When life gets busy, sometimes you need a comforting meal that doesn’t take much time or effort. Enter Busy Day Soup, a hearty and simple dish that’s perfect for those hectic days when you still want a delicious, satisfying meal on the table. With ground beef or turkey, mixed vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is the epitome of convenience and comfort in one bowl.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cans mixed vegetables, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can tomato soup (10.5 oz)
4 cups beef broth
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Directions:
Cook the Meat and Onion:
In a large pot or skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion over medium heat. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and healthy.
Combine Ingredients:
Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture into a large soup pot. Stir in the drained mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and beef broth for a flavorful base.
Season and Simmer:
Season your Busy Day with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cooking for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the flavors meld together.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm with your favorite bread or crackers for a cozy meal.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Bread or Crackers: This hearty Busy Day pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or your favorite crackers. For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness.
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the Busy Day with fresh parsley, basil, or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Top with Croutons: For a crunchy texture contrast, top your Busy Day with crispy croutons or toasted baguette slices.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the Busy Day beautifully, adding a crisp and refreshing element to your meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerating: Allow the Busy Day to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing: This Busy Day freezes very well. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or use a stovetop or slow cooker to warm it up.
Make-Ahead: If you want to prep this meal in advance, it can be made a day or two ahead. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing Individual Portions: Consider freezing individual servings for a quick, ready-to-go meal on those days when you’re in a rush. Just reheat, and you’re all set for a comforting lunch or dinner.
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FAQs:
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned mixed vegetables?
Yes, you can! If you prefer fresh vegetables, simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. Options like carrots, peas, green beans, and corn work well. Just make sure to cook the soup long enough for the vegetables to soften and blend with the flavors.
Can I make this Busy Day in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the meat and onion first, then add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for a rich, slow-simmered flavor. It’s an easy hands-off approach perfect for busy days!
Can I freeze this Busy Day for later?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Busy Day Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free beef broth and check the ingredients in the canned tomato soup. If you’re unsure, you can also substitute the tomato soup with a homemade or gluten-free option.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing a meal for yourself, Busy Day Soup is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in no time. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a flavorful and filling dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Grab your ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal in just 40 minutes!
📖 Recipe:
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Busy Day Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Busy Day Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy families! This easy, no-fuss soup is made with hearty ground beef or turkey, mixed vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for hectic days when you need a quick, satisfying meal. This simple, yet flavorful soup is sure to please everyone at the table and is ideal for meal prep or freezing for later. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers for a wholesome, filling dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cans mixed vegetables, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can tomato soup (10.5 oz)
4 cups beef broth
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onion: In a large pot or skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture into a large soup pot. Stir in the drained mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and beef broth.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cooking for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm with your favorite bread or crackers.
Notes
Storage: Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker Option: Brown the meat and onion first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Vegetable Substitutes: Use fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, or corn for a more personalized twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
