When the temperatures drop and the wind turns bitter cold, you may find yourself huddling up under the blankets instead of taking the time to prepare a healthy meal for your family. If you don’t want to sacrifice your family dinner time but you also find yourself dealing with increased heating costs, stay warm with these budget-friendly soups the whole family will love.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

This hot and hearty soup is the perfect combination of healthy broccoli and melty cheese, sure to satisfy the whole family without busting your budget.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups half-n-half
• Salt and pepper
• 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender then stir in the garlic.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. While whisking, drizzle in the milk and half-n-half then stir in the salt and pepper.
5. Add the broccoli and chicken broth then cook on medium-low for 30 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheese and cook until it melts.
7. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with extra cheese to serve.

Hearty Lentil Stew

All you need for this recipe is a bag of dry lentils, an assortment of winter veggies, and a few pantry staples. You can customize the recipe according to the veggies you have and add meat, if you like.

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed well
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 ½ cups diced carrots
• 1 ½ cups diced celery
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to boil then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
3. Adjust the seasoning to taste then serve hot.

Vegetable Minestrone

The perfect combo of hearty veggies and tender pasta, this vegetable minestrone is hot and filling. Best of all, you can use whatever beans and veggies you have on hand to save money.

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 ½ cups diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup chopped red pepper
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup small pasta noodles
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender then stir in the garlic.
3. Cook for another 2 minutes then add the carrot, celery, and peppers.
4. Stir in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce along with the seasonings.
5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water then drain when tender.
7. Add the pasta and beans to the soup and cook until heated through.
8. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Loaded Three-Bean Chili

If you’re trying to use up canned goods from your pantry, this recipe is the way to go. Feel free to use whatever beans you have on hand and toss in any chopped veggies you like.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 small red pepper, diced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 to 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender then stir in the garlic.
3. Cook for another 2 minutes then add the carrot, celery, and peppers.
4. Sauté the veggies for 5 minutes until tender then stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, and water.
5. Add the seasonings then simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered, on low heat.
6. Adjust the seasonings to taste and serve with sour cream and diced red onions.