Description
Busy Day Soup is a hearty and comforting American-style soup featuring ground beef or turkey, a medley of vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for quick family meals, this easy-to-make soup combines protein, fiber, and rich flavors simmered to tender perfection on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) mixed vegetables, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Garnish
- Shredded cheese or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, which enhances the depth of flavor.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, and kidney beans. Then add the diced potatoes to the pot.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or spices as desired. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crackers or bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- This soup is highly adaptable; feel free to substitute different canned beans or frozen vegetables based on what you have available.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
- Using gluten-free broth ensures the soup remains gluten-free.
