Vegetable broth isn’t just for soup! These recipes with vegetable broth include curries, potpies, rice and casseroles that turn everyday veggies into hearty, meatless meals.
1/26
Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
2/26
Hearty Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 238 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/26
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms, carrots, celery, peas and potatoes pack this full-flavored meal-maker. In fact, you’ll never even miss the meat. It’s that rich and satisfying! —Kim Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 223 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
4/26
Fennel Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
5/26
Black Bean Tortilla Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this entree a while ago and decreased the cheese and increased the herbs called for in the recipe. It’s one of my toddler’s favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 353 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 17g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 very lean meat, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/26
Bean Counter Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty chowder is one of our favorite vegetarian dishes. Loaded with beans, noodles and bright herbs, it's so comforting on a chilly day. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/26
Lentil Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
This lentil loaf is so flavorful, you won't miss the meat. And it's packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 213 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
8/26
Tomato Basil Soup
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
9/26
Spicy Sweet Potato Kale Cannellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This cross between a soup and a stew fits the meatless Monday bill quite nicely. It warms you right up, and satisfies without leaving you overstuffed.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/26
Cauliflower & Tofu Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 338 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
11/26
Vegetable Barley Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget the potatoes and rice, and consider this change-of-pace dinner accompaniment. Wholesome barley makes for a heart-smart dish that complements just about any main course and other sides, too. —Shirley Doyle, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
12/26
Caribbean Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
An interesting blend of veggies that includes okra, kale and black-eyed peas goes into this bright and hearty soup. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 213 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
13/26
Vegan Sloppy Joes
From the Recipe Creator:
When I experimented with making more vegetarian-friendly recipes, this was one of my biggest hits—we still eat it weekly! My preschooler will always eat every bite of these tangy lentil joes. —Christina Rock, Covington, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 215 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
14/26
Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 279 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 10g fiber), 10g protein.
15/26
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/26
Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegetarian soup features a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
17/26
Mushroom & Broccoli Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my girls won’t eat meat and the other struggles to get enough fiber. This recipe is a perfect way to give them what they need in a dish they love to eat. I save my broccoli stems in the freezer until I have about two small bags, and then I make soup. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 69 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/26
Green Chile Creamed Corn
From the Recipe Creator:
When hosting big meals, I would sometimes run out of burners. Then I realized my slow cooker could help by simmering corn and green chiles with pickled jalapenos. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 258 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
19/26
Slow-Cooked Vegetable Wild Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
20/26
Peanut Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
After enjoying a spicy peanut soup at a little cafe, I knew I had to try to duplicate it at home. I think my version comes pretty close. It's the best way I know to chase away winter's chill. —Lisa Meredith, Eagan, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 276 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 932mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
21/26
Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf
From the Recipe Creator:
This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 118 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
22/26
Cream of Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Lentil lovers will want a second bowl of this nourishing soup with a subtle touch of curry. It looks particularly appealing thanks to the color added by the fresh spinach. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 20g fat (13g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
23/26
Crockpot Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 178 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
24/26
Lemony Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 1 cup rice: 433 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 13g protein.
25/26
Lentil Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/26
Spinach Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Recipes with Vegetable Broth FAQ
How do I make homemade vegetable broth?
To make homemade vegetable broth, combine onions, carrots, celery and garlic with water, herbs and scraps, like mushroom stems, parsley stalks or corn cobs. Simmer for about one hour to extract the flavor from the vegetables and aromatics and reduce slightly. Then, strain, cool and store in the fridge or freezer. Freeze the broth in 1-cup portions or ice cube trays so it’s easy to grab the amount you need for any recipe.
What easy soup recipes will use up leftover vegetable broth?
You can use leftover vegetable broth to make easy soup recipes like lentil, tomato or classic vegetable, which all come together quickly with pantry staples. Start by sauteing aromatics like onion, garlic or celery to build flavor, then add broth, vegetables, canned beans or pasta and simmer until everything is tender. Broth recipes that layer in hearty add-ins, like chickpeas, rice, leafy greens or tortellini, are filling and flavorful, making them perfect for quick lunches or fast weeknight dinners. If you only have a small amount of leftover broth, use it instead of some of the water for rice, quinoa or dry beans.
What creative broth recipes can I store in the freezer?
Creative recipes with vegetable broth filled with hearty ingredients like sweet potato, kale, beans and butternut squash freeze well and reheat like they were made that day. Before freezing food, cool the dish completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze soups or squares of casseroles in single portions for easy reheating, then bring them back to life with a splash of vinegar or lemon, a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
