There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself, don’t you think? Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day, greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of a warm, hearty soup that’s been simmering away, doing all the hard work while you were busy. Crockpot Busy Day Soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl—simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you’re going to adore this one.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Busy Day Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for the family, prepping for a potluck, or treating yourself to a bowl of comfort food, this soup fits right in. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Versatile: Ideal for hectic weekdays or relaxed weekends. Whether you’re home all day or on the go, the crockpot takes care of everything.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful dish without breaking the bank.
- Effortless: Toss everything in and let the crockpot do the magic. No stirring, no fuss!
- Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to your taste—spice it up or keep it mild.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for everyone at the table, from picky eaters to soup aficionados.
Ingredients in Crockpot Busy Day Soup
Here’s the charm of this soup—simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base that gives the soup its richness.
- Potatoes: Soft, tender chunks that soak up all the flavors.
- Mixed Vegetables: Add a medley of color, texture, and nutrients.
- Tomato Sauce: The tangy, savory backbone of the broth.
- Beef Broth: Deepens the flavors and makes the soup irresistibly savory.
- Seasonings: A mix of spices that tie it all together with a flavorful punch.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this soul-warming masterpiece:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping potatoes and gathering all the other ingredients. Having everything ready makes assembly a breeze.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat for a leaner soup.
- Layer Ingredients: In your crockpot, layer the potatoes, cooked ground beef, mixed vegetables, and tomato sauce.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle your favorite seasonings over the top. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the soup a good stir to mix all the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approx. 250
How to Serve Crockpot Busy Day Soup
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad adds a refreshing crunch.
- Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs for added flair.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: Prep ingredients the night before for an even quicker start.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze Friendly: This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for some heat.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and works wonderfully in this soup. - Can I add beans?
Of course! Black beans or kidney beans make a hearty addition. - What if I don’t have mixed vegetables?
Use whatever fresh or frozen veggies you have on hand. - Can I make this without a crockpot?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop for about 1-2 hours. - What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. - Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume. - What toppings go well with this soup?
Sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs are always a hit. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - How do I thicken the soup?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking for a thicker consistency. - Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, they add a lovely sweetness to the soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of this Crockpot Busy Day Soup. It’s a dish that warms your soul and makes life just a little easier. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a quiet night at home, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
PrintCrockpot Busy Day Soup
This Busy Day Soup is the ultimate quick and easy comfort food! Packed with vegetables, beans, and hearty meat, it’s perfect for those busy days when you need something filling and satisfying in no time. Make this one-pot meal that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the meat:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat. - Sauté the vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes). - Add the liquids and seasonings:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. - Cook the pasta:
Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the soup is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to swap the ground meat for a vegetarian option like lentils or tofu.
- You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This soup freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg