27 Hearty Soups That Double As Dinner And Next-Day Lunch

27 Hearty Soups That Double As Dinner And Next-Day Lunch

Soup should be for more than just sick days or cold weather—it’s the hero dinner that keeps on giving. Make it once, eat it twice, and maybe even freeze a batch for later because who has time to cook every day? These hearty soups are more than just warm bowls of comfort—they’re practically dinner and lunch wrapped in one pot.

A bowl of hearty vegetable soup with pasta, beans, and leafy greens, garnished with fresh parsley. A spoon rests inside the bowl, set on a dark surface with a light cloth.
Photo credit: Cooking with Wine.

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This 13-bean soup is hearty and packed with nutrition. Made quickly in the Instant Pot, it’s perfect for a no-stress dinner that’ll leave you with lunch ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Loaded with cabbage and a tomato-based broth, this Instant Pot soup is straightforward and comforting. It’s great for dinner and keeps well in the fridge for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Mexican Vegetable Soup

Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.
Mexican Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Featuring quinoa and plenty of veggies, this soup is quick to make and keeps you full. It’s perfect for dinner or meal prep when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot lentil vegetable soup in two white bowls with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.Instant Pot lentil vegetable soup in two white bowls with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mushrooms, green beans, and spinach make this lentil soup a hearty dinner that’s ready in no time thanks to the Instant Pot. Perfect for a busy weeknight and leftovers for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Mung Bean Soup

Mung bean soup in a bowl with gold spoon.Mung bean soup in a bowl with gold spoon.
Mung Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mung bean soup combines fresh vegetables with a bright lemony kick. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner, served with crusty bread to mop up every last drop.
Get the Recipe: Mung Bean Soup

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef, sausage, and mushrooms team up in this hearty soup that’s basically comfort in a bowl. Perfect for dinner when you want something satisfying and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Escarole Soup

Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole greens, sausage, and beans come together in a garlicky broth that makes for a filling weeknight meal. Serve with some crusty bread for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Authentic German Goulash Soup Recipe (Gulaschsuppe)

Authentic German Goulash Soup Recipe (Gulaschsuppe). Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

A hearty mix of bold flavors like sweet, savory, and spiced, this meaty goulash soup brings all the comfort you need for dinner. It reheats like a champ, so your lunch the next day is set.
Get the Recipe: Authentic German Goulash Soup Recipe (Gulaschsuppe)

Cozy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Cozy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Cooking with Wine.

With its lighter broth and extra veggies, this chicken and dumplings recipe keeps things hearty without weighing you down. Perfect for dinner and just as good the next day when the flavors really settle in.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Hearty Vegetable Pasta Soup

Hearty Vegetable Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Cooking with Wine.

Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is built to actually fill you up. It’s a great pick for dinner when you need something comforting and even better as leftovers that don’t feel like a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Pasta Soup

Potato Kale Soup

Vegan Potato Kale Soup. Photo credit: Chef Ani.

Simple and nourishing, this potato kale soup is a great way to warm up and recharge. The colorful potatoes make it a fun, no-fuss meal that’s as good for dinner as it is for next-day lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Potato Kale Soup

Chicken Manchow Soup

Chicken Manchow Soup. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

This one-pot soup brings a spicy punch with fresh veggies, chicken, and a tangy broth. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s an easy go-to for a weeknight dinner that doubles as a lunchtime pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Manchow Soup

Slow Cooker Sausage Chickpea Soup

Slow Cooker Sausage Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

Loaded with sausage, chickpeas, and veggies, this slow cooker soup delivers big, hearty bites. Let it simmer all day and come back to a great dinner—and maybe some leftover magic for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage Chickpea Soup

Cauliflower Potato Leek Soup

Cauliflower Potato Leek Soup. Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog.

Creamy and satisfying without the dairy, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes for a quick dinner. It’s a solid option for a comforting meal that’s easy to reheat the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Leek Soup

Chicken and Cabbage Soup

Chicken and Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog.

Packed with veggies and chicken, this soup is as straightforward as it gets. It’s quick to make and gives you a dinner that’s both filling and ready for another round tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (30 Minutes). Photo credit: HappiHomemade.

Everything you love about a cheeseburger in soup form—meat, potatoes, veggies, and cheese in a creamy broth. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a fun way to switch up dinner and keeps well for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (30 Minutes)

Nourishing Cream of Beetroot Soup

Nourishing Cream of Beetroot Soup. Photo credit: Beet of the Wild.

Vibrant and smooth, this beetroot soup adds a pop of color to your dinner routine. It’s light yet filling enough to save you from scavenging for snacks later.
Get the Recipe: Nourishing Cream of Beetroot Soup

Coconut Lime Soup

Coconut Lime Soup (With Thai Noodles). Photo credit: Beet of the Wild.

Creamy coconut milk meets bright lime in this noodle soup that’s quick to make and packed with bold flavors. It’s a great way to switch things up when you’re craving something exciting for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Soup (With Thai Noodles)

Creamy White Cheddar and Vegetable Soup with Orecchiette

Creamy White Cheddar and Vegetable Soup with Orecchiette. Photo credit: Elle & Pear.

Cheesy, veggie-packed, and hearty, this soup is everything you want in a dinner that feels special but comes together easily. The orecchiette adds a fun touch that makes it just as enjoyable the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Cheddar and Vegetable Soup with Orecchiette

Italian Tomato Lentil Soup

Italian Tomato Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Elle & Pear.

Lentils, garlic, sage, and tomatoes come together in this simple yet flavorful soup. A sprinkle of parmesan on top seals the deal for a dinner that’s easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Lentil Soup

New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder. Photo credit: Cinnamon & Sage Co..

Creamy, hearty, and brimming with clams, this chowder is a classic for a reason. Perfect for a cozy dinner, and leftovers reheat beautifully without losing any of that rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: New England Clam Chowder

Soup Maker Potato and Leek Soup

Soup Maker Potato and Leek Soup. Photo credit: We Eat at Last.

This chunky potato and leek soup is pure comfort. Whether it’s dinner or a quick lunch the next day, it’s a great choice for when you want something easy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Soup Maker Potato and Leek Soup

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup. Photo credit: Living Lou.

Creamy and cheesy with a load of veggies, this soup comes together fast for a dinner that’s both quick and filling. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or crispy bacon takes it up a notch.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

Quick and Easy Spicy Vegetable Soup

Quick and Easy Spicy Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

Full of veggies and a kick of heat, this spicy soup is ready in no time. Perfect for dinner when you want something light but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Spicy Vegetable Soup

Greek Lemon Rice Soup

Greek Lemon Rice Soup (Vegan Avgolemono). Photo credit: Earth to Veg.

This plant-based take on a Greek classic is thickened with rice and brightened with lemon. It’s a great option for dinner when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Rice Soup (Vegan Avgolemono)

White Bean Tomato Soup

White Bean Tomato Soup. Photo credit: The Healthful Ideas.

Simple pantry staples like beans and tomatoes turn into a filling soup that’s perfect for dipping grilled cheese or topping with croutons. It’s a great pick for dinner or lunch on repeat.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Tomato Soup

Mulligatawny Soup Recipe (Pakistani)

Mulligatawny Soup Recipe (Pakistani). Photo credit: Untold Recipes by Nosheen.

This curried lentil and coconut milk soup is rich, velvety, and full of bold flavor. A great dinner option with South Asian flair that’s just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup Recipe (Pakistani)


Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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