11 Cheap & EASY Soup Recipes Perfect for Winter

11 Cheap & EASY Soup Recipes Perfect for Winter is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 530 calories per serving. Recipe by Julia Pacheco on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min

Cost: $14.31 total, $2.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian Sausage (remove from casing, break into pieces)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 2 medium Carrots (sliced)
  • 2 ribs Celery (sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
  • 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce (adds umami)
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth (can use beef or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
  • 1.5 pounds Small Red Potatoes (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 2 cups KBY Jack Cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage

    Add the Italian sausage to a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until it starts to brown but is not fully cooked through.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Vegetables

    Stir in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cover the pot and let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sausage to finish cooking and the vegetables to soften.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Create the Thickening Base

    Sprinkle the all‑purpose flour over the pot contents and stir continuously until the flour no longer looks white and is fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Soy Sauce and Broth

    Pour in the soy sauce followed by the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Incorporate Cream, Potatoes, and Seasonings

    Stir in the heavy cream, bite‑size red potatoes, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Simmer Until Tender

    Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT20M

  7. Finish with Cheese

    Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded KBY Jack cheese until melted and smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Serve

    Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while hot. Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
530
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
35g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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11 Cheap & EASY Soup Recipes Perfect for Winter

Recipe by Julia Pacheco

A hearty, creamy Italian sausage and potato soup packed with vegetables, heavy cream, and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that leaves you full and satisfied.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.31
Total cost
$2.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the sausage only partially before adding vegetables.
  • Create a smooth flour slurry to avoid lumps.
  • Simmer until potatoes are fork‑tender.
  • Stir in cheese off the heat to keep it smooth.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure the Italian sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • When whisking in hot cream, stir slowly to prevent splattering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sausage and Potato Soup in American cuisine?

A

Sausage and Potato Soup is a classic American comfort food that grew out of hearty, farm‑style meals where inexpensive potatoes and sausage provided sustenance during cold months. It reflects the blending of European immigrant sausage traditions with the American love for creamy, filling soups.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sausage and Potato Soup in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, the soup often features kielbasa or bratwurst and may include corn. In the Northeast, Italian sausage and herbs are common, while Southern versions might add okra or use smoked sausage for a deeper flavor. Each region adapts the basic concept to local sausage types and seasonings.

cultural
Q

How is Sausage and Potato Soup traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served hot in deep bowls, sometimes topped with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of cream. Many families pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sausage and Potato Soup traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The soup is popular for cold‑weather gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners during fall and winter. It’s also a go‑to comfort dish for game‑day gatherings and casual weekend meals.

cultural
Q

How does Sausage and Potato Soup fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

It embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple, filling, and rich. The combination of protein, starch, and dairy creates a satisfying, warming dish that resonates with the nostalgic feel of home‑cooked meals.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Sausage and Potato Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include Italian or smoked sausage, red potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, broth, heavy cream, and cheese. Acceptable substitutes are chicken or turkey sausage, Yukon Gold potatoes, vegetable broth, half‑and‑half, or cheddar cheese, allowing flexibility for dietary preferences.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sausage and Potato Soup?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the sausage early, which can make it dry; not stirring the flour mixture enough, leading to lumps; and adding cheese while the soup is boiling, which can cause curdling. Follow the step‑by‑step timing to avoid these pitfalls.

technical
Q

Why does this Sausage and Potato Soup recipe use flour as a thickener instead of cornstarch?

A

Flour creates a richer, velvety texture that complements the heavy cream and cheese, while cornstarch can give a glossy but thinner finish. Flour also blends well with the sautéed sausage and vegetables, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Sausage and Potato Soup is done cooking?

A

The soup is done when the potatoes are fork‑tender and the vegetables are soft. The broth should be slightly thickened from the flour, and the cheese should be fully melted, giving the soup a smooth, creamy consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specializes in easy, family‑friendly recipes that focus on comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and step‑by‑step cooking tutorials for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco's approach to comfort soup cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Julia Pacheco emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, clear visual instructions, and practical substitutions, making her soup recipes highly adaptable. She often shares personal tips and variations, creating a more relatable and flexible cooking style compared to channels that focus on gourmet or highly technical techniques.

channel

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