Poor Man’s Soup
Poor Man’s Soup is a hearty and economical dish that embodies simplicity and comfort. Made with basic pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and canned vegetables, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
The addition of tomato sauce and a blend of seasonings gives this soup a robust flavor, while the option to cook it in a crockpot enhances its convenience.
Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, this recipe provides a nourishing option that feeds a family generously, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a quick, reheatable lunch the next day.
Why People Will Love The Poor Man’s Soup recipe:
Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Flavor: Made with affordable, accessible pantry staples, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing, flavorful meal that stretches to feed a family—without breaking the bank.
Hearty and Filling: With ground beef, potatoes, corn, pasta, and tomato sauce, this soup is rich in textures and substance. It’s the kind of meal that truly satisfies hunger and leaves you full and comforted.
Customizable and Forgiving: It invites flexibility—swap in fresh vegetables, use turkey instead of beef, or adjust seasoning to taste. It welcomes improvisation while still delivering delicious results.
One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and no complicated steps make it perfect for busy weeknights or beginner cooks. It’s comfort food without the hassle.
Full of Home-Cooked Nostalgia: The aroma of simmering tomato, cumin, and beef evokes memories of childhood dinners and community kitchens—a warm, familiar feeling with every bite.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup only gets better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it ideal for meal prep, reheating, or stretching into multiple meals.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The heart of the soup, ground beef brings savory richness and satisfying protein. Browning it first builds flavor and forms the base for the entire dish’s depth and warmth.
Potatoes: Starchy and filling, potatoes absorb the tomato-rich broth while releasing their own soft, comforting texture, making the soup hearty and grounding.
Canned Tomato Sauce (Hot & Regular): These sauces add body, acidity, and gentle spice. The mix of hot and regular gives the broth a balance of tang and warmth, creating a bold but approachable flavor.
Corn: Sweet and bright, corn kernels contrast beautifully with the savory beef and earthy potatoes. They add texture and a pop of natural sweetness that lightens the soup.
Cumin: A warm, smoky spice that deepens the flavor profile and gives the soup a subtle Mexican-style undertone. It adds complexity to what could otherwise be a very simple broth.
Knorr Chicken Bouillon: This concentrated seasoning delivers deep umami and saltiness. It acts as a flavor bridge, tying together all the ingredients and boosting the richness of the broth.
Little Pasta (Fideo, Elbow, or Shells): Added at the end, the pasta softens into the broth, absorbing flavor and adding bulk, turning the soup into a true meal-in-a-bowl.
Expert Tips for Poor Man’s Soup
Brown the Meat for Flavor, Not Just Color
Don’t rush the browning step—allow the ground beef to develop deep caramelized bits (fond) on the bottom of the pan before draining the grease.
These browned bits enhance the soup’s base with a richer, meatier depth that carries through the broth.
Layer Your Seasoning, Don’t Dump It All at Once
Start with a light hand on the cumin, bouillon, and salt.
Simmer the soup, then taste and adjust near the end.
This gives the ingredients time to infuse and prevents over-seasoning—especially since canned sauces and bouillon are already salty.
Use Starch Wisely to Control Texture
Potatoes and pasta both release starch, which can thicken the broth naturally.
To avoid a gummy or overly thick soup, don’t over-stir once the potatoes are tender, and cook the pasta just until al dente (especially if adding it directly to the pot).
Simmer Low and Slow for Best Flavor
Though it’s a budget recipe, time is your flavor builder.
Letting the soup gently simmer for at least an hour allows the ingredients—especially the canned sauces and spices—to mellow and meld into something that tastes slow-cooked and comforting.
Customize by Building on the Base
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its flexibility.
Once you have the core flavor (meat, tomato, cumin, bouillon), you can build it out with beans, fresh veggies, or herbs without disrupting the comfort-food integrity.
It’s a recipe that grows with what you have on hand.
Poor Man’s Soup
Ingredients:
1 Pound of Ground beef
4-5 potatoes
1 can of corn (or more if you like more corn)
1 can of hot tomato sauce
1 can of regular tomato sauce
Cumin about 1 tbp
Knorr chicken bouillon,salt and pepper (measure by taste)
Add the little pastas in about 10 minutes before it’s done or cook in a separate pan:
Water
Half a can of regular tomato sauce
Garlic salt
Pepper
Knorr chicken bouillon (season to taste with all)
*add a slice of onion and piece of garlic to make it taste
Instructions:
Step 1:
Brown meat on stove top and drain grease.
Combine all ingredients, heat over low for about an hour.
Add salt and pepper to taste and walla- dinner’s served!
Enjoy this low-cost meal, which makes enough to serve a family of four for dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day.
Step 2:
This can also be prepared for the crockpot.
Simply brown the beef or turkey and combine all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Step 3:
Fresh ingredients can also be used if you have them, and are so delish!
Important Notes for Poor Man’s Soup
Simplicity Is Its Strength: This soup isn’t fancy—but that’s exactly why it’s beloved. It’s the kind of dish that comforts without complication, using budget-friendly pantry staples to nourish both body and soul.
Let Time Do the Work: Simmering the soup slowly (whether on the stove or in a crockpot) allows the flavors from the tomato sauces, beef, and spices to meld deeply. Don’t rush it—an extra 20 minutes can make it taste like it simmered all day.
Cumin Adds Depth: Don’t underestimate the cumin—it’s the quiet star of this recipe. Its earthy warmth gives the soup a distinct personality and ties the flavors together, especially when balanced with the acidity of the tomato.
The Pasta Needs Care: Add the little pastas (like fideo or elbow) at the right time—too early and they’ll get mushy; too late and they won’t absorb the flavor. Cooking them separately is a smart option if you plan on freezing or storing leftovers.
Balance the Saltiness: Between canned tomato sauces and bouillon, it’s easy to oversalt. Taste before adding more seasoning. Remember: you can always add more later, but you can’t take it out.
Fresh Aromatics Make a Difference: Even just a small wedge of onion or a garlic clove simmered with the soup can lift the flavor from canned and flat to homey and rich. They infuse the broth naturally and are worth the small extra effort.
Flexible Ingredients, Same Comfort: This recipe thrives on adaptability. Use turkey instead of beef, toss in frozen mixed veggies instead of canned corn, or bulk it out with beans or zucchini. It’s not about strict rules—it’s about feeding well with what you have.
Better the Next Day: Like many stews and soups, Poor Man’s Soup often tastes even better the next day. The potatoes soften further, and the spices deepen, making it perfect for reheating or meal prep.
It’s a Dish with Emotional Weight: This soup is more than a recipe—it’s a reflection of resourcefulness, family tradition, and making something satisfying out of very little. Serve it with pride.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 400 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 35 grams | Fat: 20 grams | Fiber: 4 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Poor Man’s Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner version of the soup.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for Poor Man’s Soup?
You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon to make a vegetarian version.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes, diced or pureed, as a flavorful alternative to canned tomato sauce.
How long should I cook Poor Man’s Soup on the stovetop?
Cook the soup on low heat for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Ensure that the potatoes are tender before serving.
Can I freeze Poor Man’s Soup for later use?
Yes, Poor Man’s Soup can be frozen in airtight containers for future meals.
Thaw and reheat before serving.
What are some variations I can add to the soup for extra flavor?
Consider adding chili powder, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
How can I make the soup healthier?
Opt for lean ground meat, use low-sodium or homemade broth, and incorporate more vegetables for added nutrition.
Can I prepare Poor Man’s Soup in a crockpot?
Yes, you can. Brown the meat, then combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Are there gluten-free alternatives for the pasta in Poor Man’s Soup?
Substitute gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version of the soup.
Can I customize the spice level of Poor Man’s Soup?
Absolutely. Adjust the amount of hot tomato sauce, cumin, and pepper according to your spice preferences.