These cheap soup recipes will keep your belly full without breaking the bank. Each soup is made with simple, inexpensive ingredients but still packs a flavorful punch.
30 Cheap Soup Recipes for Budget-Friendly Meals
Updated on Dec. 16, 2024
1/30
Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I’ve tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
2/30
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings (21/4 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather turns cold, get cozy with a bowl of this butternut squash soup. The cream adds richness, but if you're looking to cut calories, it can be omitted. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
3/30
Navy Bean Soup
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves navy bean soup! Beans were a commodity you did not survive without in the '30s. This excellent navy beans and ham soup is a real family favorite of ours and I make it often. —Mildred Lewis, Temple, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 244 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
4/30
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
5/30
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
6/30
Chicken Barley Soup
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
7/30
Priscilla’s Vegetable Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. It makes a big batch perfect for serving a crowd. —Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 281 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
8/30
Italian White Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
9/30
Quick Mushroom Barley Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I surprised my mother with a visit some years ago, and she was preparing this soup when I walked in. It was so wonderful that I asked for the recipe, and I’ve been fixing it ever since. —Edie Irwin, Cornwall, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 whole milk, 1/2 fat.
10/30
Fennel Carrot Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
11/30
Texas Black Bean Soup
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
12/30
Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Frequently requested at family get-togethers, this rich and hearty soup is ready in a flash. Cooking for a vegetarian? Swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth. —Danielle Noble, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 399 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
13/30
Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. —Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
14/30
Red Bean Vegetable Soup
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 158 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
15/30
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Total Time
4 hours 45 min
Servings
6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
16/30
Meatball Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatball soup recipe is a hearty meal. It’s great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 248 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
17/30
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I was honored when my fireman son-in-law asked to add this recipe to their firehouse cookbook. You can prepare parts of this turkey soup ahead of time and then assemble when ready. Serve with crispy whole-grain crackers. —Carol Perkins, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
18/30
Slow-Cooker Pork Pozole
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy often. It's a filling recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 223 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
19/30
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this soup so much that he stopped ordering it at restaurants. He’d rather savor the version we can have at home. It’s so easy to make, yet hearty enough to be a full dinner. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 228 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/30
Corn Chowder
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Chowder is a classic comfort food here in the Northeast, especially during cooler weather. Whenever I make a trip home to Pittsburgh, Mom has this simmering on the stove for me.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 271 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
21/30
Minestrone with Turkey
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without cheese): 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 1251mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
22/30
One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 258 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
23/30
Black Bean Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
24/30
White Turkey Chili
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 250 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
25/30
Tomato Green Bean Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful soup is delicious any time of year. When I can't get homegrown tomatoes and green beans, I've found that frozen beans and canned tomatoes (or even stewed tomatoes) work just fine. Served with warm breadsticks, this soup is a complete meal. —Bernice Nolan, Granite City, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 58 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
26/30
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 136 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
27/30
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
28/30
Cabbage Soup
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
After doing yardwork on a windy day, we love to come in for a light but hearty soup like this one. It's brimming with cabbage, veggies and white beans. Pass the oven-warmed bread! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 111 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
29/30
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 166 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
30/30
Potato Chowder
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It’s easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bacon): 179 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Cheap Soup Recipes FAQ
Is it cheaper to make your own soup?
It’s usually cheaper to make homemade soup than it is to buy store-bought or restaurant-made soup. The upfront cost of ingredients might be a bit more than a single bowl of takeout, but those ingredients turn into several servings of homemade soup. If you’re in the mood for something specific from your favorite restaurant, try making one of our copycat soup recipes.
How can you make cheap soup recipes even more budget-friendly?
To make these soups even less expensive, I love to use chicken bouillon soup base instead of boxed or canned chicken broth. An 8-ounce jar of chicken bouillon can make 38 cups of broth and costs around $0.10 per cup, based on the prices at my local store. In comparison, a 32-ounce carton of chicken broth contains 4 cups and costs about $0.50 per cup. That difference can really add up over time!
Another way to make these soups cheaper is to stretch them further by adding filling starchy ingredients. I like adding a scoop of cooked rice, pasta or potatoes to my bowl when serving brothy soups.
What cheap soup recipes are the easiest to make?
Easy soup recipes take advantage of pantry-staple ingredients or precooked proteins (like rotisserie chicken) so they can be prepped in less than 20 minutes. We suggest the recipes above for Italian white bean soup, Texas black bean soup, red bean vegetable soup, vegetable lentil soup, minestrone with turkey and tomato green bean soup.
