What Else Can I Add?

This fresh and fruity watermelon gazpacho lends itself so well to extra fruits and veggies on fridge cleanout day. Other melons, like cantaloupe or honeydew, can add more bulk and sweetness. Some strawberries add a touch of sweet and sour flavor. For veggies, beets, zucchini, or summer squash are all great choices.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover watermelon gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled for the best flavor.

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Watermelon Gazpacho

This vibrant, savory-sweet Watermelon Gazpacho is a celebration of the summer season. Chilled soup? Yes, please!

Course Soup

Cuisine Spanish

Total Cost $8.10 recipe / $1.35 serving

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6 bowls (1.5 cups each)

Calories 195kcal

Author Jess – Budget Bytes

Equipment

• Large Blender

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp sherry vinegar* $0.69
• 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.57
• 1/2 tsp salt $0.01
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.03
• 1/2 watermelon, divided (approx. 9 cups)** $2.34
• 1 cucumber, seeded and diced, divided $0.64
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped, divided $1.48
• 3 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced, divided $0.63
• 1/4 red onion, diced $0.30
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced small $0.40
• 1 Tbsp basil, minced $0.89
• 1 Tbsp parsley, minced $0.12

Instructions

• Whisk together sherry vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Add 4.5 cups of watermelon, half a peeled and diced cucumber, half of a seeded bell pepper, 2 roma tomatoes, and red onion to blender.
• Blend until smooth while simultaneously streaming in the vinegar mixture.
• Pour gazpacho broth into large container and stir in 4.5 cups of diced watermelon, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, 1 seeded and diced roma tomato, seeded and small-diced jalapeno and fresh herbs.
• Top with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a crank of salt and pepper if you’ve got it! Enjoy cold.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Rice wine vinegar, white vinegar, and apple cider vinegar make good substitutions, if needed.

**¼ can be cut into messy larger chunks, it will go in the blender to make broth. The other ¼ should be diced into bite-sized pieces to stir in after blending is done. It adds lovely texture!

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 202mg | Fiber: 3g

how to make Watermelon Gazpacho – step by step photos

Whisk together 3 Tbsp sherry vinegar, 3 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.

Add 4.5 cups of watermelon, half of a peeled and diced cucumber, half of a seeded bell pepper, 2 roma tomatoes, and 1/4 of a diced red onion to blender.

Blend until smooth while simultaneously streaming in the vinegar mixture.

Pour gazpacho broth into a large container and stir in 4.5 cups of diced watermelon, the remaining half of a peeled and diced cucumber, half of a seeded and diced bell pepper, 1 seeded and diced roma tomato, 1 seeded and brunoised jalapeno, 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil, and 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley. Top with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a crank of salt and pepper if you’ve got it! Enjoy cold.

This refreshing watermelon gazpacho is sure to cool you off this summer!

More Easy Soup Recipes

Lemony Chickpea Soup

$4.52 recipe / $1.13 serving

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

$7.59 recipe / $1.08 serving

Roasted Tomato Soup

$8.62 recipe / $2.16 serving

Easy Taco Soup

$11.84 recipe / $1.97 serving

The post Watermelon Gazpacho appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Why Make Mediterranean Lentil Soup?

The first time I experienced cinnamon in a savory dish was while cooking at a Lebanese restaurant and it was life changing! This Mediterranean Lentil Soup is the perfect introduction to the savory use of cinnamon. This clean and flavorful lentil soup is a vegan flavor explosion. It’s loaded with protein and fiber, naturally gluten-free, and super versatile. You can toss in just about any veggie or green, so raid the fridge and get cooking!

Which color lentils are best for soup?

Brown or green lentils work best for this soup, as they will keep their shape after cooking, which is what we’re looking for texture-wise. Red lentils are not recommended because they cook quicker and will dissolve into the soup as they cook, creating a thick and mushy texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Mediterranean lentil soup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes super well for up to 3 months when stored properly in an air-tight container. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a pot set over medium-low heat until warmed through.

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Mediterranean Lentil Soup

This vegan Mediterranean Lentil Soup is bright and refreshing. Finished with a squeeze of lemon, it's the perfect meal for rainy spring days.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Mediterranean

Total Cost $7.59 recipe / $1.08 serving

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 7 (about 1.5 cups each)

Calories 185kcal

Author Jess – Budget Bytes

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
• 1 large yellow onion, diced small $0.78
• 2 medium carrots, diced small $0.24
• 3 stalks celery, diced small $0.36
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed $0.30
• 2 tsp ground cumin $0.20
• 1 tsp cinnamon $0.16
• 1 cup uncooked brown or green lentils $0.68
• 8 cups vegetable broth $1.44
• 4 oz. lemon juice $0.48
• 3 cups kale, chopped and lightly packed $2.48
• 1 tsp salt $0.05
• 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.10

Instructions

• Rinse the lentils in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Heat the oil in a large soup pot set over medium-high heat. Add in the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until they become tender, about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper.
• Stir in the garlic, cumin, and cinnamon. Heat until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add the lentils to the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and lemon juice, then bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30-45 minutes.
• Stir in the greens, season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1452mg | Fiber: 11g

how to make Mediterranean Lentil Soup – step by step photos

Rinse 1 cup brown or green lentils in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot set over medium-high heat. Add in 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 3 diced stalks celery and cook until they become tender, about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with 1 tsp salt and 2 tsp pepper.

Stir in 5 crushed cloves garlic, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Heat until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add the lentils to the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast.

Pour in 8 cups vegetable broth and 4 oz. lemon juice, then bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30-45 minutes.

Stir in 3 cups chopped kale, season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste before serving.

This Mediterranean lentil soup is going to be your new favorite!

More Vegan Soup Recipes

Creamy Lentil Vegetable Soup

$9.19 recipe / $2.30 serving

Watermelon Gazpacho

$8.10 recipe / $1.35 serving

Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup

$2.49 recipe / $0.62 serving

Roasted Tomato Soup

$8.62 recipe / $2.16 serving

The post Mediterranean Lentil Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What is Ham and Potato Soup?

This rich and creamy soup is made from a base of vegetable broth enriched with milk and butter and stuffed to the brim with fresh veggies, chunky potatoes, and salty ham. It’s real belly-warming food, perfect for taking the chill off!

What Potatoes Are Best For Soup?

The best potato for any given soup really depends on the texture you’re after.

• With this soup, I wanted to keep distinct chunks of intact potato, so I went for red potatoes. Other varieties that hold their shape well include new potatoes, baby potatoes, and fingerlings.
• If you’re looking for your potatoes to soften up a bit more but still mostly hold their shape, Yukon Golds are a great choice for this soup.
• Starchier potatoes, like Russets, will melt into the soup, making it super thick, but you won’t get the whole potato texture in every bite.

How Do You Thicken Ham and Potato SOup?

I chose to thicken this soup with what’s known as a “blonde roux.” It’s a mixture of butter and flour that is cooked over medium-low heat until it juuust starts to change color from white to blonde. This deepens the flavor of the soup without overpowering the natural flavor of the other ingredients.

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Ham and Potato Soup

This ham and potato soup is creamy but not too heavy and loaded with fresh veggies and salty ham. It's perfect for the seasonal transition!

Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Total Cost $11.24 recipe / $1.40 serving

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 8 (1.5 cups each)

Calories 212kcal

Author Jess – Budget Bytes

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.34
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced $0.20
• 3 stalks celery, diced $0.30
• 1 small white onion, diced $1.02
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (roughly 3½ cups) $1.66
• 6 cups vegetable broth $0.53
• 2 cups cooked diced ham $6.38
• 2 Tbsp salted butter $0.24
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.05
• 2 cups milk $0.38
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley $0.08
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.05
• Salt, to taste $0.01

Instructions

• In the stock pot, add 2 Tbsp olive oil on medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook down until slightly softened and the onions are nice and glossy, about 5 minutes.
• Add potatoes, vegetable broth, and ham in the stockpot. Bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir in the pepper.
• Melt the butter in a separate medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute. (Note: this is a “blonde roux” so you don’t want the flour to toast too much!) Whisk in milk and cook for about 4 minutes until thick and warm.
• Pour milk/roux mixture into the stockpot with ham soup and whisk to combine. Cook until all vegetables reach desired tenderness and soup thickens to your liking, another 10 minutes should do it. Add the parsley, additional salt and pepper if needed and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

This makes 12 cups of soup, but we found 1 1/2 cups to be perfect for a meal, so if that’s your serving size, you can serve 8 people.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1109mg | Fiber: 2g

how to make Ham and Potato Soup – step by step photos

In your stock pot, add 2 Tbsp olive oil on medium heat. Add 2 peeled and diced carrots, 3 diced stalks celery, and 1 diced small white onion and cook down until slightly softened and the onions are nice and glossy, about 5 minutes.

Add 2 peeled and diced potatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, and 2 cups diced cooked ham in the stockpot. Bring to a boil; simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in your 1 tsp black pepper.

Melt 2 Tbsp salted butter in a separate medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute. (Note: this is a “blonde roux” so you don’t want the flour to toast too much!) Whisk in 2 cups milk and cook for about 4 minutes until thick and warm.

Pour milk/roux mixture into the stockpot with ham soup and whisk to combine. Cook until all vegetables reach desired tenderness and soup thickens to your liking, another 10 minutes should do it. Add parsley, additional salt, and pepper if needed and enjoy!

This creamy ham and potato soup is perfect for the changing seasons!

More Delicious Soup Recipes

Lemony Chickpea Soup

$4.52 recipe / $1.13 serving

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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Italian Wedding Soup

$8.89 recipe / $1.48 serving

Navy Bean Soup

$7.32 recipe / $1.22 serving

The post Ham and Potato Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What Else Can I Add?

Make it Vegan

It’s very easy to convert this recipe to a vegan mushroom soup. Simply use coconut oil in place of the butter to make the roux, and then use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. Coconut milk tastes really good in savory recipes like this and actually pairs very well with mushrooms! Check out our Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen for another example of these flavors together.

What to Serve with mushroom Soup

The broth in this soup is extremely rich and creamy and you’re going to want to sop up every drop, so I highly suggest serving it with some crusty bread like our No-Knead Bread, Focaccia Rolls, or Soda Bread. Or, if you don’t want to make homemade bread, at least make sure you have some crackers on hand!

I’d also suggest adding some vegetables on the side to lighten things up, and I’d go for a wintery roasted vegetable like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or our Roasted Cauliflower Salad.

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Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!

Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine American

Total Cost $6.82 recipe / $1.71 serving

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4 (1 cup each)

Calories 299kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms $4.59
• 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.24
• 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
• 1 pinch salt & pepper $0.05
• 4 Tbsp butter $0.47
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.04
• 3 cups vegetable broth $0.51
• 1 tsp soy sauce $0.02
• 1/8 tsp dried thyme $0.02
• 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.75

Instructions

• Wash the mushrooms to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic.
• Add the olive oil, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a soup pot. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they have released all of their moisture, all the liquid has evaporated from the bottom of the pot, and the mushrooms become very dark brown. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for one minute more.
• Add the butter and flour to the pot. Stir and cook for about two minutes more, or until the butter coats the bottom of the pot and turns deep golden brown.
• Once the flour mixture is a bit browned, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and thyme. Stir to dissolve all of the flour from the bottom of the pot. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, at which point the flour will slightly thicken the broth.
• Finally, stir the cream into the soup. Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 904mg | Fiber: 1g

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup – Step by Step Photos

Begin by rinsing and slicing one pound of baby Bella mushrooms.

Add the mushrooms to a soup pot with 1 Tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they release all of their water, the water evaporates, and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute more.

Add 3 Tbsp of salted butter and 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour to the pot. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and create a paste with the flour that coats the mushrooms.

The butter and flour will begin to coat the bottom of the pot. When it becomes medium brown, it’s time to add the liquid to the pot.

Add three cups of vegetable broth, ⅛ tsp thyme, and 1 tsp soy sauce to the soup pot and stir to dissolve all of the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Allow the broth to come up to a boil, at which point it will thicken slightly from the flour and butter roux.

Once the soup has reached a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and add ½ cup heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through and begin to simmer gently.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt or other seasonings if desired. The soup may need additional salt depending on the salt content of the broth used. We used Better Than Bouillon, which tends to be on the salty side, so we did not need any additional salt.

Serve the creamy mushroom soup with your favorite crusty bread and enjoy!

More Easy Soup Recipes

Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup

$2.49 recipe / $0.62 serving

Roasted Tomato Soup

$8.62 recipe / $2.16 serving

Easy Pumpkin Soup

$2.69 recipe / $0.67 serving

Sopa De Letras

$6.70 recipe / $0.84 serving

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This incredibly simple Lemony Chickpea soup combines puréed chickpeas, broth, and some seasoning to create a perfectly comforting and flavorful bowl of soup. And since most of these ingredients are shelf-stable, this is a pantry meal you can make any time with no planning head.

What to Serve with Lemony Chickpea Soup

This chickpea soup is just begging for some crusty bread for dipping, so I highly suggest making a loaf of our easy no-knead bread or focaccia rolls. Or, if you need something a little faster, homemade garlic bread would also be amazing with this soup. And, if you want some veggies on the side, a simple side salad would be awesome, or you could go with something a little heftier, like tortellini salad.

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Lemony Chickpea Soup

This Lemony Chickpea Soup recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and delicious. It's the perfect comforting low-effort meal for busy nights.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Total Cost $4.52 recipe $1.13 serving

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes minutes

Total Time 23 minutes minutes

Servings 4 (1.25 cups each)

Calories 375kcal

Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

• 3 15oz. cans chickpeas, divided $2.67
• 4 cloves garlic $0.32
• 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
• 2 cups chicken broth $0.26
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme $0.05
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano $0.05
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper $0.02
• 1 lemon $0.79
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste) $0.02
• 1/4 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper $0.02

Instructions

• Add 2 of the cans of chickpeas to a blender with the liquid in the can and purée until smooth.* Drain the third can of chickpeas and set aside.
• Mince the garlic and add it to a saucepot with the olive oil. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about one minute, or just until the garlic becomes very fragrant.
• Add the puréed chickpeas, drained chickpeas, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, red pepper, salt, and pepper to the soup pot with the garlic. Stir to combine.
• Allow the soup to come up to a simmer, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• While the soup simmers, zest and juice half of the lemon (you'll need about 2 Tbsp juice and ½ tsp zest). Slice the remaining lemon for garnish.
• After the soup has simmered, add 2 Tbsp juice and a pinch of lemon zest, then stir to combine.
• Taste the soup and adjust the salt, lemon juice, pepper, or other herbs to your liking. The amount of salt needed to properly flavor the soup will depend on the salt content of your broth, so make sure to salt to taste at the end.
• Garnish the soup with the remaining lemon slices and zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and more pepper if desired, then serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Some brands of canned chickpeas are quite firm. To make the soup really smooth you may need to pre-simmer the beans for about 10 minutes to make them softer before blending. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cup | Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 1527mg | Fiber: 15g

How to Make Lemony Chickpea Soup – Step by Step Photos

Add two 15oz. cans of chickpeas to a blender, with the liquid in the can, and purée until smooth. If the brand of chickpeas you’re using are extra firm, you may want to simmer the chickpeas in the liquid for about 10 minutes before blending to soften them more. Let the simmered chickpeas cool slightly before blending, as blending hot liquids can be dangerous.

Mince four cloves of garlic (or more, if you’d like!) and add them to a saucepot with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about one minute, or just until the garlic becomes very fragrant.

Add the puréed beans, one can of drained chickpeas, 2 cups of chicken broth, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried oregano, 1 pinch of crushed red pepper, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the soup up to a simmer over medium heat.

Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, zest and juice half of a lemon (you’ll need 2 Tbsp juice and about ½ tsp zest). Slice the other half of the lemon to use as a garnish.

After the soup has simmered for about 10 minutes, add 2 Tbsp lemon juice to the soup along with a pinch of lemon zest.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt, lemon juice, zest, or other herbs to your liking. The amount of salt needed will depend on the salt content of the broth used and it can really help the flavors pop, so make sure to salt to taste at the end.

Garnish the soup with the remaining slices of lemon and lemon zest, extra pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. We also had some parsley in the fridge, so we added some of that for color.

More Easy Soup Recipes

Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup

$2.49 recipe / $0.62 serving

Easy Minestrone Soup

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Easy Dumpling Soup

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6 Ways to Make Instant Ramen Better

The post Lemony Chickpea Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Soup Recipes

If you’re in need of some light, warm comfort food for a cold day, try one of these chicken soup recipes. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill soups; they’re hearty and sure to keep you toasty warm on those dreary fall and winter days.

Chicken Noodle Soup

The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is made 100% from scratch, with plenty of chunky vegetables, herbs, and a homemade broth, just like Grandma used to make! 

4.90 from 201 votes

$9.10 recipe / $1.14 serving Get the Recipe

The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – There’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade chicken noodle soup simmering away on the stove top. This simple, classic soup is soothing to the mind, body, and soul!

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew

This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.

4.92 from 157 votes

$12.22 recipe / $2.04 serving Get the Recipe

Chicken Stew – Chicken stew is like chicken soups older, more rugged cousin. It’s rich, hearty, and leaves no man hungry! The cold of winter is no match for a pot of chicken stew.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup

This super flavorful Chicken Enchilada Soup is made with tender chicken breast, lots of spices, and a tangy homemade enchilada sauce.

5 from 13 votes

$11.52 recipe / $1.92 serving Get the Recipe

Chicken Enchilada Soup – Prepare to fall in love with our Chicken Enchilada Soup! It’s made with tender chicken breast, a homemade enchilada sauce, and lots of bold flavors. It’s everything you love about regular chicken enchiladas, but it’s conveniently made in one pot!

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is hearty, comforting and perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It’s simply cozy comfort food in a bowl!

5 from 18 votes

$10.19 recipe / $1.69 serving Get the Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Soup – Chicken pot pie soup is simply comfort food in a bowl. It’s hearty, cozy, and it includes all the flavors from a traditional chicken pot pie!

Chicken And Lime Soup

Chicken and Lime Soup

This Chicken and Lime Soup is light, fresh, and flavorful with shredded chicken, vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime infused broth.

4.91 from 215 votes

$7.76 recipe / $1.29 serving Get the Recipe

Chicken and Lime Soup – This light and zesty chicken soup is a unique twist on a classic. With southwest flavors like green chiles, lime, and cilantro, this soup is light and refreshing enough to eat year round.

Vegetable Soup Recipes

Vegetable soup is incredibly versatile. You can use just about any vegetable, add some herbs and spices, maybe a grain or noodle, and PRESTO! You’ve got an easy and delicious vegetable soup. If you have leftover veggies lying around, it’s an excellent way to use them up. Here are our favorite vegetable soup recipes.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This super easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is chock full of colorful, chunky vegetables in a rich and cheesy broth for a totally meal-worthy soup.

4.92 from 68 votes

$4.97 recipe / $1.24 serving Get the Recipe

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – This thick and rich broccoli cheddar soup is chock full of vegetables in a cheesy, creamy, broth. It’s comfort food and your daily dose of vegetables in one bowl!

Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable Barley Soup

Loaded with colorful vegetables and filling pearled barley, this Vegetable Barley Soup is a healthy, freezer-friendly staple recipe for winter!

4.76 from 79 votes

$6.67 recipe / $1.11 serving Get the Recipe

Vegetable Barley Soup – If you’re craving something a little more light, this vegetable barley soup will fill you up without weighing you down. It has a medley of colorful vegetables, plus a handful of hearty barley to make sure one bowl fills you all the way up!

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a warm and creamy soup made with roasted butternut squash, rich cream, and cozy herbs like sage and nutmeg. 

5 from 3 votes

$3.72 recipe / $0.93 serving Get the Recipe

Butternut Squash Soup – The flavors in this soup are simple yet warm, and the soup is a breeze to prepare. It will definitely become a fall staple in your house!

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!

4.82 from 114 votes

$6.82 recipe / $1.71 serving Get the Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Soup – Creamy and earthy with all those cozy fall flavors in one bowl. Make sure to serve this with some crusty bread for dipping because you won’t want to waste one drop of that delicious broth.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic that are slowly roasted until the flavors are deep, sweet, and cozy!

5 from 4 votes

$8.62 recipe / $2.16 serving Get the Recipe

Roasted Tomato Soup – Roasted Tomato Soup is incredibly simple to make, yet totally elegant. And it’s perfect in the summertime when you need to use up those last few juicy tomatoes.

Easy Soup Recipes

With these easy soup recipes, you’ll never have to wonder what to make for dinner again. These simple soups are quick to prepare, but pack lots of flavor—and they’re even better on cold winter nights. Try one of these satisfying soups for a family dinner or an easy weeknight meal.

Taco Soup

Easy Taco Soup

This easy Taco Soup recipe is a simple yet flavorful meal in a bowl featuring ground beef, beans, vegetables, and tons of tasty toppings!

4.88 from 8 votes

$11.84 recipe / $1.97 serving Get the Recipe

Taco Soup is one of the easiest soup recipes you’ll ever make! Just dump everything in the pot, let it simmer, and you end up with a super flavorful and hearty bowl that is ready for your favorite toppings. P.S. The leftovers are awesome, too!

Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen

Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen

This incredibly simple Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen is a rich and flavorful 15 minute meal that only requires a handful of ingredients! 

4.84 from 151 votes

$2.75 per serving Get the Recipe

Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen – When time and money are short, there’s nothing like instant ramen to save the day. With a few simple add-ins, this instant ramen is transformed into a gourmet bowl that you’ll want to make over and over again.

Vegetable Beef SOup

Vegetable Beef Soup

This super easy vegetable beef soup is a filling and flavorful option for lunch, dinner, or your weekly meal prep!

4.75 from 27 votes

$11.13 recipe / $1.86 serving Get the Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup is a childhood favorite, but trust me when I say you want to make this from scratch instead of buying the sad little cans. The homemade version is extra hearty with big chunks of vegetables and plenty of beef in every bite!

Easy Pumpkin Soup

Easy Pumpkin Soup

This flavorful and easy pumpkin soup takes less than 30 minutes to make and is the perfect simple side for a gooey grilled cheese sandwich! 

4.53 from 23 votes

$2.69 recipe / $0.67 serving Get the Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Soup – With just a simple can of puréed pumpkin, vegetable broth, and a few spices, you can create a truly delicious bowl of soup! Keep it simple or get fun with your toppings, either way, you’ll slurp up every last drop.

Sopa De Letras

Sopa De Letras

Sopa De Letras, or alphabet soup, is a delicious and hearty tomato-based Mexican soup that's packed with flavor and ready in twenty!

5 from 9 votes

$6.70 recipe / $0.84 serving Get the Recipe

Sopa De Letras – this hearty soup is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want a really simple and stress-free lunch. It’s packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes!

Tomato Herb Soup

Tomato Herb Soup

Use basic pantry staples to create this quick and easy Tomato Herb Soup. It's thick, rich, flavorful, and perfect for grilled cheese dipping!

4.78 from 53 votes

$2.62 recipe / $0.52 serving Get the Recipe

Tomato Herb Soup – This easy homemade tomato soup is made with simple pantry staples, but it packs a big flavor punch! You’ll never go back to canned tomato soup again.

Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

Let the slow cooker create the slow simmer that gives soups depth and deliciousness. Unlike their stovetop counterparts, these classic soup recipes are entirely hands-off.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a deep, comforting, smoky flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort. 

4.91 from 52 votes

$9.79 recipe / $1.63 serving Get the Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup – When you want a piping hot bowl of spicy chicken tortilla soup, but you’ve got your hands full with other chores, let your slow cooker save the day!

Slow Cooker Black Bean SOup

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Packed with vegetables, flavor, protein, and fiber, this ultra-flavorful and low-calorie Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup is an all around winner!

4.69 from 130 votes

$4.81 recipe / $0.79 serving Get the Recipe

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup – This awesomely flavorful and easy slow cooker black bean soup practically makes itself. It’s vegan, super filling, high in fiber, protein, full of veggies, and costs nothing. Need we say more?

Slow Cooker POtato SOup

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

This creamy Slow Cooker Potato Soup is rich, comforting and hearty, plus the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you!

4.28 from 51 votes

$8.10 serving / $1.35 serving Get the Recipe

Slow Cooker Potato Soup – Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, beats the taste of homemade potato soup! This slow cooker potato soup is super creamy, rich, and perfect paired with your favorite toppings and a simple salad!

Slow Cooker Chicken NOodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow cooker chicken noodle soup is an incredibly easy and soothing winter recipe that will fill you up and warm you from the inside out!

4.46 from 24 votes

$9.22 recipe / $1.15 serving Get the Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup – Homemade chicken noodle soup from scratch is one of our absolute favorite comfort foods. Not only is it effortless, but even the smell of it simmering away is soothing and gives hygge vibes.

Slow Cooker White Chicken CHili

Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

The slow cooker does all the work with this easy, flavorful, and healthy white chicken chili. This "dump and go" dinner will become a family favorite!

4.78 from 145 votes

$10.23 recipe / $1.71 serving Get the Recipe

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili – This is the perfect example of why people love slow cookers. You dump everything in the slow cooker, stir it, turn it on, and walk away. When you return, you have this hearty white bean chicken chili ready for topping with cheese and diving in with tortilla chips.

Vegetarian Soup Recipes

To be honest, I love all soups, but some of my favorite soups are veggie-based. They’re great for meatless Mondays or any night of the week. Here are our top five vegetarian soup recipes to get you started. And don’t be fooled, they’re so filling and flavorful that they’re loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!

Vegan Peanut Stew

Vegan Peanut Stew

With a rich peanut and tomato sauce, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and crunchy peanuts, this Vegan Peanut Stew is comfort in a bowl! 

4.87 from 224 votes

$6.38 recipe / $1.06 serving Get the Recipe

Vegan Peanut Stew – If you think a vegetarian soup won’t be filling, think again! This Vegan Peanut Stew is incredibly filling and flavorful. It has a rich peanut based sauce, hearty collard greens, and tender sweet potatoes all in one true meal in a bowl.

Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew

Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew

This Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew is a hearty and filling plant-based dish that will keep you full and warm this winter!

4.92 from 125 votes

$5.74 recipe / $0.96 serving Get the Recipe

Smoky Potato and Chickpea Stew – This rich vegetarian stew is full of color and flavor. It will fill you up without weighing you down with its chickpeas, tomatoes, potatoes, and kale.

Vegan Lentil Stew

Vegan Lentil Stew

A rich and hearty medley of vegetables, lentils, and herbs makes this freezer-friendly Vegan Lentil Stew the perfect cold-weather comfort food. 

4.89 from 191 votes

$5.08 recipe / $0.64 serving Get the Recipe

Vegan Winter Lentil Stew – You won’t believe the flavor in this totally vegan winter stew. It’s rich and hearty, just like a beef stew, but made with vegetables like potatoes, peas, carrots, and celery, plus a healthy dose of lentils.

Easy Minestrone Soup

Easy Minestrone Soup

This easy Minestrone Soup recipe is a hearty, budget-friendly meal full of vegetables and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

4.84 from 30 votes

$5.96 recipe / $0.99 serving Get the Recipe

Easy Minestrone Soup – This classic vegetarian minestrone is a colorful medley of vegetables and beans. This nutrient filled powerhouse is comforting and filling without being too heavy. It’s perfect with saltine crackers, or even a grilled cheese on the side.

Summer Gazpacho

Summer Gazpacho

This cold, refreshing Summer Gazpacho is the easiest no-cook recipe for when the weather is hot and summer produce is at its best!

4.41 from 5 votes

$3.83 recipe / $0.96 serving Get the Recipe

Summer Gazpacho – When the weather’s hot, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy soup! This vegetable soup is served cold and is extra refreshing thanks to fresh cucumber, parsley, cilantro, and lemon juice.

Bean Soup Recipes

Beans are a great source of protein, which makes them a staple in any diet. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable dish that is quick to prepare, give one of these bean soup recipes a try. You can create soups from dried beans or use canned beans if time is an issue. No matter which recipe you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy hearty and flavorful soups that fill your belly without emptying your wallet.

Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup

Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup

This incredibly easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup takes only eight simple ingredients to deliver a bowl full of rich, bold flavor.

4.75 from 155 votes

$2.49 recipe / $0.62 serving Get the Recipe

Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup – This simple white bean soup is one of my favorite quickie recipes. It comes together in minutes, is devilishly delicious, and can be customized with a ton of fun toppings.

Smoky Black Bean Soup

30-Minute Smoky Black Bean Soup

This super fast and easy Smoky Black Bean Soup is rich, filling, flavorful, and waiting to be piled high with fun toppings! An easy vegan weeknight dinner.

4.94 from 33 votes

$4.24 recipe / $1.06 serving Get the Recipe

Smoky Black Bean Soup – If you’ve got a few cans of black beans, you can make this black bean soup in minutes! Pair it with some homemade cornbread and you’ve got a meal made in heaven.

Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup

Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup

With a variety of colors, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs and spices make this Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup flavorful, filling, AND incredibly good for you.

4.89 from 93 votes

$5.69 recipe / $0.71 serving Get the Recipe

Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup – If you appreciate the slow food movement and cooking from scratch, I think you’ll love this 15 bean soup! It starts with dry beans soaked overnight, then simmered with fresh vegetables and plenty of herbs and spices. It’s real food at its best!

Navy Bean Soup

Navy Bean Soup

This Navy Bean Soup with ham is hearty, cozy, super flavorful, and perfect on a chilly day. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!

4.84 from 12 votes

$7.32 recipe / $1.22 serving Get the Recipe

Navy Bean Soup – This cozy, Navy Bean Soup will bring back so many memories. It’s hearty, filling, easy to make, and WAY better than canned soup!

Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

This cozy Split Pea Soup will fill you up and warm you through on those cold winter days. Super satisfying and oh so delicious!

5 from 5 votes

$9.51 recipe / $1.58 serving Get the Recipe

Split Pea Soup – this easy, comforting Split Pea Soup has lots of veggies and the added ham gives it sooo much flavor! And our homemade croutons compliment the soup perfectly.

Pinto Bean Soup

Pinto Bean Soup

This easy Pinto Bean Soup is a simple and filling meal for when money is tight but you still want something flavorful and comforting.

4.50 from 6 votes

$3.51 recipe / $0.88 serving Get the Recipe

Pinto Bean Soup – This super simple Pinto Bean Soup is a southwest version of our viral Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup and only requires eight ingredients. It’s easy, super flavorful, and delicious!

Healthy Soup Recipes

For those looking to eat healthier, soup is a wonderful solution. They’re such an easy and convenient way to pack your diet with vegetables and whole grains. From hearty stews to light broths to veggie-packed chowders, these healthy soup recipes are perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike!

Beef And Cabbage Soup

Beef and Cabbage Soup

Light, but filling, this Beef and Cabbage Soup will fill you up without weighing you down, and will keep you warm from the inside out. 

4.95 from 50 votes

$9.63 recipe / $1.61 serving Get the Recipe

Beef and Cabbage Soup – this simple soup is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. It will definitely fill you up without making you feel overly full or sluggish. Serve as-is or add even more vegetables to meet your daily goals.

Moroccan Lentil And Vegetable SOup

Moroccan Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Warm intoxicating spices make this vegetable filled Moroccan Lentil and Vegetable Soup perfect for cold Autumn nights.

4.84 from 117 votes

$7.43 recipe / $0.93 serving Get the Recipe

Moroccan Vegetable and Lentil Stew – Not only is this delicious pot of soup full of several vegetables, but it has a powerhouse of flavorful and anti-inflammatory spices, like turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne.

Cabbage Soup

Cabbage Soup

Forget the cabbage soup diet, you'll want to eat this super healthy vegetable-filled cabbage soup just because it tastes incredible! 

4.85 from 120 votes

$7.89 recipe / $0.99 serving Get the Recipe

Cabbage Soup – This is my version of the classic “cabbage soup diet” soup. Except we like it because it tastes good, not because it makes lofty weight loss promises. This soup is too good for that shtick.

Tomato Lentil SOup

Tomato Lentil Soup

This tomato lentil soup is full of vegetables and herbs for a simple, flavorful, and warming winter soup. Makes great leftovers!

4.91 from 43 votes

$4.74 recipe / $0.79 serving Get the Recipe

Tomato Lentil Soup – Did I mention that lentils make good soup? Haha. This lentil soup has a rich tomato-based broth, hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and a little bit of soy sauce for an extra umami-kick!

Chunky Lentil And Vegetable Soup

Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup

This Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup is packed with hearty flavor, texture, and good-for-you vegetables! 

4.92 from 151 votes

$5.24 recipe / $0.52 serving Get the Recipe

Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup – Lentils, black beans, vegetables. It sounds like it could be boring, but I promise, this soup is anything but! This is the soup that made me fall in love with soup as a meal. It’s so flavorful, and so filling. Plus, look at all those colors and textures! It’s as much of a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach.

What soup recipes do you live by? Share your favorites in the comments below!

More Recipe Roundups

Easy Black Bean Recipes

Rice Recipes

Best Lentil Soup Recipes

Cheap And Easy Bean Recipes

The post Best Homemade Soup Recipes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What Is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is everything you love about regular chicken enchiladas, but it’s conveniently made in one pot! It reminds me of chicken tortilla soup, with tender chicken meat and bold flavors, except it’s made with an easy homemade enchilada sauce. The enchilada sauce is cooked directly in the soup pot with the rest of the ingredients and gives this soup TONS of flavor!

How Spicy Is This SOup?

This chicken enchilada soup definitely has a kick to it. It has jalapeño, chili powder, and cayenne pepper added to it. The brand of chili powder we use is completely mild, but other brands can sometimes carry some heat. If you are using a spicy chili powder, simply reduce or eliminate the cayenne powder from this recipe to compensate. I would say the heat level of this soup is medium spicy, like a medium salsa.

What To Serve WIth Chicken Enchilada Soup

The same day we made this soup at the studio, Beth just happened to also be making some Homestyle Cornbread. So we drizzled a little bit of honey on top of the cornbread to eat with the soup, and OMG…a match made in heaven! The combination of the sweetness from the honey with the spicy and smoky flavors of the enchilada soup were perfect and absolutely delicious. In addition to cornbread, you can also pair this soup with Cilantro Lime Rice or even our Sweet Corn Salsa. And don’t forget the toppings! Some cheddar cheese, a little bit of cilantro, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a few more sliced jalapeños (if you like the extra heat) would all be great!

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores very well in the fridge and the freezer. We always suggest dividing the soup into single portions just after cooking so it cools down more quickly in the refrigerator, which will give you more longevity with the leftovers. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage (about 3 months).

Print

Chicken Enchilada Soup

This super flavorful Chicken Enchilada Soup is made with tender chicken breast, lots of spices, and a tangy homemade enchilada sauce.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Southwest

Total Cost $11.52 recipe / $1.92 serving

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6 (about 1.5 cups each)

Calories 181kcal

Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp cooking oil, divided $0.12
• 1 yellow onion, diced $0.32
• 1 jalapeno, seeded & diced $0.25
• 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.16
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.04
• 2 Tbsp chili powder $0.60
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin $0.05
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper $0.02
• 3/4 tsp salt $0.05
• 3 oz. tomato paste $0.50
• 1 15oz. can black beans, drained $0.89
• 1 15oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes $1.33
• 1 10oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles $1.00
• 1 cup frozen corn $0.47
• 4 cups chicken broth $0.42
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb. total) $5.25

Instructions

• Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil along with the diced onion, finely diced jalapeño and minced garlic cloves to a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent.
• Next add the all-purpose flour, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and the remaining 2 Tbsp of cooking oil to the pot. Stir well and cook the flour and spices with the vegetables for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste, drained black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, frozen corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir all the ingredients together making sure to dissolve the tomato paste and scrape up any spices that may be stuck at the bottom of the pot.
• Now add the chicken breasts to the pot. Place a lid on the pot and bring the soup up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for 45 minutes. Make sure the soup is just at a steady simmer at this point, as this will help to create tender chicken breast meat.
• After the soup has simmered for 45 minutes, remove the chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. Once cool enough to touch, shred the chicken breasts with a fork.
• Add the shredded chicken meat back to the soup pot and stir until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
• Serve this soup with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or even some more sliced jalapeño. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 1075mg | Fiber: 3g

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup – Step by Step Photos

Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil, one diced onion, one finely diced jalapeño and two minced garlic cloves to a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent.

Next add 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 3/4 tsp salt, and the remaining 2 Tbsp of cooking oil to the pot.

Stir well and cook the flour and spices with the vegetables for 2 minutes.

Add 3oz. of tomato paste, one 15oz. can of black beans (drained), one 15oz. can of fire roasted tomatoes (with juices), one 10oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juices), one cup of frozen corn, and 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Stir all the ingredients together making sure to dissolve the tomato paste and scrape up any spices that may be stuck at the bottom of the pot.

Now add two chicken breasts to the pot. Place a lid on the pot and bring the soup up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for 45 minutes. Make sure the soup is just at a steady simmer at this point, as this will help to create tender chicken breast meat.

After the soup has simmered for 45 minutes, remove the chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. Once cool enough to touch, shred the chicken breasts with a fork.

Add the shredded chicken meat back to the soup pot and stir until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Serve this soup with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or even some more sliced jalapeño and enjoy!

More Chicken Soup Recipes

Chicken Noodle Soup

$9.10 recipe / $1.14 serving

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

$10.19 recipe / $1.69 serving

Chicken and Lime Soup

$7.76 recipe / $1.29 serving

Chicken Stew

$12.22 recipe / $2.04 serving

The post Chicken Enchilada Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Breakfast Recipes

If mornings are difficult for you, I highly suggest meal prepping some breakfast items to stash in your freezer. Then, when you’re scrambling in the morning with your eyes half-closed you can just grab something out of the freezer, reheat it in the microwave while waiting for the coffee to brew, and breakfast is done! Here are our favorite freezer-friendly breakfast recipes:

Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos

Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos

Make ahead breakfast burritos are an easy reheatable and portable breakfast meal prep idea. Including options for vegetarian or other add-ins! BudgetBytes.com

4.87 from 22 votes

$11.29 recipe / $1.41 each Get the Recipe

Don’t waste time in the drive-through line, just pop one of these hearty breakfast burritos into the microwave and go! They’re customizable, totally filling, and perfect if you have a big appetite in the morning.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This cozy apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is the perfect hot breakfast for cool fall mornings, and it's great for meal prep, too!

4.75 from 35 votes

$5.92 recipe / $0.99 serving Get the Recipe

Oatmeal lovers unite! This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is so hearty and delicious! You can eat this hot or cold, alone or with milk poured over top. It’s definitely a step above your usual bowl of goopy oats!

Country Breakfast Bowls

Country Breakfast Bowls

Country breakfast bowls combine roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, salsa, and cheese for an easy freezer-friendly make ahead breakfast meal prep!

4.90 from 64 votes

$7.76 recipe / $1.29 serving Get the Recipe

If you love a savory breakfast, you’ll love these Country Breakfast Bowls. Full of roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, it’s like a big diner breakfast but homemade!

Homemade Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins

These homemade blueberry muffins are fluffy and moist with a deliciously crunchy crumble topping. They're freezer-friendly, too!

4.83 from 17 votes

$3.83 recipe / $0.48 each Get the Recipe

Skip the coffee shop muffins and make these incredible homemade Blueberry Muffins instead! You can make a whole batch for about the price of one muffin at a cafe and they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy one every day without them getting stale!

White Chocolate Strawberry Scones

White Chocolate Strawberry Scones

These homemade White Chocolate Strawberry Scones are the perfect treat for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day or any other day of the year!

4.66 from 29 votes

$3.29 recipe / $0.41 each Get the Recipe

If you like a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these Strawberry White Chocolate Scones are to die for. Not to mention, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

The rich and sweet flavor of banana bread infused into a healthy baked oatmeal. This Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is perfect for breakfast meal prep!

4.89 from 94 votes

$3.24 recipe / $0.54 serving Get the Recipe

If you love banana bread but want something with a little less sugar and a little more balanced for breakfast, you have to try this Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal. It’s perfect to portion and freeze for a quick reheatable breakfast!

5 Ingredient Freezer Biscuits

5 Ingredient Freezer Biscuits

5 Ingredient Freezer Biscuits are the fastest and easiest way to have fresh, warm, and fluffy biscuits for breakfast any day of the week.

4.92 from 45 votes

$4.14 recipe / $0.35 each Get the Recipe

Who doesn’t want fresh homemade biscuits on demand? These freezer-friendly biscuits are a breeze to make and then you can bake one, two, or however many you need at a time, straight from the freezer!

Veggie Packed Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

Veggie Packed Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

Meal prep six days of breakfast at once with these Veggie Packed Freezer Ready Breakfast Sandwiches to stay on track on those busy mornings!

4.80 from 48 votes

$7.52 recipe / $1.25 each Get the Recipe

Love egg mcmuffins but wish they had more vegetables? These freezer breakfast sandwiches are for you. It’s so easy to make a big batch that can feed you for weeks!

Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are made for meal prepping! They’re so easy to make, you get a lot of portions in one batch, and they freeze great. Just make sure to divide them into single portion containers before freezing so you can take one out at a time without having to thaw the whole pot.

Cabbage Soup

Cabbage Soup

Forget the cabbage soup diet, you'll want to eat this super healthy vegetable-filled cabbage soup just because it tastes incredible! 

4.85 from 120 votes

$7.89 recipe / $0.99 serving Get the Recipe

If you want to get all of your daily veggies in one easy and delicious bowl, this cabbage soup is IT! It’s incredibly delicious, packed with nutrients, and will warm you up even on the coldest days.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla SOup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a deep, comforting, smoky flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort. 

4.91 from 52 votes

$9.79 recipe / $1.63 serving Get the Recipe

Let your slow cooker do all the work with this zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup! Freeze this one without the toppings, then just add them to your bowl after reheating.

Tomato Lentil Soup

Tomato Lentil Soup

This tomato lentil soup is full of vegetables and herbs for a simple, flavorful, and warming winter soup. Makes great leftovers!

4.91 from 43 votes

$4.74 recipe / $0.79 serving Get the Recipe

Lentils are my go-to low cost source of protein. They’re easy to cook, filling, and go with so many different flavors. This hearty tomato lentil soup is packed with vegetables and will not leave you wanting!

Taco Soup

Easy Taco Soup

This easy Taco Soup recipe is a simple yet flavorful meal in a bowl featuring ground beef, beans, vegetables, and tons of tasty toppings!

4.88 from 8 votes

$11.84 recipe / $1.97 serving Get the Recipe

Taco Soup is such a classic comfort food, which makes it perfect to stash in your freezer. You’ll be so happy to find it waiting for you on days when you’re cold, tired, and hungry!

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew

This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.

4.92 from 157 votes

$12.22 recipe / $2.04 serving Get the Recipe

Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food and it’s definitely one that I’m always in the mood for. Having some of this stew stashed in the freezer means I will never go hungry!

Vegan Lentil Stew

Vegan Lentil Stew

A rich and hearty medley of vegetables, lentils, and herbs makes this freezer-friendly Vegan Lentil Stew the perfect cold-weather comfort food. 

4.89 from 191 votes

$5.08 recipe / $0.64 serving Get the Recipe

This Vegan Lentil Stew is just as hearty and comforting as beef stew, but 100% plant-based. If you want to keep your freezer stashed with cozy comfort meals, this one is it!

Chunky Lentil And Vegetable soup

Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup

This Chunky Lentil and Vegetable Soup is packed with hearty flavor, texture, and good-for-you vegetables! 

4.92 from 151 votes

$5.24 recipe / $0.52 serving Get the Recipe

Soups and stews are a great way to pack extra vegetables into your daily routine and this chunky lentil and vegetable soup is one of the best. It’s so colorful, flavorful, and full of delicious textures! Keep this one in your freezer for any time you need to add a little variety to your diet.

Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew

Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew

This Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew is a hearty and filling plant-based dish that will keep you full and warm this winter!

4.92 from 125 votes

$5.74 recipe / $0.96 serving Get the Recipe

This Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew is truly a meal in a bowl because it’s packed with greens, starchy potatoes, and protein-filled beans, all in a delicious and flavorful tomato broth. This soup will sat-is-fy!

Pollo Guisado

Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)

Warm your bones and fill your belly with Pollo Guisado, a hearty Puerto Rican chicken stew packed with flavor that's easy to make and ready to devour in under an hour.

4.89 from 26 votes

$9.37 recipe / $2.34 serving Get the Recipe

If you want F-L-A-V-O-R then you need to keep this Puerto Rican Chicken Stew on hand in your freezer. It’s lip-licking good and will keep you full and satisfied!

Main Dish Recipes

If brothy soups and stews aren’t your thing, here are some classic main dish recipes that will fill you up and keep you satisfied! You can freeze them alone, or pair with some easy freezable sides to make an entire quick reheatable meal!

Classic Homemade Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe is just like the traditional meatloaf grandma used to make. Tender and juicy with the perfect tomato glaze!

4.77 from 157 votes

$9.56 recipe / $0.96 per slice Get the Recipe

Meatloaf will always top my list of freezer-friendly main dishes. it’s so satisfying and comforting, and the flavor never misses!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers

These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food that’s hearty, filling, has incredible flavors, and can easily feed a large family.

4.74 from 69 votes

$12.21 recipe / $2.03 serving Get the Recipe

Stuffed Bell Peppers were made for meal prepping! They’re like an entire meal in one delicious little bundle, already pre-portioned and ready for stashing in the freezer!

Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna Roll Ups are a fun take on the classic Italian dish. Perfectly portioned for meal prep, customizable, and freezer-friendly!

4.75 from 68 votes

$12.26 recipe / $1.53 serving Get the Recipe

Lasagna roll ups are like perfectly portioned lasagna that is just waiting to be frozen for later! I’ve actually done a happy dance when finding some lasagna roll ups in the back of my freezer before. 😅

Classic Homemade Chili

Homemade Chili Recipe

This is the BEST homemade chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food and is made with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes.

4.90 from 158 votes

$9.28 recipe / $1.55 serving Get the Recipe

I’m always in the mood for chili, so it makes sense to whip up a big pot of this and stash bowls of it in my freezer for later. Hearty, delicious, and filling. You can’t go wrong!

Bean And Cheese Burritos

Bean and Cheese Burritos

Perfect for stashing in the freezer, these Bean and Cheese Burritos will save you on busy weeknights!

4.89 from 35 votes

$6.93 recipe / $0.87 each Get the Recipe

Those little bean burritos you buy in the freezer aisle are so sad. Make your own bean and cheese burritos and stuff them with whatever your heart desires! Make them simple or stuff them to the brim, either way I promise they’ll be better than store-bought frozen burritos. ;)

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage Rolls

These delicious Cabbage Rolls are stuffed with ground meat and rice then baked in a simple tomato sauce for an easy comfort meal.

4.72 from 7 votes

$15.49 recipe / $1.94 serving Get the Recipe

Cabbage rolls are the OG comfort food and they’re already perfectly portioned for freezing! And don’t forget to spoon some of that delicious sauce onto the cabbage rolls before freezing. ;)

Easy Homemade Meatballs

Easy Homemade Meatballs

These easy homemade meatballs are freezer-friendly and versatile. Keep a batch in the freezer for quick weeknight dinners later!

4.92 from 47 votes

$10.92 recipe / $1.82 serving Get the Recipe

You’ll never be left with nothing for dinner if you keep these homemade meatballs in your freezer! You can pop them straight from the freezer into a pot of sauce to reheat so you can have dinner DONE with no planning ahead. 🙌

Easy HOmemade Lasagna

Homemade Lasagna

This easy homemade lasagna recipe has layers of homemade meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a rich combination of Italian cheeses!

4.74 from 15 votes

$14.96 recipe / $1.66 serving Get the Recipe

Okay, look. If you’re still buying frozen Stouffer’s lasagna you need to try making and freezing your own. This homemade lasagna is packed with so much more meat, cheese, and flavor than the kind you’d buy in the freezer aisle. Once you make it yourself you’ll never go back.

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

This delicious Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is an easy and versatile option for busy weeknight dinners, plus it's perfect for meal prep!

5 from 3 votes

$9.60 recipe / $1.60 serving Get the Recipe

If you have some of this crock pot salsa chicken in your freezer you can use it later to make burrito bowls, tacos, nachos, or more! It’s the ultimate flex ingredient to keep stashed in the freezer.

Baked Ravioli

Baked Ravioli

Baked Ravioli is an easy last-minute dinner that you can make on busy weeknights with just a few ingredients and no planning ahead!

5 from 11 votes

$16.18 recipe / $2.70 serving Get the Recipe

If lasagna feels like too much work, this baked ravioli is what you need. It’s SO easy to make and has all the same great flavors as lasagna, and is just as perfect for portioning and freezing!

Cajun Sausage And Rice Skillet

Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This easy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet is the perfect easy and filling weeknight dinner, packed with plenty of smoky-spicy flavor!

4.86 from 186 votes

$7.21 recipe / $1.80 serving Get the Recipe

Like a quickie version of jambalaya, this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet delivers on the flavor without a ton of work! Talk about stocking your freezer without a lot of effort!

Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti

This Easy Baked Ziti recipe has layers of pasta, homemade red sauce with Italian sausage, and three types of melty cheese!

4.85 from 46 votes

$12.16 recipe / $1.52 serving Get the Recipe

I will never not want Baked Ziti for dinner, so it makes sense to keep portions of this stocked in my freezer at all times. I just can’t pass up that saucy, cheesy, meaty goodness!

Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet

Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet

It only takes one skillet and a few ingredients to make this incredibly flavorful and filling Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet. 

4.84 from 110 votes

$7.09 recipe / $1.81 serving Get the Recipe

Take your typical rice beans and salsa meal up a notch with spicy chorizo and subtly sweet sweet potatoes! This one-pot Chorizo Sweet Potato Skillet is made for freezing and will always be ready and waiting when you need a hearty meal.

Pesto Stuffed Shells

Pesto Stuffed Shells

These easy Pesto Stuffed Shells are stuffed with two cheeses, pesto, and spinach. Perfect for meal prep or freezing portions for later!

4.90 from 28 votes

$7.81 recipe / $1.56 serving Get the Recipe

I will never tire of different variations of pasta, cheese, and sauce, and something about these big Pesto Stuffed Shells just makes it extra delicious. I love how the shells make it super easy to portion and freeze for later, too.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Seasoned chicken breast and tangy BBQ sauce are slow cooked until tender and delicious. Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and more.

4.82 from 11 votes

$8.34 recipe / $2.09 serving Get the Recipe

Pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches are only minutes away when you have some of this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken stashed in the freezer! Just reheat the chicken in the microwave then pile it onto a soft bun for the easiest, most delicious meal ever!

Black Bean Chili

Black Bean Chili

This easy and comforting black bean chili is rich, full of warm chili spices, and fast enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. 

4.77 from 92 votes

$9.19 recipe / $1.53 serving Get the Recipe

If having more than one type of chili stashed in my freezer is wrong, I don’t want to be right! This black bean chili is slightly lighter and zestier than a traditional chili, but every bit as freezer-friendly!

Slow Cooker Chili Rubbed Pulled Pork

Chili Rubbed Pulled Pork

Chili Rubbed Pulled Pork is a tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that can be used for tacos, nachos, burritos, salads, and more!

5 from 30 votes

$4.51 recipe / $0.75 serving Get the Recipe

Pulled pork goes with everything, so keeping some stored in your freezer is definitely a good move. Use it for burritos, nachos, tacos, soups, sandwiches, and more!

Southwest Chicken Skillet

Southwest Chicken Skillet

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Southwest Chicken Skillet is it! Precooked chicken makes this dinner possible in about 30 minutes.

4.81 from 177 votes

$6.76 recipe / $1.69 serving Get the Recipe

Beans and rice, but make it better. Beans and rice is always a freezer-friendly meal, but for this Southwest Chicken Skillet, we add pulled chicken, tons of spices, salsa, and melty cheese on top.

Dessert Recipes

And you can’t forget about dessert! So many baked goods and desserts freeze beautifully, which is perfect if you live in a small household and don’t want to eat an entire batch of cookies or cake within a week. Just freeze the dessert in single portions so you can enjoy a little at a time for weeks to come!

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is a sweet dessert loaf featuring tart cranberries, sweet orange, and a citrus zest glaze.

5 from 10 votes

$5.91 recipe / $0.59 serving Get the Recipe

Cranberry Orange Bread is one that I look forward to all year long and since it freezes great I can enjoy this sweet and tangy dessert bread for months after cranberry season!

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake might be the ultimate chocolate cake. It's incredibly easy to make and has a luscious buttery richness with a pure chocolate punch!

4.20 from 5 votes

$11.27 recipe / $0.75 serving Get the Recipe

We have some of this insanely good Texas Sheet Cake in the freezer at the Budget Bytes studio right now and let me tell you, I LOVE sneaking a little bite of it out of the freezer whenever that sweet tooth hits. I like to cut it into smaller bite-sized squares before freezing so I can have a little nibble here and there.

Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon Pound Cake

This delicious, moist and easy lemon pound cake recipe is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, and perfect for dessert or paired with coffee or tea.

4.43 from 14 votes

$4.85 recipe / $0.40 serving Get the Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake is such a classic and the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, but it’ll cost you a few dollars per slice at a cafe! But you can make this simple dessert at home for pennies on the dollar.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe makes deliciously chewy cookies with crispy edges and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout.

2.50 from 2 votes

$4.58 recipe / $0.25 serving Get the Recipe

Cookies freeze great and these classic Chocolate Chip Cookies are no exception! Make a big batch, stash them in your freezer, then you can pop one in your lunch bag every day for weeks. It will be perfectly thawed by lunchtime!

Super Fudgy Homemade Brownies

Super Fudgy Homemade Brownies

These super fudgy homemade brownies are thick, rich, extra-chocolatey, and super moist. It's the ultimate homemade brownie recipe!

4.79 from 23 votes

$3.93 recipe / $0.44 serving Get the Recipe

These Homemade Fudge Brownies are another dessert that I love to cut into small bite-sized squares before freezing. They don’t freeze rock hard, so they’re great for grabbing a little nibble straight out of the freezer at any time.

No Bake Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars

No Bake Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake pretzel peanut butter bars are a ridiculously simple homemade version of your favorite peanut butter cups!

4.93 from 27 votes

$3.94 recipe / 0.16 per square Get the Recipe

Are you a Reese’s lover? Keep these Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars in your freezer! They’re like a homemade Reese’s cup with a crunchy pretzel topping!

Cranberry Orange Cream Scones

Cranberry Orange Cream Scones

These incredibly easy cranberry orange cream scones stir together in minutes and make the most delicious little companion for your morning coffee.

4.97 from 32 votes

$1.94 recipe / $0.11 each Get the Recipe

These soft and fluffy two-bite Orange Cranberry Cream Scones are the perfect little tread to enjoy with coffee. It’s so convenient to keep them stashed in a freezer bag so you can just warm one up in the microwave whenever you need a special little treat. :)

More Recipe Roundups

Easy Lunch Ideas

Breakfast Meal Prep Recipes

Best Pasta Salad Recipes

Italian Sausage Recipes

The post Freezer Friendly Recipes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What Is Italian Wedding Soup?

This hearty soup is a combination of vegetables, greens, meatballs, and pasta all simmered in chicken broth to make an incredibly flavorful and filling soup. And, contrary to how it may sound, Italian Wedding Soup is not named so because it’s typically served at weddings. The name is actually a mistranslation of its Italian name, minestra maritata, which translates directly to “marriage soup,” referring to the marriage of ingredients in the soup.

There’s also some disagreement over whether this dish originated in Italy or Spain, as it is popular in both regions of the world. As with most dishes that have been around for generations, there are many different variations, and today we’re making my interpretation based on what I have available, but if you’d like to make an authentic Italian Wedding Soup, check out this version from The Kitchen Whisperer.

What Else Can I Add?

If you want to “soup up” your Italian Wedding Soup and take it to the next level, try adding a few Parmesan rinds to the soup as it simmers for extra umami in the broth, or top each bowl with a heaping dose of freshly grated Parmesan. Use homemade chicken stock for the broth to make this soup extra special, or you can also experiment with thickening the broth with a whisked egg. One final twist that I love doing with a lot of soups is adding a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end to brighten it all up!

How to Cook the Meatballs

You have a few options when it comes to cooking the meatballs for this soup. The easiest method, and the method that I think creates the juiciest meatballs, is to simply add the raw meatballs to the simmering soup and allow them to simmer in the liquid until cooked through (about 10-15 min.).

The only drawback to boiling the meatballs in the soup is that this method does not create any pretty browned color on the surface of the meatballs. If the appearance of the meatballs is important to you, you can sauté the meatballs in a hot skillet with some butter until browned on the outside, then add them to the soup and simmer until cooked through.

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Italian Wedding Soup

This cozy Italian Wedding Soup recipe features tender and flavorful meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a delicious chicken broth. 

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Italian

Total Cost $8.89 Recipe / $1.48 serving

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6 (1.5 cups each)

Calories 448kcal

Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs $0.30
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan $0.44
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning $0.05
• 1/8 tsp salt $0.01
• 1/8 tsp black pepper $0.01
• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (hot, mild, or sweet) $3.99
• 1 large egg $0.11

Soup

• 1 yellow onion $0.32
• 2 cloves garlic $0.16
• 3 carrots $0.47
• 3 stalks celery $0.67
• 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
• 6 cups chicken broth $0.63
• 1/2 cup small pasta* $0.16
• 4 cups fresh spinach $1.15

Instructions

• Begin by making the meatballs. Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Add the Italian sausage, breadcrumb mixture, and egg to a large bowl and use your hands to mix them together until evenly combined. Divide and shape the mixture into 32 small meatballs, about 1 Tbsp each. Set the meatballs aside.
• Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and heat over medium. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft. Add the carrot and celery and continue to sauté for a few minutes more, or until the celery begins to soften.
• Add the Italian seasoning and chicken broth to the soup, stir to combine, then place a lid on top and bring it up to a boil.
• Once the soup is boiling, add the meatballs to the soup and continue to boil until the meatballs are cooked through (about 10 minutes). Or, if you prefer browned meatballs, you can cook them in a skillet with butter first over medium heat until browned on the outside, then transfer to the boiling soup to finish cooking.
• Add the pasta to the soup and continue to boil until the pasta is tender (about 7 minutes).
• Finally, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Use any very small-shaped pasta like acini de pepe, pearl couscous, orzo, ditalini, pastina, or any other tiny-shaped pasta. If using a slightly larger pasta, you may want to increase the quantity to one cup. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 1646mg | Fiber: 3g

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup – Step by Step Photos

Prepare the meatballs first. In a bowl, combine ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs, ¼ grated Parmesan cheese, ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ⅛ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper.

Add one pound of ground Italian sausage (hot, sweet, or mild) to a large bowl along with the breadcrumb mixture, and one large egg. Use your hands to mix these ingredients until evenly combined.

Divide and shape the mixture into 32 small meatballs, about 1 Tbsp each. Set the meatballs aside.

Chop one yellow onion, finely dice three stalks of celery and three carrots, and mince two cloves of garlic

Add the onion and garlic to a large soup pot with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft. Add the carrot and celery and continue to sauté for a few minutes more, or just until the celery begins to soften. Add one tsp of Italian seasoning and six cups of chicken broth, then stir to combine. Place a lid on top and allow the soup to come up to a boil.

Add the meatballs to the boiling soup and boil for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through. Or, if you want browned meatballs, melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs and brown them on each side. It’s okay if they’re not cooked through, you can add them to the simmering soup to finish cooking.

Make sure the soup is still boiling, then add ½ cup of a tiny-shaped pasta like acini de pepe, pearled couscous, ditalini, pastina, or orzo. Simmer the pasta in the soup until tender (about 7 minutes).

Finally, add about 4 cups of fresh spinach to the soup and stir it in until wilted (this should only take about a minute).

Give the soup a final taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your liking.

Serve hot and enjoy every cozy and hearty spoonful!

More Cozy Soup Recipes

Navy Bean Soup

$7.32 recipe / $1.22 serving

Chicken Noodle Soup

$9.10 recipe / $1.14 serving

Zuppa Toscana

$7.51 recipe / $0.94 serving

Vegetable Barley Soup

$6.67 recipe / $1.11 serving

The post Italian Wedding Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you don’t have a slow cooker you can still enjoy a warm bowl of potato soup by making our stovetop Loaded Potato Soup recipe.

Topping Options

There are several different toppings you can choose from to finish your creamy potato soup. Try any of these options: shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions or chives, sour cream, greek yogurt, chopped bacon, homemade croutons, or extra fresh cracked black pepper.

What To Serve With Potato Soup

Just like many soup recipes, this slow cooker potato soup pairs well with a simple side salad, a Caesar salad, or even a fresh pasta salad like our Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette. Soups and sandwiches are also a great combination. Try serving this potato soup with a Chicken Caesar Wrap or a gourmet Spinach and Feta Grilled Cheese!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. We would not recommend freezing this potato soup recipe. All the dairy and anything thickened with flour or cornstarch tends to separate upon thawing.

Print

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

This creamy Slow Cooker Potato Soup is rich, comforting and hearty, plus the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you!

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Total Cost $8.10 recipe / $1.35 serving

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 1.5 cups each

Calories 394kcal

Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Chef’s Knife
• White Cutting Boards

Ingredients

• 2 stalks celery $0.50
• 2 carrots $0.30
• 1 yellow onion $0.32
• 3 cloves garlic $0.24
• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes $3.29
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
• 1 1/4 tsp salt $0.05
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
• 3 cups chicken broth $0.51
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.04
• 2 Tbsp water $0.00
• 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.68
• 1/2 cup sour cream $0.53
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided $1.16
• 3 green onions, sliced & divided $0.36

Instructions

• Wash and dice the celery stalks, peel and dice the carrots, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes into ½ – ¾ inch chunks.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and the garlic to a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker or crock pot. Then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the slow cooker.
• Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and spices in the slow cooker. Stir all the ingredients together so that everything is evenly distributed. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours.
• Once the potatoes are almost finished cooking, make a quick flour slurry by adding the flour and water to a small bowl and whisking together until smooth and there are no lumps.
• After the potato soup has cooked for 3 hours, check to make sure the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Now add the slurry, heavy cream, and sour cream to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine, replace the lid, and continue to cook on high for an additional 10 minutes.
• During the last 10 minutes of cooking, while the slurry and heavy cream are thickening the soup, shred the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions.
• Remove the slow cooker lid then use a potato masher to mash the potato chunks into smaller pieces. Add ½ cup of the shredded cheese and half of the sliced green onions. Stir until the cheese has melted into the soup.
• Taste the soup and adjust the salt or black pepper to your liking. Use the remaining shredded cheese and green onions to garnish individual bowls. Serve hot and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 1086mg | Fiber: 6g

How To Make Slow COoker Potato Soup – Step By Step PHotos

Wash and dice 2 celery stalks, peel and dice 2 carrots, dice 1 onion, and mince 3 garlic cloves.

Wash, peel, and chop 3 lbs. of Yukon gold potatoes into roughly ½ – ¾ inch chunks.

Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and the garlic to a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker or crock pot. Then add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of freshly cracked black pepper to the slow cooker. Next pour 3 cups of chicken broth over the vegetables and spices in the slow cooker.

Stir all the ingredients together so that everything is evenly distributed. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours. Once the potatoes are almost finished cooking, make a quick flour slurry by adding 2 Tbsp of flour and 2 Tbsp of water to a small bowl and whisking together until smooth and there are no lumps.

After the potato soup has cooked for 3 hours, check to make sure the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Now add the flour slurry, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of sour cream to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine, replace the lid, and continue to cook on high for an additional 10 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, while the slurry and heavy cream are thickening the soup, shred the cheddar cheese and slice 3 green onions.

Remove the slow cooker lid then use a potato masher to mash the potato chunks into smaller pieces.

Add ½ cup of the shredded cheese and half of the sliced green onions. Stir until the cheese has melted into the soup.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt or black pepper to your liking.

Use the remaining shredded cheese and green onions to garnish individual bowls. We also topped ours with a little soup cream and some freshly cracked black pepper. Simple, creamy, delicious, and SO GOOD!

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

$9.22 recipe / $1.15 serving

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

$14.08 recipe / $1.41 per cup

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

$9.60 recipe / $1.60 serving

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

$10.23 recipe / $1.71 serving

The post Slow Cooker Potato Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.