Easy Vegetable Soup (Low-calorie)

This low-calorie, fat-free, Easy Vegetable Soup is nutritious, delicious, and a great take-to-work weekday lunch or snack! Made with beef broth for richness in flavor, this soup is made in under an hour on the stove and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Low in calories, fat-free, and chocked full of fiber and nutrient-rich vegetables, this easy recipe for vegetable soup has many health benefits, is wholesome, and keeps you nourished and satisfied. It’s great on a healthy nutrition plan and pairs well with most protein sides. We like to have ours with a grilled cheese or hot ham and cheese sandwich. 

We love eating this vegetable soup as a light lunch, but it’s also great when you get that mid-afternoon hunger and you're looking for a light snack. The warmth and fiber will curb that hunger quickly. See below for some creative ways you can change up the recipe!

If you're looking for more cozy soups to warm you during these colder months, check out my Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup, Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, and Green Enchilada Chicken Soup!

Why You'll Like This Recipe

• Comforting and Satisfying: It's perfect when you're craving a cozy meal.
• Weight Management Go-To: At 50 calories, low in carbohydrates, nutrient rich, and loaded with fresh veggies, it's a hearty recipe that makes for a filling snack or part of a nourishing meal! It's a also an easy way to sneak veggies in.
• Storage-Friendly: This healthy vegetable soup reheats beautifully! It can also be stored in the freezer up to 3 months.
• Versatile: You can use a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and spices to customize the flavor and texture according to your preference.

Ingredients for Low Calorie Vegetable Soup

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Beef Broth: Part of the liquid foundation of the soup, infusing it with flavor. It can be vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth as well.
• Vegetables (Yellow Onions, Carrots, Celery, Cauliflower, Broccoli): The star of the show, providing a wide range of flavors, textures, and nutrients.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a subtle heat zip, texture, and additional moisture.
• Tomato Juice: Added for a rich, tangy flavor. It also contributes to the thickness of the soup. Tomato sauce can also be used.
• Seasonings (as desired & see variations below): Enhances the flavors of the vegetables and other ingredients.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Stock Pot
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Ladle

How to Make Easy Vegetable Soup

1. Pour broth into a large pot on medium-high heat.
2. Once the broth comes to a simmer, add the veggies in this order, one-by-one, stirring and cooking for 3 minutes in between each addition: onions, carrots, celery, cauliflower and broccoli. 
3. Once all the veggies have been added, cover and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. 
4. Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes and tomato juice. Stir and cook 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and black pepper and additional seasonings as desired.

Make this Vegetable Soup in the Slow Cooker

If you want hands-free cooking for this soup recipe, use your slow cooker! Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours until veggies are tender and flavors have melded.

Expert Tips for Recipe Success

This soup is just so versatile, I've made it so many different ways. Here are some of my favorite tips to make sure you find recipe success.

• Consistent chopping: Chop and dice the vegetables in cohesive small pieces for even cooking.
• Puree the soup: If you prefer thicker soups or soups with a cohesive, smooth texture, you can purée the soup once the vegetables are tender using an emulsion blender or blender.
• Use your favorite broth: Instead of beef broth, you can use chicken stock or broth or vegetable stock or broth.
• Save time: To cut back on prep time for this veggie soup recipe, you can buy pre-cut veggies. 
  • If your store has a sale on vegetable trays, go ahead and buy them to cut down on prep time for this recipe!
• A great cocktail base: If you like Bloody Marys, the blended version of this soup can be used as a mxier.
• Add a grain for more heartiness: Include grains like rice, barley, or pasta for added texture and substance. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add extra protein: Incorporate ingredients like white beans, kidney beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, cooked chicken, or cooked ground beef. These ingredients make the soup more filling. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add some acid: Brighten the flavors of this easy vegetable soup with a squeeze of lemon juice, lime juice, or a splash of vinegar just before serving. This adds acidity and freshness.

Variations

A simple soup recipe means that you can customize it to your heart's desire. Here are some other ingredients I love adding to this recipe:

• Exchange beef broth for chicken or vegetable
• Add hot sauce
• Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Switch up or add different non-starchy fresh vegetables (cabbage, zucchini, fresh tomatoes, green beans, mushrooms, bell pepper, fresh spinach)
• Add starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas)
• Add leftover cooked and shredded beef or chicken
• Add fresh garlic
• Add tomato paste
• Add Italian seasoning, curry powder, dried herbs, or fresh herbs for an added layer of flavor and freshness
• Grains like barley or rice
• Pasta, regular or plant-based
• Proteins like shredded chicken, seared beef cubes, tofu, ground beef, or beans

Another easy soup that's low in carbs and high in nutrients is this Keto Cabbage Soup! Easy Low Carb Minestrone Soup is also packed with veggies and tons of flavor!

What to Serve with Beef Broth Vegetable Soup

Simply serving this hearty vegetable soup with a peanut butter syrup sandwich, cheese and crackers, crusty bread, or a grilled cheese is always a winner. Some of our favorite sandwiches and salads to pair with it are:

• Apple Ham and Swiss
• Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
• Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
• Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
• Southern Chicken Salad
• Savory Chicken Salad

Storage and Freezing

Best part about this soup is it's great for meal prepping for the week. Sometimes I make a double batch just so I can freeze half of the soup for a later date!

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature after cooking. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Freezing: If you want to store vegetable soup for an extended period, cool it to room temperature and portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top of the containers or bags to account for expansion during freezing. Freeze up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: You can reheat refrigerated vegetable soup in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F. For frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Soup Recipes

• Quick and Easy Chicken Soup
• Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Lasagna Soup
• Cheesy Potato Crockpot Soup
• Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup