Healthy Heart Soup
A hearty, tomato‑rich soup bursting with pepper, beans, and spices, finished with a cheesy crust—perfect for family dinners and protein‑packed lunches.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can cut up tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can chicken or beef broth ⓘ
- 12 oz tomato juice or V-8 ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can corn ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (small shells, elbow macaroni, etc.) ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute green pepper, onion, and garlic in olive oil.
- Add the beans, tomatoes, broth, tomato juice, corn, chili powder, sugar, and cumin; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook until tender.
- Serve hot with grated cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. If you prefer a spicier soup, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the chili powder. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. To make it a heartier meal, include some diced chicken or turkey, similar to recipes like Lemon Chicken N Broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Healthy Heart Soup hot, garnished with grated cheese for a creamy touch. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Funny or any of your favorite chicken recipes for a balanced dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in increments of 1 minute until hot. If the soup thickens, add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Healthy Heart Soup contains roughly 959 calories, with 23g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by substituting vegetable broth for chicken or beef broth and omitting the cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. All other ingredients are plant-based, making this soup a healthy option for vegan diets.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy variety of tomato juice, like a hot V-8, to give the soup a nice kick. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
Can I freeze the Healthy Heart Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding a little water or broth if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).