Imagine coming home from a long day, feeling exhausted. You still have to figure out what to make for dinner. That’s where a busy day soup recipe comes in. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting meal on busy weeknights.
This recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to make. It’s perfect for families and individuals who want a hassle-free dinner. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time, making it the ideal quick dinner idea.
A busy day soup recipe includes ground beef, onion soup mix, mixed frozen veggies, diced tomatoes, and macaroni. It’s a hearty and delicious option. The best part is it can be made in under an hour.
It only takes 5 minutes to prep and 1 hour 25 minutes to cook, serving 6 people. Each serving has about 230 calories, 28.5g of carbs, 22.1g of protein, and 3.1g of fat. It’s a nutritious and balanced meal.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- You can make a delicious busy day soup recipe in under an hour
- This easy soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights
- The recipe includes simple ingredients like ground beef, onion soup mix, and macaroni
- Each serving has approximately 230 calories and 22.1g of protein
- You can customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences
- This quick dinner idea is ideal for families and individuals looking for a hassle-free meal
- The recipe can be made using a stovetop or slow cooker, with a cooking time of 6 hours on low heat
Why Busy Day Soup Is Your Perfect Weeknight Solution
Busy day soup is a great choice for a simple soup recipe. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time. You can make a delicious, comforting bowl of soup in no time.
This soup is easy to make and uses ingredients you can find easily. You can prep everything in 10 minutes, and it cooks in about 30 minutes. It’s a convenient, time-saving option for families and individuals.
Some benefits of this busy day soup include:
- Quick preparation time: 10 minutes
- Fast cooking time: 30 minutes
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup
- Family-friendly recipe that everyone will enjoy
This soup is a great choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and delicious. It’s a wonderful addition to your family’s meal rotation.
Essential Ingredients for Your Busy Day Soup Recipe
To make a tasty soup, you’ll need some key ingredients. Lean ground beef is a good choice for protein. You’ll also need olive oil, dry onion soup mix, and whole wheat elbow macaroni. These help make a quick and delicious meal for a busy day.
Low-sodium beef broth and diced tomatoes add flavor without too much salt. You can also add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition. Season with dry onion soup mix and herbs for more taste.
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
Optional Add-ins
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or basil)
With these ingredients, you can whip up a hearty soup in no time. It’s ready in 10 minutes and cooks in 30. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, satisfying meal.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty busy day soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A large soup pot is essential for cooking. You’ll also need storage containers for leftovers. A soup ladle, spoon, measuring cups, and a can opener are necessary for preparation and serving.
For an easy soup recipe, the right equipment is key. A heavy-bottomed pot or an enameled cast iron Dutch oven helps with even heat. This leads to better flavor blending. A slow cooker is also great for busy days, allowing for hands-off cooking.
Other useful tools include a multicooker for quicker cooking and measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements. With these, you’re ready to make a delicious busy day soup or an easy soup for a weeknight dinner.
Here are some key kitchen tools and equipment to get you started:
- Large soup pot
- Storage containers
- Soup ladle
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
- Heavy-bottomed pot or enameled cast iron Dutch oven
- Slow cooker
- Multicooker
Preparing Your Ingredients: Time-Saving Tips
Looking for a quick dinner idea? A simple soup recipe can be a big help. Use frozen mixed veggies straight from the freezer. This saves time on chopping and still makes your meal tasty.
Smart substitutions can also save you time. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap pasta types like shells or rotini for a change.
Here are some quick prep tips:
- Chop onions and garlic ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use pre-cut veggies like diced bell peppers or sliced carrots to cut down on prep.
- Cook ground meat in bulk and freeze it for later use in your favorite soup.
With these tips, you can whip up a tasty, family-friendly meal fast. A bit of planning and creativity can turn a simple soup into a nutritious, flavorful dinner.
| Ingredient | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Frozen mixed veggies | 0 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Pasta | 2 minutes | 8 minutes |
Step-by-Step Busy Day Soup Instructions
To start, brown the ground beef in a large pot. This step is crucial for your one-pot meal. After browning, add the onion soup mix, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer.
Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables and macaroni to the pot. These will add texture and flavor to your soup. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will make the vegetables tender and the macaroni cooked.
Season the soup with your favorite herbs and spices. You can use salt, pepper, and more to personalize the flavor. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated cheese or crushed crackers if you like.
- Use a large pot to ensure everything cooks evenly
- Don’t overcook the vegetables – they should be tender but still crisp
- Experiment with different seasonings to find the flavor you like best
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Beef broth | 6 cups |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 12oz |
| Macaroni | 1 cup |
Making Your Soup More Hearty: Protein Options
To make your soup more filling, try adding protein like ground turkey, pork, or chicken. These can make your soup more satisfying. Adding sausage can also boost the flavor and make it more hearty.
Some great protein choices for your soup include:
- Ground turkey: a lean protein that goes well with veggies
- Ground pork: adds a rich taste to your soup
- Ground chicken: versatile and works with many ingredients
- Sausage: brings a spicy kick and extra flavor
When adding protein, adjust cooking time and seasoning. You can mix different proteins to suit your taste.
Adding protein to your soup makes it more filling and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a fast meal or a comforting soup, protein is key.
| Protein Source | Cooking Time | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | 10-15 minutes | Lean and mild |
| Ground Pork | 15-20 minutes | Rich and savory |
| Ground Chicken | 10-15 minutes | Versatile and neutral |
| Sausage | 5-10 minutes | Spicy and smoky |
Customizing Your Soup for Different Dietary Needs
Creating a simple soup recipe that suits everyone’s dietary needs is key. A good family-friendly recipe should be flexible. This way, it becomes a meal that everyone can enjoy together.
Making your soup adaptable to different dietary needs is simple—just swap out ingredients! For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the meat. Need a gluten-free option? Choose gluten-free pasta. Watching your sodium intake? Opt for low-sodium beef broth and reduce the added salt.
Here are some easy ways to customize your soup:
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit the meat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
By making these simple adjustments, you can create a family-friendly meal that caters to everyone’s dietary needs while remaining delicious and satisfying.
| Dietary Need | Customization Tip |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Use veggie broth and omit meat |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free pasta |
| Low-Sodium | Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce salt |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After making your hearty soup, it’s key to store and reheat it right. This keeps its taste and nutrients good. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days, great for when you’re short on time. Always use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
Freezing is another option for later use. Freezing in single-serve portions makes reheating simple. Tomato soup usually stays tasty when frozen, but cream-based soups might get clumpy.
Refrigeration Tips
- Store soup in airtight containers to maintain its taste and quality.
- Keep refrigerated for up to five days for the best flavor.
- If freezing, use airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.
Freezing Methods
Here are some tips for freezing your soup:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Freezing in airtight containers | Use airtight containers to prevent contamination and maintain freshness. |
| Freezing in single-serve portions | Use single-serve portions to make reheating easier and more convenient. |
By following these tips, you can enjoy your soup for longer. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals. Its delicious taste will make it a favorite at home.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your busy day soup recipe. Try it with soda crackers or a buttered roll for a quick dinner. For a bigger meal, pair it with a simple green salad or fruit. This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 40 minutes.
A busy day soup recipe is even better with tasty pairings. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh salads: a simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad
- Crusty bread: serve with a side of warm bread for dipping into the soup
- Creamy accompaniments: try pairing with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese
This soup is ideal for a busy evening. You can add your favorite protein or veggies to make it your own. It’s budget-friendly and easy to make, making it a great choice for dinner. Try it out and see how it becomes a favorite in your home.
Looking for a quick dinner or a hearty meal to warm you up? This busy day soup recipe is perfect. Its rich flavors and comforting texture will make it a favorite. Get creative with your pairings and make this easy soup your own.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Quick and Easy Soup Recipe
This simple soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make and can be tailored to fit your dietary needs. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick and comforting meal.
With its flavorful ingredients, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. So, when you’re in a rush but want a delicious meal, try this easy soup. You’ll get a nourishing bowl of goodness in no time.