25 Delicious Cheap Soup Recipes
Last Updated on 03/17/2025 by Nell Marie
Who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s easy on the wallet? Soups are one of the most budget-friendly meals out there, perfect for stretching your ingredients and making the most of what’s already in your pantry.
So, if you’re looking for something hearty to fill you up or light and simple for a quick meal, soup has you covered. Plus, many soups can be prepped in big batches, making them ideal for meal planning or freezing leftovers for another day.
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Cheap Soup Recipes
In this article, we’re diving into 25 cheap soup ideas that are both delicious and easy to make. These soups rely on affordable staples like beans, lentils, potatoes, and veggies, so you can whip them up without breaking the bank.
Each recipe is flexible, meaning you can adjust it to suit whatever you have on hand. Ready to find your new favorite budget-friendly meal? Let’s get started!
1. Vegetable Soup
Why it’s cheap: It uses whatever veggies you have on hand, minimizing waste and extra costs.
About: A hearty, comforting soup that’s highly customizable.
Recipe: Sauté onions, garlic, and celery in oil. Add chopped vegetables, broth, and seasoning. Simmer until veggies are tender.
Recipe: My Mom’s Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
2. Potato Leek Soup
Why it’s cheap: Potatoes and leeks are inexpensive and filling.
About: A creamy, subtly flavored soup perfect for cooler weather.
Recipe: Cook leeks and diced potatoes in butter. Add broth, simmer until soft, and blend. Stir in milk or cream.
Recipe: Julia Child’s Creamy Potato Leek Soup
3. Lentil Soup
Why it’s cheap: Lentils are affordable, protein-packed, and cook quickly.
About: A nutritious and hearty soup with earthy flavors.
Recipe: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery. Add lentils, canned tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer until lentils are tender.
Recipe: Italian Lentil Soup Recipe for the New Yea
4. Split Pea Soup
Why it’s cheap: Dried split peas are affordable and filling.
About: A thick and satisfying soup with smoky or savory notes.
Recipe: Simmer split peas with onions, carrots, garlic, and broth until creamy. Add smoked sausage or a ham bone for flavor, if desired.
Recipe: Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham
5. Tomato Soup
Why it’s cheap: Canned tomatoes are inexpensive and widely available.
About: A smooth, tangy, and comforting classic.
Recipe: Sauté garlic and onions, add canned tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer, blend, and stir in cream.
Recipe: Creamy Tomato Soup Ready in 30 Minutes
6. Cabbage Soup
Why it’s cheap: Cabbage is cheap, nutritious, and makes a large batch.
About: A light yet filling soup perfect for meal prepping.
Recipe: Cook cabbage, carrots, onions, and garlic in a tomato-based broth. Add chili flakes for spice.
Recipe: Low Calorie Cabbage Fat Burning Soup
7. Egg Drop Soup
Why it’s cheap: It uses simple pantry ingredients like eggs and broth.
About: A quick and silky Chinese-style soup.
Recipe: Heat broth, season with soy sauce and ginger. Slowly drizzle whisked eggs into the broth while stirring.
Recipe: Egg Drop Soup – Simple Joy
8. Ramen Noodle Soup
Why it’s cheap: Instant ramen packs cost cents and can be dressed up easily.
About: A quick, customizable soup with an umami kick.
Recipe: Cook instant ramen. Add frozen veggies, soy sauce, and a boiled egg for extra protein.
Recipe: Ramen Noodle Soup
9. Carrot Ginger Soup
Why it’s cheap: Carrots are affordable and last a long time.
About: A vibrant, slightly sweet soup with a spicy kick.
Recipe: Sauté carrots and ginger. Add broth, simmer until soft, and blend. Stir in coconut milk or cream.
Recipe: Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup
10. Corn Chowder
Why it’s cheap: Use canned or frozen corn for a budget-friendly base.
About: A creamy, sweet, and savory soup.
Recipe: Cook onions, potatoes, and corn in broth. Simmer until soft, then add milk or cream and blend partially.
Recipe: Creamy Corn Chowder with Crispy Bacon
11. Minestrone
Why it’s cheap: It uses beans, pasta, and seasonal veggies.
About: A hearty Italian soup packed with nutrients.
Recipe: Sauté onions, garlic, and celery. Add beans, pasta, vegetables, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until cooked.
Recipe: Minestrone Soup
12. Chicken and Rice Soup
Why it’s cheap: Use leftover chicken and rice to save costs.
About: A simple and satisfying soup for all seasons.
Recipe: Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, and vegetables in broth. Simmer with herbs until flavors meld.
Recipe: Chicken Rice Soup
13. Zucchini Soup
Why it’s cheap: Zucchini is inexpensive, especially in summer.
About: A light and creamy soup with a fresh flavor.
Recipe: Sauté zucchini with onions and garlic. Add broth, simmer, and blend until smooth.
Recipe: Easy Curry Zucchini Soup Recipe
14. Vegetarian Chili Soup
Why it’s cheap: Beans and tomatoes are affordable staples.
About: A thick, spicy soup full of plant-based protein.
Recipe: Combine beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices in a pot. Simmer, adding frozen corn or peppers for variety.
Recipe: Vegetarian Chili – Will Cook For Smiles
15. Curry Lentil Soup
Why it’s cheap: Red lentils and spices are very affordable.
About: A creamy, fragrant soup with Indian-inspired flavors.
Recipe: Sauté onions and curry spices. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and coconut milk. Simmer until creamy.
Recipe: One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup
16. Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Why it’s cheap: Cauliflower is affordable and creates a creamy texture.
About: A velvety soup that’s light yet satisfying.
Recipe: Roast cauliflower, then simmer with garlic, onions, and broth. Blend and add cream.
Recipe: Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
17. Taco Soup
Why it’s cheap: It uses inexpensive beans, tomatoes, and seasoning.
About: A zesty soup with bold taco flavors.
Recipe: Brown ground beef or skip for vegetarian. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Simmer and garnish with sour cream.
Recipe: Easy Taco Soup + VIDEO
18. Sweet Potato Soup
Why it’s cheap: Sweet potatoes are filling and inexpensive.
About: A creamy soup with sweet and savory flavors.
Recipe: Roast sweet potatoes, then blend with broth, cinnamon, and a splash of coconut milk.
Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
19. Pasta e Fagioli
Why it’s cheap: Uses basic pantry staples like beans and pasta.
About: A comforting Italian soup perfect for cold days.
Recipe: Sauté onions, garlic, and celery. Add beans, small pasta, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
20. Bean and Ham Soup
Why it’s cheap: Dried beans and leftover ham bones stretch a meal.
About: A thick, hearty soup with smoky flavors.
Recipe: Simmer beans, ham, onions, and carrots in broth until creamy.
Recipe: Ham and Bean Sou
21. Stuffed Pepper Soup
Why it’s cheap: Uses affordable rice, peppers, and ground meat.
About: A deconstructed version of stuffed peppers in soup form.
Recipe: Brown ground meat, then add diced peppers, rice, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until rice is tender.
Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup
22. Barley Vegetable Soup
Why it’s cheap: Barley is inexpensive and very filling.
About: A nutty, hearty soup with chewy barley grains.
Recipe: Simmer barley, vegetables, and broth together with herbs.
Recipe: Vegetable Barley Soup
23. Coconut Curry Chickpea Soup
Why it’s cheap: Chickpeas and curry spices are affordable pantry staples.
About: A creamy, flavorful soup with tropical notes.
Recipe: Combine chickpeas, curry powder, broth, and coconut milk. Add spinach or kale for greens.
Recipe: Coconut Chickpea Curry (30 Minutes, Vegan)
24. Spinach and Orzo Soup
Why it’s cheap: Uses simple ingredients like spinach and orzo pasta.
About: A light, lemony soup perfect for spring.
Recipe: Cook orzo in broth, add fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon.
Recipe: Spinach Orzo Soup
25. French Onion Soup
Why it’s cheap: Onions are budget-friendly and widely available.
About: A rich, caramelized soup topped with cheesy bread.
Recipe: Caramelize onions slowly, add broth, and simmer. Serve with bread and melted cheese on top.
Recipe: Classic French Onion Soup
Soup is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or a big budget to create a comforting, satisfying meal.
These 25 cheap soup ideas are perfect for warming up on a chilly day, feeding your family without spending a fortune, or making the most of what’s in your kitchen.
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, hearty, or packed with veggies, there’s a soup on this list for every craving.
So grab a pot, start simmering, and enjoy the magic of a simple, delicious bowl of soup!
