Affordable Keto Soups and Stews for Cold Days

Affordable Keto Soups and Stews for Cold Days

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As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty soup or stew.

For those following a keto lifestyle, finding affordable and delicious options might seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.

This guide is here to show you how to create warm, satisfying keto soups and stews that won’t break the bank.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Keto Soups and Stews

2. Essential Ingredients for Budget-Friendly Keto Recipes

3. Tips for Saving Money on Keto Ingredients

4. Top Tools for Making Perfect Soups and Stews

5. 10 Affordable Keto Soup Recipes with Instructions

6. 10 Affordable Keto Stew Recipes with Instructions

7. Batch Cooking: Save Time and Money

8. How to Freeze and Store Soups and Stews

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Pros and Cons of Keto Soups and Stews

Pro Tip: Click Here To Download your 3 FREE Keto cookbooks and complete meal plan while they’re still available to expand your recipe collection!

Introduction to Keto Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are an essential part of a keto-friendly diet, offering the perfect combination of low-carb vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats.

They’re versatile, easy to make, and ideal for meal prepping. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned keto dieter, these recipes will keep you warm, full, and on track.

Essential Ingredients for Budget-Friendly Keto Recipes

The foundation of affordable keto soups and stews lies in selecting the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Vegetables: Zucchini, cauliflower, spinach, kale, mushrooms, celery, and broccoli.

• Proteins: Chicken thighs, ground beef, pork shoulder, sausage, eggs, and canned tuna.

• Fats: Heavy cream, coconut milk, butter, olive oil, and cheese.

• Spices and Herbs: Garlic, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, and rosemary.

• Broth: Bone broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth (look for no-sugar-added versions).

Budget Tip: Shop in bulk for pantry staples and choose seasonal vegetables to save even more.

Tips for Saving Money on Keto Ingredients

1. Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items like spices, oils, and broth in large quantities.

2. Utilize Frozen Produce: Frozen vegetables often cost less and reduce waste.

3. Look for Discounts: Many stores offer marked-down meats and produce nearing their expiration dates.

4. DIY Broth: Save money by making your own broth from leftover meat and vegetable scraps.

5. Plan Meals Around Sales: Use store circulars to plan soups and stews with on-sale ingredients.

Top Tools for Making Perfect Soups and Stews

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Ideal for hands-off cooking.

• Immersion Blender: Perfect for creamy soups.

• Stockpot: A kitchen essential for larger batches.

• Ladle: Makes serving easier and less messy.

10 Affordable Keto Soup Recipes with Instructions

1. Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until tender.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

4. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Heat until the cheese is melted.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Carbs per serving: 5g

2. Zucchini Noodle Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add celery and sauté until softened.

2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add shredded chicken.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add zucchini noodles and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 4g

3. Cauliflower Leek Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped

• 1 leek, thinly sliced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic and leek, sautéing until soft.

2. Add cauliflower and vegetable broth. Simmer until cauliflower is tender.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

Carbs per serving: 6g

4. Keto Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes, chopped

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.

2. Add chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.

4. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 5g

5. Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until softened.

2. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy.

4. Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 5g

6. Spinach and Egg Drop Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups spinach, chopped

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a stockpot. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

2. Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring the soup to create ribbons.

3. Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce. Serve hot.

Carbs per serving: 3g

7. Chicken Avocado Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

2. Stir in shredded chicken and cook for 10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and add avocado and lime juice. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 4g

8. Creamy Cauliflower and Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic and cauliflower, sautéing for 5 minutes.

2. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until cauliflower is tender.

3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Stir in heavy cream and crumbled bacon. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 6g

9. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed

• 1 can coconut milk

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Combine chicken broth, coconut milk, and ginger in a stockpot. Bring to a simmer.

2. Add chicken and cook until tender. Stir in fish sauce and lime juice. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 7g

10. Keto Eggplant Parmesan Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, cubed

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add eggplant and cook until softened.

2. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Blend the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Carbs per serving: 6g

10 Affordable Keto Stew Recipes with Instructions

1. Beef and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef chuck, cubed

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Brown the beef cubes.

2. Add onions and mushrooms, sautéing for 5 minutes.

3. Pour in beef broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).

5. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 6g

2. Chicken Coconut Curry Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup spinach

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.

2. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.

3. Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

Carbs per serving: 5g

3. Pork and Cabbage Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cabbage, shredded

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add pork and cook until browned.

2. Add onions and sauté until softened.

3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Add cabbage and cook until tender. Season to taste.

Carbs per serving: 7g

4. Keto Seafood Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup fish fillets, cubed

• 4 cups seafood broth

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

2. Pour in seafood broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.

3. Add shrimp and fish, cooking until opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 6g

5. Lamb and Spinach Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb shoulder, cubed

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups spinach

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add lamb and cook until browned.

2. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth.

3. Simmer for 1 hour. Add spinach and rosemary. Cook for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 6g

6. Spicy Sausage Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spicy sausage, sliced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced

• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Brown sausage in a stockpot over medium heat. Remove and set aside.

2. Add bell peppers and tomatoes to the pot, cooking until softened.

3. Pour in chicken broth and return sausage to the pot.

4. Stir in smoked paprika. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 5g

7. Keto Beef and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup zucchini, diced

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Brown beef on all sides.

2. Add zucchini and celery, cooking for 5 minutes.

3. Pour in beef broth and season with thyme. Simmer for 1 hour. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 7g

8. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.

2. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Stir in heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 5g

9. Keto Chili Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a stockpot over medium heat.

2. Add tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin.

3. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Carbs per serving: 6g

10. Keto Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup zucchini, diced

• 1 cup cauliflower, chopped

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add zucchini and cauliflower.

2. Pour in vegetable broth and season with Italian seasoning.

3. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Carbs per serving: 6g

Batch Cooking: Save Time and Money

Batch cooking soups and stews is a game-changer for keto meal prep. Prepare multiple servings in one go and store them for quick, affordable meals throughout the week. Here’s how:

• Plan Ahead: Choose recipes that use overlapping ingredients.

• Portion Control: Divide soups and stews into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go options.

• Cook Once, Eat Twice: Double the recipes to freeze portions for later.

How to Freeze and Store Soups and Stews

1. Use Airtight Containers: Prevent freezer burn by storing in airtight, freezer-safe containers.

2. Label with Dates: Always label your containers to keep track of freshness.

3. Reheat Slowly: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on low heat to retain flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream?

• A: Yes, but it will affect the creaminess.

  
  

• Q: How do I make soups thicker without flour?

• A: Use xanthan gum or puree some of the vegetables.

  
  

• Q: How long can I store soups in the freezer?

• A: Up to 3 months for best quality.

Pros and Cons of Keto Soups and Stews

Pros

• Affordable and versatile

• Easy to customize for dietary preferences

• Great for meal prepping

Cons

• Requires planning and ingredient sourcing

• May need initial investment in tools (like a slow cooker)

Conclusion

Affordable keto soups and stews are not only delicious but also a smart way to maintain your diet and budget.

By following the recipes and tips in this guide, you can enjoy hearty, comforting meals all winter long. For additional resources, check out this comprehensive keto meal plan guide.