s see what the fuss is all about.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Beef broth — 4 cups.
- Diced tomatoes — 1 can, 14.5 oz.
- Ground beef — 1 pound.
- Frozen mixed vegetables — 1 cup.
- Macaroni — 1 cup, cooked.
- Olive oil — 1 tbsp.
- Dry onion soup mix — 1 packet, 1 oz.

Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the directions.
- In another pot, heat the olive oil.
- Add the ground beef, browning it while breaking the meat into small pieces with a fork.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion soup mix to the ground beef. Stir well.
- Stir in the broth, diced tomatoes, and mixed vegetables.
- Bring to a boil. Add the macaroni.
- Boil for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Substitutions
- Beef broth — Our busy day soup is hearty, warm, and tasty, and it owes this mostly to the beef broth which provides a rich flavor. If you’re short on beef broth, vegetable broth or chicken broth will work just as fine. If you’re desperate, you could also go with a mix of water and bullion.
- Ground beef — Using ground beef is a practical way to bring some protein to the table. What about poultry? Chicken and turkey will both work well. Although it should be kept in mind that ground beef contains less fat compared to these two if this is an issue.
- Dry onion soup mix — What about replacements? Well, the ideal one would be to make your own dry onion mix, at home, though admittedly not everyone might have the time, energy, or resources for that. But if you do, you might want to go with a simple mix of onion powder and dried herbs like thyme and parsley, with some salt and pepper to finish it off.
Variations
- Leafy — This one is all about vegetables. Lots of vegetables. Although our busy day soup recipe has some of those thanks to the frozen vegetable mix, that might not cut it for everyone. Try chopping and adding mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, celery, cauliflower, or asparagus. Add at least two or three different kinds of vegetables.
- Creamy — Making this creamy busy day soup is easier than the leafy version. Mix heavy cream with flour and stir the mixture into your soup. You will end up with busy day soup that is so smooth and creamy.

Equipment
- Measuring spoons and cups.
- 2 large pots.
- Fork.
Storage
- Before storing your busy day soup, let it cool completely.
- Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container.
- Store your busy day soup in the fridge, where it will last for between 3-4 days.
Tips
- The broth — Keep in mind that the quality of the broth perhaps has the most effect on your soup. A better broth will provide a rich, flavorful texture.
- The quantity — As it should be clear by now, the thing with busy day soup is that it is extremely practical and it can be a lifesaver for those busy weekdays when you probably won’t have any spare time for cooking. Making large quantities on the weekends, and freezing them in individual portions is a great idea.

Busy Day Soup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup macaroni cooked
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix 1 oz.
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the directions.
- In another pot, heat the olive oil.
- Add the ground beef, browning it while breaking the meat into small pieces with a fork.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion soup mix to the ground beef. Stir well.
- Stir in the broth, diced tomatoes, and mixed vegetables.
- Bring to a boil. Add the macaroni.
- Boil for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Video
Notes
- The broth — Keep in mind that the quality of the broth perhaps has the most effect on your soup. A better broth will provide a rich, flavorful texture.
- The quantity — As it should be clear by now, the thing with busy day soup is that it is extremely practical and it can be a lifesaver for those busy weekdays when you probably won’t have any spare time for cooking. Making large quantities on the weekends, and freezing them in individual portions is a great idea.
Nutrition

Ex-corporate worker turned world traveler and foodie, Shai Cohen explores diverse cultures and cuisines. Follow his adventures and culinary expertise as he inspires others to chase their dreams. Read more about Shai Cohen.
Comments
No Comments