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. That’s why soups are such a game changer these days. They’re delicious and they won’t break the bank!

These cheap soup recipes stretch your grocery budget while still offering tons of flavor and nutrition. You’ll save tons of money, and it won’t feel like a sacrifice.

Make Soup At Least Once a Week

I make soup every Wednesday on rotate all year long. There’s just no other type of meal that can match soup’s nutrient density, affordability, and flavor when it comes to feeding your family.

Here’s why it’s time to make soups a staple for you too:

• Soups often use inexpensive ingredients. And are a great way to stretch more expensive ones.

• 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. Gluten-free? Dairy-free? Vegetarian? No problem!

• You can add budget friendly finger foods to your soup night to make them fun. We love eating roasted chickpeas, olives, and crackers with many of our soups.

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

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes.
5. Mix in your vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
6. 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. I usually use less)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the tomato purée, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until well combined.
6. 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: Friendship Lentil Soup

Packed with nutrients, a hearty Friendship lentil soup is perfect for lunch or dinner, and makes an excellent gift too.

For each mason jar, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup dried minced onion
• 1/3 cup beef or vegetable bouillon granules
• 1 cup dry split peas
• 1/3 cup barley
• 1 cup dry lentils
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup uncooked pasta (small shells, elbow, or ditalini) placed in a small bag or wrapped in plastic wrap

Additional ingredients listed on the label for preparing the soup:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 quarts water
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Remove pasta from the jar and set aside.
2. In a large pot, brown beef and drain.
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and soup mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove bay leaves and add pasta, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until everything is tender.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This soup can be customized with herbs or spices based on your preference. For added flavor, consider using garlic or bay leaves during the simmering process.

Related: 100 Cheap Dinner Ideas You’ll Love

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 too. 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:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
2. Pour in 6-8 cups of water or broth. Adjust the amount based on how thick you want your soup.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks, onion, and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in the potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5. 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

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the spices, allowing them to bloom for a minute.
5. Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes, mixing well.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
7. 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

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the carrot and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, chicken broth, cumin, and oregano.
4. 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:

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water, removing any debris.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
3. Add the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, broth, and bay leaf.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
5. Once done, remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot.
6. 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 (I like oregano, basil, thyme, and a bay leaf – remove it before serving)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, kidney beans, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
5. 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:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté onions and carrots until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. 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

1. In a large pot, combine the diced onion and the broth.
2. Add the cubed potatoes and corn. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. 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:

1. Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots and sauté for 5 minutes to enhance their sweetness.
4. 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.
5. Blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth.
6. 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

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. And in a soup, you often can’t taste the difference.

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.

Tips for Making Soup For All Week

Making soup that lasts can be a great way to spend less on groceries. Here are some handy tips to help you out.

Try Batch Cooking

Double or even triple the soup recipe when you make it. This allows you to save time and energy on multiple meals. After it cools, you can divide the soup into servings. Then, refrigerate portions for an easy cold lunch to take to work (that you’ll warm up there). Or freeze portions for later.

Use Airtight Containers

Store your soup in airtight containers to keep them fresh for longer. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Label them with dates to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Choose Versatile Ingredients

Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple soups. For instance, add in 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.

Don’t Be Shy With 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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