Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you want to save money without skimping on taste. It’s warm, filling, and endlessly versatile.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, cheap soups can stretch your budget and reduce waste. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients to create something delicious. A few pantry staples and fresh veggies can turn into magic.
In this list, we’re diving into 18+ delicious, affordable soups that will keep your belly full and your wallet happy.
Ready to cozy up with some budget-friendly recipes? Let’s get cooking!
By the end, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep your meals flavorful and frugal all year round.
Hearty Vegetable-Based Soups
Vegetable soups are a fantastic way to pack nutrients into a budget-friendly meal. Using seasonal or frozen veggies keeps costs low while boosting flavor and texture.
These soups are also incredibly flexible—swap ingredients based on what’s on sale or already in your fridge. Plus, they’re naturally low in fat and calories, making them a healthy choice.
Here are five delicious veggie-packed soups that won’t break the bank.
1. Classic Minestrone – This Italian favorite combines inexpensive staples like canned tomatoes, beans, pasta, and mixed vegetables. The broth is rich and satisfying, and it’s easy to customize based on what veggies you have on hand.
2. Carrot and Ginger Soup – Carrots are usually very budget-friendly, and when blended with fresh ginger, they create a silky, warming soup. Adding a splash of orange juice or coconut milk can elevate the flavor without extra cost.
3. Potato Leek Soup – Potatoes and leeks are affordable and filling ingredients that make for a creamy, comforting soup. Use vegetable broth and a little garlic to deepen the flavor while keeping it simple.
4. Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup – Roasting inexpensive tomatoes and bell peppers intensifies their natural sweetness. Blend them into a smooth soup, and add some herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh finish.
5. Curried Lentil and Spinach Soup – Lentils are one of the most cost-effective protein sources. Simmer them with curry spices and fresh or frozen spinach for a flavorful, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly nights.
These vegetable-based soups are a great base, and they’re easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. Let’s explore soups that lean on legumes next for even more budget-friendly protein.
Beans and Legumes: Protein-Packed Soups
Beans and legumes are nutritional powerhouses that cost pennies per serving. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them perfect for rich, satisfying soups.
They’re also incredibly versatile and keep well, making them ideal pantry staples for budget cooks who want to eat well without spending a lot.
Here are five tasty bean- and legume-focused soups you can whip up with minimal expense.
6. Black Bean Soup – Using canned or dried black beans, this soup is hearty and filling. Season it with cumin, garlic, and a squeeze of lime for a southwestern twist that will brighten up your meal.
7. Split Pea Soup – Split peas are cheap and cook quickly. This classic soup can be made with simple ingredients like onions, carrots, and broth, delivering a creamy texture without cream.
8. Chickpea and Tomato Stew – Chickpeas add a satisfying bite to a tomato-based broth spiced with garlic, paprika, and herbs. It’s a comforting dish that’s great for meal prep and freezes well.
9. Red Lentil and Carrot Soup – Red lentils cook fast and blend into a smooth, flavorful base with carrots and warm spices like turmeric and cumin. It’s a vibrant, budget-friendly option packed with protein.
10. White Bean and Kale Soup – White beans add creaminess and protein, while kale boosts the vitamin content. This soup is simple yet nourishing, with garlic and herbs rounding out the flavors.
Beans and legumes bring a hearty dimension to your soup repertoire, balancing nutrition and cost beautifully. Now, let’s move on to comforting broths and classic chicken soups that are easy on the wallet.
Comforting Broth and Classic Chicken Soups
Sometimes, nothing beats a good broth-based soup for comfort and warmth. These soups often require very few ingredients but deliver maximum flavor.
Chicken soups can be made incredibly affordably by using leftover bones, store-brand chicken, or even canned chicken. The key is slow simmering to develop rich, satisfying flavors.
Here are five comforting, classic soups that won’t stretch your budget.
11. Simple Chicken Noodle Soup – Use basic chicken parts or leftovers to make a flavorful broth, then add noodles and vegetables. It’s a timeless soup that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day.
12. Vegetable Broth with Herbs – Simmer vegetable scraps like onion peels, carrot ends, and celery leaves to create a homemade broth. It’s free flavor from things you would normally toss, and it’s the base for many delicious soups.
13. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – This bright, light soup uses chicken broth, orzo pasta, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s simple, fresh, and budget-friendly, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
14. Classic French Onion Soup – Onions are inexpensive and turn sweet and caramelized with slow cooking. Top with a toasted bread slice and melted cheese for an affordable, satisfying treat.
15. Chicken and Rice Soup – A simple combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables in broth makes a filling meal. Using leftover chicken or broth keeps costs low while giving you a warm, homey dish.
These broth and chicken-based soups are comforting classics that deliver big flavor with minimal spend. Next, let’s explore how to use pantry staples for quick and cheap soups.
Pantry Staple Soups for Quick Meals
Pantry staples like canned goods, dried pasta, and spices can come together quickly to make a delicious soup without last-minute grocery runs.
These soups rely on ingredients you likely already have, making them perfect for busy days or when you’re trying to minimize food waste. They’re easy, quick, and wallet-friendly.
Here are five soups that turn pantry basics into satisfying meals.
16. Tomato and Rice Soup – Using canned tomatoes and rice, this soup is simple yet flavorful. A pinch of dried herbs and garlic powder can elevate the taste without adding cost or complexity.
17. Ramen Noodle Soup with Veggies – Upgrade instant ramen by adding frozen or fresh vegetables and an egg or tofu for protein. It’s an inexpensive way to make a quick, balanced meal out of pantry staples.
18. Bean and Barley Soup – Dried beans and barley are inexpensive and filling. Combined with broth and seasonings, they create a thick, hearty soup that can last for multiple meals.
19. Canned Corn and Potato Chowder – Using canned corn, potatoes, and a bit of broth, you can make a creamy chowder without cream. A touch of smoked paprika or chili powder adds depth.
20. Split Pea and Ham Soup – If you have a leftover ham bone or small ham pieces, combine them with split peas and broth for a smoky, inexpensive soup that’s rich in flavor and protein.
Pantry staples are your secret weapon for quick, cheap soups that don’t sacrifice taste. Finally, let’s dive into international-inspired soups that bring bold flavors on a budget.
International-Inspired Budget Soups
Exploring global flavors can be surprisingly affordable when you focus on simple ingredients and spices. Many traditional soups around the world are designed to stretch small amounts of ingredients.
These soups introduce exciting tastes and textures without complexity or cost. They’re perfect for those wanting budget-friendly meals with a culinary twist.
Here are five international-inspired soups that are both delicious and wallet-conscious.
21. Mexican Tortilla Soup – Made with tomatoes, chilies, beans, and tortilla strips, this soup uses inexpensive ingredients but packs a flavorful punch. Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten it up.
22. Moroccan Harira – A fragrant tomato and lentil soup spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cumin. It’s hearty, warming, and uses pantry staples common in many households.
23. Thai Coconut Curry Soup – Using canned coconut milk, curry paste, and inexpensive veggies, this soup offers exotic flavors without exotic prices. Add tofu or chicken for protein.
24. Italian Ribollita – A Tuscan vegetable and bread soup that uses stale bread, beans, kale, and seasonal vegetables. It’s rustic, filling, and a great way to reduce waste.
25. Japanese Miso Soup with Tofu and Seaweed – Miso paste is affordable and packed with umami. Combine it with tofu, seaweed, and scallions for a simple, nourishing soup that’s quick to prepare.
These international soups show how budget-friendly ingredients can create exciting and flavorful meals. Ready to bring these delicious ideas to your kitchen?
Soup is truly a budget hero, offering endless opportunities to enjoy tasty, nourishing meals without overspending. With a little creativity and these recipes, you can keep your meals both affordable and exciting.
Try a few of these soups this week to see how easy and delicious budget cooking can be. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you!
Don’t forget to share your favorite soup recipes or tweaks in the comments below. Happy cooking and saving!
