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This Busy Day Soup is the kind of cozy comfort food you’ll want on repeat. It’s hearty, filling, and comes together with almost no effort — perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still craving a homemade meal. With just ground beef, macaroni, veggies, and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a warm, savory pot of soup ready in under 40 minutes.
If your family loves warm bowls like my crack chicken soup, chicken gnocchi soup or cowboy soup, you’ll definitely want to add this recipe to your weeknight rotation. If you’re looking for more easy, family-friendly meals like this, be sure to check out my full collection of ground beef recipes for even more simple dinner ideas.
Let’s make this!
Why This Busy Day Soup Works
- Fast & Easy – Dinner is on the table in about 40 minutes.
- Comfort in a Bowl – A savory broth, tender beef, and pasta make it so cozy.
- Customizable – Great with turkey, chicken, or even potatoes instead of pasta.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and stash some away for another busy day.
✨ Before You Start
✨ Quick Prep – Just 10 minutes of chopping and stirring, then let the soup simmer.
✨ One Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in the same pot for easy cleanup.
✨ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
✨ Family Favorite – The rich beef broth and tender pasta are always a crowd-pleaser.
✨ Flexible Recipe – Swap proteins, pasta shapes, or even add potatoes (see FAQs below!).
Ingredients for Busy Day Soup
This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.
- Olive oil – For browning the beef. You can use any neutrally flavored oil.
- Ground beef (80/20) – Rich and flavorful, though ground turkey or chicken also work.
- Dry onion soup mix – Packs instant savory flavor with no extra fuss.
- Low-sodium beef broth – The base of that cozy, sippable broth.
- Diced tomatoes (28 oz, with juice) – Adds brightness and depth.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (12 oz) – A time-saver that keeps things hearty and colorful.
- Elbow macaroni (1 cup dried) – Classic, cozy pasta shape that holds up in broth.
- Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle on top for a little salty finish. Use a quality parm. The kind you buy in a little tub from the deli, or better yet, grate it off a wedge of Parmesan. Avoid the stuff in the green cardboard canister is too salty.
Pro Tips ⭐
⭐ Don’t skip the Parmesan! A sprinkle on top adds a salty, nutty boost.
⭐ Want it heartier? Toss in a can of drained beans (like kidney or cannellini).
⭐ Make ahead: Cook everything except the pasta, then add pasta fresh when reheating.
⭐ Keep it balanced: Pair with a fresh salad or bread to round out dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Pre-Cook the Pasta?
Nope! One of the best things about this soup is that the pasta cooks right in the broth, soaking up all that flavor.
Can I Make Busy Day Soup With Turkey or Chicken?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just season generously since leaner meats need a little flavor boost.
Can I Change the Pasta?
Of course. Elbows are classic, but you can use any small pasta shape — rotini, shells, ditalini. Just stick with good-quality pasta so it holds up well in the broth.
Can I Make Busy Day Soup With Potatoes Instead of Pasta?
Yes — and it’s delicious! Omit the pasta, peel and cube 2 russet potatoes, and simmer in step #2 until tender.
How Do I Make It in the Slow Cooker?
Brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
The pasta will keep soaking up the broth as it sits. Just thin with extra broth or water when reheating.
How To Make Easy Busy Day Soup
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or water as needed to loosen the pasta.
Freezing
- Freeze without the pasta for best results. Store in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and add fresh pasta.
Make-Ahead
- Cook everything except the pasta ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add pasta until tender.
Food Safety
- If you’d like more info on food safety, check out this link.
What to Serve With Busy Day Soup
A big bowl of soup is cozy on its own, but I love rounding it out with sides and a sweet treat.
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Fresh + Crisp Sides: KFC coleslaw, house salad, or my strawberry salad are perfect refreshing pairings.
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Cozy Breads: Try my Bisquick biscuits, honey butter cornbread, or a loaf of yummy garlic bread to soak up the broth.
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Sweet Finishes: End on a warm note with peach cobbler, applesauce cake, or fudge pie.
More Cozy Soups to Try
If this Busy Day Soup hit the spot, you’ll love these other hearty bowls — each one just as comforting and family-friendly:
- Swamp Soup – A rustic, veggie-packed Southern classic.
- Vegetable Beef Soup – Hearty, old-fashioned flavor in every spoonful.
- Pinto Bean Soup – Simple, budget-friendly, and full of smoky flavor.
- Chicken Noodle Soup – The ultimate comfort food staple.
- Beer Cheese Soup – Creamy, cheesy, and perfect with a warm loaf of bread.
- Beef Barley Soup – Rich broth with tender beef and chewy barley.
Tried This Recipe?
If you made this Busy Day Soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card and drop a comment below. And if you snap a pic, tag me on Instagram @gonna_want_seconds — I can’t wait to see your cozy bowls!
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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
Busy Day Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 ounce package dry onion soup mix
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 1 (12 ounce) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup dried elbow macaroni
Topping:
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil (1 tablespoon) in a large pot. Add ground beef (1 pound) and cook, crumbling with a spoon, until beef is cooked through and there is no longer any pink. Remove and discard any excess fat. Sprinkle onion soup (1 (1-ounce)package) over beef and stir.
- Stir in broth (4 cups), tomatoes (1 can), and vegetables (12 ounces). Bring to a boil. Add pasta (1 cup); reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Remove from heat and serve. Pass a bowl of Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, the pasta will absorb the savory broth and you will likely need to thin it with a few cups of water or beef broth.
Nutrition
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This recipe was so easy to do and it was wonderful the next day. Thank You Phil & Barb
Hey, Phil and Barb! Thanks for the positive feedback and 5-star rating! We’re happy you like this soup 🙂
Very good! Thanks for a quick, easy recipe!
Thanks, Susan! We’re glad you like this soup! 🙂
Loved it. Easy to make and tasty
Thanks, Maureen! 🙂
Just making this soup now. Tastes delicious and easy peasy! Adding a few extra veggies too.
Hi Rene. I think more veggies are always a good idea!
the recipe goes perfect for me, thanks!
The best soup all year round! This is now my go-to meal
I totally agree with you, Allyson! Thank you for sharing your positive review 🙂
Love this all year also. I add aa pinch of thyme
Agreed! Yup, thyme is a good addition. Thanks for your positive review 🙂 I’m happy you like this soup!
I have found that v8 juice makes a nice addition, cut the amount of tomatoes in half and ad v8. Super flavorful.
That’s wonderful! Thanks, Kathi 🙂