12 Cheap Tasty Soup Recipes That Stretch Your Grocery Budget

Eating well on a budget can be a challenge, especially when grocery prices seem to rise every week. If you’re looking for delicious meals that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck.
These cheap soup recipes stretch your grocery budget while still offering tons of flavor and nutrition.
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Soup’s Many Tasty Benefits
Making soup a staple in your meal planning (I make soup every Wednesday on rotate) helps you in many ways!
- Soups often use inexpensive ingredients.
- They are fantastic for utilizing leftovers.
- Many soup recipes pack in plenty of nutrients. Leafy greens, carrots, and tomatoes contribute vitamins and minerals. A simple bowl can boost your health!
- They can be made in large batches. This allows you to meal prep for the week.
- You can easily customize soups to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Essential Ingredients for Budget-Friendly Soups
Before you get to the recipes, it’s a good idea to keep these items on hand. That way you can whip up a soup at a moment’s notice.
Stocks and Broths
Buy in bulk, on sale, or make your own.
Affordable Proteins
Adding protein to your soups helps make them filling. Affordable options include:
- Canned beans, such as black beans and chickpeas
- Lentils (these cook quickly making them great for last-minute meals)
- Chicken thighs – they’re cheaper than chicken breasts and offer rich flavor
Bulk Vegetables
Choose sturdy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. These have long shelf lives and are often budget-friendly. Frozen veggies are also an excellent option, as they’re usually cheaper than fresh.
Herbs & Spices
Herbs and spices are vital to elevating the flavors of your soups. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can be grown easily, helping you save money. Dried herbs are also reasonable and last a long time.
12 Delicious Low-Cost Soup Recipes For Dinner
Next, these recipes cover the basics. Add extra seasonings, proteins, and veggies according your preferences and what you have.
Recipe 1: Classic Vegetable Soup
A classic vegetable soup is a comforting option you can whip up in no time. It’s versatile, letting you use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (like thyme or basil) for seasoning
Make this basic recipe even more exciting with noodles, beans, or protein of your choice.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes.
- Mix in your vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
You can easily store leftovers in the refrigerator for a quick lunch or dinner later. Enjoy the warmth and nutrition while keeping your budget intact!
Recipe 2: Creamy Tomato Soup
Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting dish that’s easy on your wallet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tomato purée (or tomatoes that you blend yourself)
- 1/2- 1 cup of heavy cream (depending on how creamy you like it)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until it’s translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato purée, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Feel free to customize your soup! We like to add chopped up bacon. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Pair this soup with a melty grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo the whole family will love.
Recipe 3: Hearty Lentil Soup
Packed with nutrients, a hearty lentil soup is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green lentils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1/2 small onion, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion (if using). Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the lentils, mixing well with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
This soup can be customized with herbs or spices based on your preference. For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or bay leaves during the simmering process.
Recipe 4: Simple Chicken Noodle Soup
Making a simple chicken noodle soup is quick, comforting, and budget-friendly. It’s perfect for using up leftover chicken or veggies. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6-8 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles (or whatever noodles you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Pour in 6-8 cups of water or broth. Adjust the amount based on how thick you want your soup.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and bring to a boil. Then, add the egg noodles and simmer for about 10 minutes until they are al dente.
- Taste your soup and add salt and pepper. If desired, stir in herbs.
Recipe 5: Potato and Leek Soup Classic
Potato and leek soup is a comforting choice for any budget. It’s simple, delicious, and utilizes just a few ingredients. Perfect for chilly days, this classic soup will warm you up too!
Ingredients
- 2 large leeks, cleaned and chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Heavy cream for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the leeks, onion, and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Carefully blend the soup until smooth, either using an immersion blender or by transferring it in batches to a regular blender.
When serving, add a dollup of heavy cream for added richness and/or garnish with fresh herbs like chives.
You can also add vegetables like carrots or spinach for variety.
Recipe 6: Spiced Chickpea Stew
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the spices, allowing them to bloom for a minute.
- Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve it with rice or bread for a hearty meal.
Recipe 7: Bean Soup with a Kick
Ingredients
- 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Optional: hot sauce for spice
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the carrot and cook for a few more minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, chicken broth, cumin, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
You can adjust the thickness by blending part of the soup or adding more broth. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce before serving.
Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a side salad.
Recipe 8: Pea and Ham Delight
Pea and ham soup is a wonderful way to use up leftover ham while packing in nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham bone or 1 cup diced ham
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the split peas under cold water, removing any debris.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
- Add the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, broth, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
- Once done, remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Recipe 9: Budget Minestrone
Budget Minestrone is a hearty soup that’s easy on your wallet. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup pasta (any small shape)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs (such as oregano or basil)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, broth, kidney beans, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Add the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
You can customize this soup easily with any leftover vegetables.
Recipe 10: Pumpkin Soup Elegance
Pumpkin soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy on the wallet. With just a few ingredients, you can create something elegant and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of pumpkin puree (more if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (salted or unsalted)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh sage or pumpkin pie spice for flavor
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté onions and carrots until soft.
- Add the pumpkin and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sage or a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a touch of elegance.
To add flavor, you can also use a 2-3 pound sugar pumpkin and roast it before making the soup.
Recipe 11: Corn Chowder Comfort
Corn chowder is a delightful and filling soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or plant-based alternative
- Optional: protein like bacon, ham, or chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the diced onion and the broth.
- Add the cubed potatoes and corn. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the milk and season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy this soup on its own or with crusty bread. You can also top it with crispy bacon, add bell peppers, or use more fresh herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Recipe 12: Delicious Carrot Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (about 5 medium) carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and sauté for 5 minutes to enhance their sweetness.
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the ginger and cream (if using), then season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through but do not boil.
You can also garnish your soup with parsley or dill.
Related:
- 3 Frugal Meal Plans For Families
- 30 Cheapest Foods to Buy (That Are Also Healthy!)
- 30 Best Frugal Meals for Families
Tips for Making Soup For All Week
Making soup that lasts can be a great way to stretch spend less on groceries. Here are some handy tips to help you out.
Batch Cooking
Prepare a large batch of soup at once. This allows you to save time and energy for multiple meals. You can divide the soup into servings and refrigerate or freeze them.
Use Airtight Containers
Store your soup in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Label them with dates to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Incorporate Versatile Ingredients
Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple soups. For instance, use beans and grains like rice or quinoa, which can enhance flavor and nutrition across different recipes.
Adjust Consistency
Add more broth or water if needed when reheating. This helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
Avoid Dairy Until Serving
If your soup includes dairy, add it right before serving. This prevents curdling and keeps the soup fresh longer.
Herbs and Spices
Consider adding herbs and spices when reheating. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can refresh the flavors of your soup.
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