Busy Day Soup is all about convenience without sacrificing taste. It requires minimal prep, uses everyday ingredients, and can be on the table in under an hour. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and incredibly flexible—perfect for using up what you have in your fridge or pantry. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this soup is a dependable favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef or ground turkey
Onion
Garlic (optional)
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato soup or tomato sauce
Mixed vegetables (frozen or canned)
Beef or chicken broth
Potatoes or pasta (optional)
Italian seasoning or dried herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato soup or sauce, broth, and mixed vegetables.
If using potatoes, add them now. If using pasta, wait to add until the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables and potatoes are tender.
If adding pasta, stir it in for the last 10 minutes and cook until al dente.
Adjust seasonings to taste and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30–35 minutes Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth with beans or lentils for protein.
Low-carb: Use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes or pasta.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne.
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
Southwest twist: Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze in individual portions or a large container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I make Busy Day Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just chop them to similar sizes and add them in according to their cooking times.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free broth and skip or replace the pasta with a gluten-free version.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready.
What’s the best meat for this soup?
Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken are great lean options.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Add the pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking, and avoid letting it sit too long in hot soup after it’s done.
Can I add beans?
Yes, canned beans like kidney, white, or black beans work well for extra protein and fiber.
How can I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.
Is it freezer-friendly with pasta?
If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushy texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this soup scales up easily—just use a larger pot and adjust seasonings to taste.
Conclusion
Busy Day Soup is the ultimate comfort food when life gets chaotic. With its simple ingredients, flexible preparation, and satisfying flavor, it’s the kind of meal you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep session, or to warm up on a chilly day, this soup checks all the boxes: quick, easy, hearty, and delicious.
Busy Day Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal made with ground meat, vegetables, and pantry staples. It’s the perfect comforting dish for hectic days when you need a quick and nourishing meal on the table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (10.5 oz) can tomato soup or 1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups frozen or canned mixed vegetables
4 cups beef or chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced or 1 cup pasta
1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato soup or sauce, broth, and mixed vegetables.
If using potatoes, add them now. If using pasta, wait to add it during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until vegetables and potatoes are tender.
If adding pasta, stir it in during the last 10 minutes and cook until al dente.
Adjust seasonings to taste and serve hot.
Notes
Use vegetable broth and skip the meat for a vegetarian version with beans or lentils.For a low-carb option, use cauliflower instead of potatoes or pasta.Add a splash of cream or cream cheese for a creamy version.Freeze without pasta to avoid mushiness—add fresh pasta when reheating.Great for meal prep and gets even better the next day.
