Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Busy Day Soup, perfect for hectic schedules and hungry families. Packed with simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll savor a warm, satisfying meal that brings instant relief from daily stress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Vegetables:
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup pasta (small shells or elbow macaroni)
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat, preparing for a hearty and quick soup preparation.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles, ensuring no pink remains and developing rich flavor.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the browned meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, stirring to combine all ingredients and create a robust liquid base.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder into the pot, mixing well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 10-12 minutes, letting flavors meld together.
- Introduce frozen mixed vegetables and pasta to the simmering liquid, continuing to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a balanced and flavorful soup.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow slight thickening and temperature stabilization.
- Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy days.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a lighter, healthier soup option.
- Swap pasta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added vitamins and color.
- Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg