A new school year is just around the corner, and for moms that means we’ve got a LOT to prepare for! You’ve likely been seeing back-to-school adds since early July and, like me, are probably wondering how another summer could have gone by so quickly. Our long, summer days are about to give way to an ultra-busy, activity-filled fall as our kids head back to school. We’ve got supplies, sports gear, and new schedules to organize. It’s a lot! One of the best ways to make sure our school nights run as smoothly as possible, is to plan ahead with at least a few nutritious and convenient meals. It doesn’t have to be every single night, but even having two to three good recipes on hand can really take some of the stress off as your family gets back into the school routine this fall. For my family of six, I usually double my recipes to make the most of our meals and it helps a ton on busy weeknights to have some leftovers on hand! Even if your kids aren’t in sports this season, the days at school can be long and they need all the energy they can get (as do we!). This hearty and beefy harvest soup recipe is a wonderful way to accomplish that!
This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.
The protein from this recipe (39 grams!) will satisfy your family’s hunger for longer which is a great way to help cut back on unhealthy snack habits. The amino acids found in beef help build and replenish muscles which comes in handy for your growing children and student athletes. I love that you can use frozen veggies here because that significantly cuts down on preparation and gives you so many options depending on what your family prefers. It helps to buy lean ground beef in value packs and that helps big time to cut the cost, which I think we can all agree really matters with how expensive groceries have become. With high nutritional delivery, delicious taste your whole family will love, and convenient ingredients, and a 25-minute prep time, this beefy soup will be a life-saver on those busy weeknights! You will be glad you have this soup on your menu rotation this fall as you tackle all that comes your family’s way.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (93% or leaner)
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 1-1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked large elbow macaroni
- 4 ounces smoked Beef Sausage, sliced
Directions:
1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon. Remove drippings.
Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
2. Meanwhile, combine water, tomatoes, vegetables and broth in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni and beef; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in sausage; continue simmering 2 to 4 minutes or until macaroni is tender and beef sausage is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
Cook’s Tip: Other pasta shapes, such as rotini, bow ties, medium shells or ditalini, may be substituted for large elbow macaroni; adjust cooking time as needed.
This recipe also packs 78% of your daily value of protein, 30% your daily value of Iron, and 70% your daily value of Zinc!
Back-to-school season is hectic, but with meals like this on hand, you can feed your family well and still find time to breathe, connect, and enjoy the little moments that matter most. You’ve got this, Mama!
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Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
