If you’re craving soup but are low on supplies, these easy five-ingredient soup recipes will solve your dinner dilemma. With only a handful of pantry staples, you can make chowder, chili, egg drop soup and more.
16 Easy 5-Ingredient Soup Recipes for Busy Days
Updated on May 29, 2025
1/16
Corn Chowder with Bacon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was raised on a farm, so a warm soup with homey ingredients, like this corn chowder with bacon, was always a treat after a chilly day outside. My hearty chowder nourishes the family. —Katie Lillo, Big Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
2/16
Hamburger Macaroni Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love my quick version of classic beef macaroni soup. Loaded with veggies and pasta, it’s just as good as if you made it all from scratch. —Debra Baker, Greenville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 260 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
3/16
Super Fast Mexican Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 254 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 998mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
4/16
Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Frequently requested at family get-togethers, this rich and hearty soup is ready in a flash. Cooking for a vegetarian? Swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth. —Danielle Noble, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 399 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
5/16
Roasted Tomato Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just before the first frost of the season, we gather up all of the tomatoes from my mom’s garden to create this flavor-packed soup. Although it sounds like a lot of garlic, when it’s roasted, the garlic becomes mellow and almost sweet. We serve this soup with toasted bread spread with pesto. —Kaitlyn Lerdahl, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 276 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
6/16
Coconut Curry Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm in need of comfort food, I stir up a velvety batch of this Asian-spiced soup. Then I finish it with a sprinkle of cilantro over the top. —Elizabeth DeHart, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 111 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
7/16
Navy Bean Soup
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves navy bean soup! Beans were a commodity you did not survive without in the '30s. This excellent navy beans and ham soup is a real family favorite of ours and I make it often. —Mildred Lewis, Temple, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 244 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
8/16
White Bean Spinach Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, soup is love, comfort, happiness and memories. With all its veggies and beans, this one appeals to my kitchen-sink style of cooking. —Annette Palermo, Beach Haven, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 192 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein.
9/16
Tortellini Primavera Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, I found the idea for tortellini with peas and carrots in a magazine. I added my own touch to it. —Kari George, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/4 cups: 282 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 1461mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
10/16
Egg Drop Soup
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We often start our stir-fry meals with this fast egg drop soup — it cooks in just minutes flat. There are many versions of the recipe, but we like the easy addition of cornstarch to thicken the soup and give it a rich, golden color. I got the recipe from my grandma’s old cookbook. —Amy Beth Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 39 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
11/16
Spicy Potato Soup
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law, who is from Mexico, passed along this wonderful recipe. Since she prefers her foods much spicier than we do, I reduced the amount of pepper sauce, but you can add more if you prefer a bigger kick. —Audrey Wall, Industry, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 159 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
12/16
Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. —Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
13/16
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings (21/4 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather turns cold, get cozy with a bowl of this butternut squash soup. The cream adds richness, but if you're looking to cut calories, it can be omitted. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
14/16
Baked Bean Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
24 servings (6 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says a good chili has to simmer all day? This zippy chili—with a touch of sweetness—can be made on the spur of the moment. It's an excellent standby for unexpected guests. Served with bread and a salad. It's a hearty dinner everyone raves about. — Nancy Wall, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 189 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
15/16
Stracciatella Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Also known as Italian egg drop soup, stracciatella soup consists of three key ingredients: chicken stock, egg and Parmesan cheese. It provides a savory, comforting flavor perfect for those colder days. —Megan Taylor, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
16/16
Hash Brown Potato Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
13 servings (about 3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend brought me this soup when I was sick. It tastes like it simmered for hours, but basic ingredients make it a snap to prepare. —Pat Maruca, Philippi, West Virginia
5-Ingredient Soup Recipes FAQ
What easy soups can I make ahead of time for busy days?
Simple soup recipes are great make-ahead meals for busy days, particularly hearty soups with potatoes, beans, vegetables and chicken. Avoid making soups with rice or pasta ahead of time, as the grains will absorb liquid and become soggy in the fridge. Portion the soup into single-serving containers and store it in the refrigerator. Some soups freeze well and can be frozen for up to three months, while others take on a grainy texture when thawed. In general, avoid freezing soups with dairy, grains and pasta.
What simple soup recipes contain the fewest ingredients?
Soups recipes that require the fewest ingredients start with water or broth and build layers of flavor with concentrated or bold ingredients, like canned tomatoes, bacon and spices. When making minimal ingredient soups, utilize our best-kept soup secrets to add depth. For example, warm spices in oil or finish soup with a splash of vinegar to bring out deeper flavor without adding more to your budget grocery list.
What secret ingredient can I add to minimal-ingredient soups?
Parmesan rind is a secret game changer that adds a surprising amount of flavor to five-ingredient soup recipes. Add a small piece (the exact size doesn’t matter) to your broth or water, and simmer it with the other soup ingredients to add savory, gently salty notes. Then, remove it before serving. It works especially well in mushroom, tomato-based or vegetable soups.
