27 budget-friendly soups we can’t live without

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As the temperature drops, most turn to warm, comforting soup recipes to heat you from within. But with rising food prices, shopping smart means shopping frugally. These 27 budget-friendly soups offer a hearty escape from the cold without breaking the bank. With a variety of flavors spanning rich broths to vegetable-packed pots, there’s a comforting experience for every taste, proving that economical choices can still be satisfying.

Whether you make a pasta soup or a creamy butternut squash bisque, your friends and family are going to lick their bowls clean after one of these dishes. So fire up the slow cooker or pull out the big Dutch oven, because it’s time for soup.

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
A white bowl of soup with a spoon and basil.
Pasulj Serbian white bean soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pasulj Serbian white bean soup

Pasulj Serbian white bean soup is a traditional dish completed in about 2 hours. It combines white beans, vegetables, and smoked meat for a rich, smoky flavor. This soup is a staple that offers a taste of Serbian comfort.
Get the Recipe: Pasulj Serbian white bean soup

Creamy, vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup with apples

This soup combines Jerusalem artichokes and apples in just 35 minutes. The result is a creamy blend where bitter artichokes meet the subtle sweetness of apples, creating a unique flavor profile. Main ingredients include Jerusalem artichokes, apples, and a coconut milk base, offering a dairy-free delight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup with apples

Potato Leek soup

Potato Leek soup is a classic, ready in about an hour. It’s made with simple ingredients like potatoes, leeks, and mustard, creating a comforting and hearty meal. The taste is smooth and savory, with a hint of sharpness from the mustard.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

This Instant Pot Minestrone Soup brings together vegetables, beans, and pasta in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both nourishing and full of Italian-inspired flavors. The soup is robust and satisfying, with a rich tomato base that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup combines the zest of buffalo sauce with tender chicken and orzo in just 30 minutes. The soup is a playful twist on classic flavors, offering a spicy kick with every spoonful. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Fish Soup

Ukha Russian Fish Soup is a traditional fisherman’s stew ready in about an hour. It’s made with fresh fish, root vegetables, and a clear broth. The flavor is clean and focused, highlighting the freshness of the fish.
Get the Recipe: Ukha Russian Fish Soup

Two bowls of soup on a wooden table.
Belgian endive soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Belgian endive soup

Belgian endive soup, ready in 40 minutes, is a creamy, comforting dish. It’s made with Belgian endives, potatoes, and a hint of cream. The taste is slightly bitter yet balanced, with a smooth texture that’s truly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Belgian endive soup

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Adding sausage to Minestrone Soup elevates this recipe to a new level of heartiness. In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl filled with vegetables, beans, pasta, and savory sausage. The flavors meld together for a comforting and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Barley, kale, and Romano beans soup

In about an hour and a half, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of Barley, kale, and Romano beans soup. This soup is a nutrient-packed meal with a chewy and satisfying texture. The flavors are earthy and wholesome, making it a filling and nutritious choice.
Get the Recipe: Barley, kale, and Romano beans soup

A bowl of soup is sitting on a wooden tray.
Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup

In just 40 minutes, you can savor the Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup. It’s made with cauliflower, onions, and a blend of spices, topped with caramelized onions and raisins. The result is a creamy soup with a sweet and spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern spiced cauliflower soup

Roasted Eggplant Soup

This Roasted Eggplant Soup takes about an hour to prepare and features roasted eggplant as the star. The roasting brings out a deep, smoky flavor that’s pureed into a velvety texture. It’s a simple yet rich soup that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Homemade matzo ball soup

This Homemade matzo ball soup takes about 3 hours to make and is a Jewish comfort food staple. With matzo balls, chicken, and vegetables, it offers a simple yet satisfying taste. It’s a soup that’s both light and filling, perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Homemade matzo ball soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mulligatawny Soup

Mulligatawny Soup is a fusion of Indian flavors ready in 45 minutes using an Instant Pot. It’s a hearty blend of chicken, vegetables, and rice, seasoned with curry and other spices. The taste is complex, slightly spicy, and utterly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup is a delightful blend ready in an hour. The main ingredients, butternut squash and apples, create a sweet and savory flavor. This soup is a creamy, comforting bowl that warms from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is a colorful soup that takes about 2 hours to make. It’s loaded with beets, cabbage, and other vegetables, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. This soup is a hearty, meat-free version of the Eastern European classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ukrainian borscht

A bowl of loaded parsnip potato soup topped with bacon and cheddar cheese.
Parsnip Potato Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Parsnip Potato Soup

Parsnip Potato Soup is a smooth, creamy dish ready in just 45 minutes. It combines the earthiness of parsnips with the familiarity of potatoes. The taste is a harmonious blend of root vegetables, perfect for a chilly day.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Potato Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup is a smooth, flavorful soup ready in under an hour. It combines the sweetness of carrots with the warmth of ginger. The taste is bright and invigorating, perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

This Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings is a comforting meal ready in about an hour. The creamy squash pairs with fluffy dumplings for a satisfying taste. It’s a homey, inviting soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

A wicker basket full of food on a wooden table.
Homemade Clear Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Homemade Clear Vegetable Soup

Homemade Clear Vegetable Soup is a light, healthy option that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful broth. The taste is clean and refreshing, ideal for those seeking a nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Clear Vegetable Soup

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup is a fall favorite that takes about an hour to prepare. The roasted pumpkin creates a deep, rich flavor in a creamy base. It’s a simple yet indulgent soup that’s perfect for seasonal enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Green Chili Chicken Soup is a zesty, flavorful dish ready in just 30 minutes. It combines chicken, green chilies, and a variety of spices for a hearty soup. The taste is bold and slightly spicy, ideal for those who enjoy a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, Italian-inspired dish ready in 45 minutes. It’s filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy broth. The taste is comforting and rich, making it a satisfying meal for any day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy broccoli stems soup

Creamy broccoli stems soup is ready in 40 minutes. It utilizes broccoli stems and a paleo-friendly creamy base. The taste is rich and earthy, with a crunchy salad topper adding a delightful texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy broccoli stems soup with salad topper crunch

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting classic that simmers to perfection over several hours. With ham, potatoes, and a blend of vegetables, it offers a savory and creamy taste. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a hassle-free meal with a homemade feel.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Two bowls of soup on a table.
Moroccan carrot soup with chermoula. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan carrot soup with chermoula

Ready in 45 minutes, this Moroccan carrot soup is a vibrant dish infused with the exotic flavors of chermoula. Main ingredients like carrots, garlic, and spices are pureed to perfection. The taste is a balance of earthy sweetness and aromatic spices, transporting your senses to North Africa.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan carrot soup with chermoula

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup is a comforting Chinese classic ready in just 15 minutes. With a simple broth, beaten eggs, and seasonings, it has a delicate and savory taste. This soup is perfect for those seeking a light yet flavorful meal in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup.
Ajiaco Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ajiaco Recipe

Ajiaco, a Colombian chicken soup, is traditionally slow-cooked over a couple of hours. It features chicken, three types of potatoes, and the herb guasca, creating a unique, hearty flavor. The soup is thickened to a creamy consistency, providing a filling and authentic taste of Colombia.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe

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