A Little History of Busy Day Soup
“Busy Day Soup” is a modern classic born from the idea of creating a hearty, filling meal with minimal prep and common pantry staples. Popularized in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, when convenience cooking became essential for busy families, this soup combines pasta, vegetables, and ground beef in a tomato-rich broth. Over time, it became a go-to comfort dish for weeknights—warm, nourishing, and made in just one pot.
Busy Day Soup – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Busy Day Soup is the ultimate solution for hectic weeknights. Loaded with ground beef, pasta, and colorful veggies, it’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. The beauty of this recipe lies in its one-pot simplicity—minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you need a quick, cozy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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3 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
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6 cups beef broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Add macaroni and simmer 12–15 minutes, until pasta is tender.
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Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Common Questions About Busy Day Soup
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just cook as directed and store in the fridge or freezer. For best results, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
2. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any small pasta—like shells, ditalini, or rotini—will work. Just adjust the cook time slightly based on the pasta type.
3. How do I thicken Busy Day Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered a few extra minutes or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water at the end.
