As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, warm and comforting meals become increasingly appealing. Soups and stews offer the perfect solution for those chilly evenings, providing nourishment and satisfaction in a single bowl.
Budget-conscious home cooks can create delicious and filling soups and stews without breaking the bank. With a few simple ingredients and some kitchen know-how, it’s possible to whip up hearty meals that cost less than $3 per serving. These recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive.
1) Creamy Spinach Soup
This budget-friendly soup is a nutritious and comforting option for chilly days. Packed with vitamin-rich spinach, it offers a vibrant green color and velvety texture.
The base typically consists of sautéed onions and garlic in butter or olive oil. Fresh or frozen spinach is then added and cooked until wilted.
A mixture of broth and milk or cream creates the soup’s creamy consistency. Some recipes incorporate potato for extra thickness and heartiness.
Blending the ingredients results in a smooth, luxurious soup. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg enhance the flavors.
For added protein and flavor, Creamy Spinach Soup with Cured Salmon Salad and Boiled Eggs can be served as a delicious variation. This combination elevates the dish while keeping costs low.
A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the taste. Garnishes like croutons or a swirl of cream add a finishing touch.
This affordable soup is easy to prepare in large batches. It can be frozen for future meals, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
2) Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Cardamom
This flavorful soup combines the earthy taste of Jerusalem artichokes with aromatic cardamom. Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are affordable tubers that provide a nutty flavor and creamy texture when pureed.
To make this soup, start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in a large pot. Add peeled and diced Jerusalem artichokes, along with vegetable broth and ground cardamom.
Simmer until the artichokes are tender, then blend the mixture until smooth. A touch of cream or coconut milk can be added for extra richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This Jerusalem artichoke soup recipe is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients. Jerusalem artichokes are high in fiber and potassium, making this soup both delicious and nutritious.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of Greek yogurt. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and can be easily doubled for leftovers or meal prep.
3) Vibrant Creamy Avocado and Broccoli Soup
This vibrant soup combines the richness of avocados with the nutritional punch of broccoli. It’s a creamy, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
The main ingredients are affordable and easy to find. Ripe avocados provide a velvety texture, while broccoli adds fiber and a vibrant green color.
Vegetable broth forms the base, keeping costs low. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning.
For extra creaminess, a dollop of Greek yogurt can be stirred in. This also boosts the protein content without significantly increasing the price per serving.
Herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, and cilantro enhance the taste profile. These aromatics are typically inexpensive and pack a flavorful punch.
This soup can be served hot or chilled, making it versatile for different seasons. It’s quick to prepare, often ready in under 30 minutes.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator, perfect for meal prep. The soup’s vibrant color and creamy texture make it an appealing option for both adults and children.
4) Tuscan Mushroom & Salsiccia Soup
This hearty Italian-inspired soup combines earthy mushrooms with savory salsiccia sausage. The blend of flavors creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
To keep costs low, dried mushrooms can be used instead of fresh ones. Soaking them in hot water brings out their intense flavor. Salsiccia, an Italian pork sausage, adds a spicy kick to the soup.
Onions, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the soup’s aroma. A touch of cream gives it a velvety texture without breaking the bank. For extra depth, a splash of red wine can be added.
Serving this Tuscan Mushroom & Salsiccia Soup with crusty bread makes it a complete meal. It’s filling enough to stand on its own, making it an economical dinner option.
Leftovers can be frozen for future meals, stretching the budget even further. This soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious.
5) Cheesy French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly budget-friendly. This hearty dish combines caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
To make this soup, start by slowly caramelizing sliced onions in butter. This process brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deep, rich flavor. Add beef broth and let the soup simmer to meld the flavors.
The crowning glory of French onion soup is its cheesy topping. Place a slice of crusty bread on top of each bowl and cover it with Cheesy French Onion Soup. Gruyere is traditional, but Swiss or provolone work well too.
Pop the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a golden, crispy crust that perfectly complements the savory soup beneath.
This soup is filling enough to be a main course. Serve it with a simple side salad for a complete meal that costs less than $3 per serving.
6) Paprika and Tortellini Soup
This vibrant soup combines the rich flavors of paprika with tender cheese tortellini. The bright red spice infuses the broth with a smoky sweetness, complementing the pasta perfectly.
Onions and garlic form the aromatic base, sautéed until soft and fragrant. Diced tomatoes add acidity and depth to the soup, while vegetable broth provides a savory foundation.
The star ingredient, paprika, is added generously to create a warm, earthy flavor profile. Cheese tortellini cooks directly in the soup, absorbing the delicious flavors as it simmers.
For added texture and flavor, homemade croutons and Parmesan chips make excellent garnishes. These crispy additions elevate the soup without breaking the budget.
This hearty meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s filling enough to stand alone as a main course, yet light on the wallet at under $3 per serving.
7) Spiced Pumpkin Bisque
This cozy autumn soup combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with warm spices for a comforting meal. Canned pumpkin puree keeps costs down while delivering a velvety texture.
Onions, garlic, and vegetable broth form the soup’s savory base. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds depth and warmth to the pumpkin.
A splash of cream or coconut milk lends silky richness. For extra protein, stir in cooked lentils or white beans. Top with pepitas or croutons for crunch.
This spiced pumpkin bisque comes together quickly on the stovetop. It can be made ahead and reheated for easy weeknight dinners.
Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal under $3 per serving. Leftovers freeze well for future cold-weather cravings.
8) Spicy Thai Coconut Soup
This vibrant Spicy Thai Coconut Soup brings exotic flavors to your table without breaking the bank. Rich coconut milk forms the base, creating a creamy texture that balances perfectly with aromatic spices.
Lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves infuse the broth with tantalizing fragrances. A touch of red curry paste adds depth and heat, while fish sauce contributes a savory umami element.
Budget-friendly protein options like chicken or tofu make this soup hearty and filling. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and bamboo shoots provide satisfying textures and additional nutrients.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors just before serving. Garnish with cilantro and sliced chilies for an extra kick. This comforting bowl transports diners to the streets of Bangkok without leaving home.
Serve over a small portion of rice noodles to stretch the meal further. This Thai-inspired soup offers a satisfying and economical dinner option, perfect for chilly evenings or when craving something different.
9) Selma’s Kurdish Yogurt and Rice Soup
This comforting Kurdish dish combines creamy yogurt with tender rice for a satisfying meal. The soup’s rich texture and tangy flavor make it a favorite in Middle Eastern cuisine. Selma’s recipe, passed down through generations, brings authentic Kurdish flavors to your kitchen.
Plain yogurt forms the base of this hearty soup. It’s mixed with rice, creating a thick and nourishing consistency. Garlic and dried mint add aromatic depth, while a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors.
The soup comes together quickly with affordable ingredients. Rice and yogurt are inexpensive staples, keeping the cost per serving low. Dried mint is more economical than fresh and imparts a robust herbal note.
Selma’s Kurdish Yogurt and Rice Soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It warms you from the inside out with its creamy goodness. The recipe yields several servings, making it ideal for families or meal prep.
Customize the soup by adding vegetables like spinach or carrots. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick. Serve with warm flatbread for a complete and budget-friendly meal that transports you to the heart of Kurdish cuisine.
10) Zesty Lime-Ginger Chicken & Corn Chowder
This vibrant soup combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and zesty flavors for a budget-friendly meal. The lime and ginger provide a refreshing twist to the classic chowder base.
Fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and bell peppers create a flavorful foundation. Diced chicken thighs offer an affordable protein option while remaining juicy and tender.
Corn kernels add sweetness and texture to the soup. A blend of spices, including cumin and paprika, enhances the Zesty Lime-Ginger Chicken & Corn Chowder with warmth and depth.
The zesty lime juice brightens the dish, while grated ginger provides a subtle heat. A touch of cream creates a silky texture without breaking the bank.
This chowder can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easily customizable with additional vegetables or spices to suit individual tastes.
Served with crusty bread or tortilla chips, this hearty soup makes for a satisfying and economical meal. Leftovers reheat well, providing multiple servings throughout the week.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.