Anyone have recipes for SOUPS that could be considered a full meal in themselves?

I'm always looking for ways to cook meals that are cheap, easy and healthful. Soups is one of the best ways to do all of these. I cook mine in a 6-quart slow cooker and freeze it in batches of 2-quarts each.

I try to include veggies that are in season or are on sale, so the recipe is never exactly the same. It doesn't have to be.

Meat: Soup is a great way to stretch your meat dollar. I've cut way back on red meat and only use organic. I buy whatever meat is on sale (chuck, round, etc.) and cut it into small chunks myself. This recipe is high in protein, so doesn't have to include any meat at all if you prefer vegetarian soup.

I use fresh veggies whenever possible, but canned or frozen can be added in a pinch. Also, if you hate any of the stuff in this soup, just leave it out - won't matter.

1 lb beef cubes (or no meat if you prefer)

1 large onion

1 sweet bell pepper (green, red or orange)

2 cloves of garlic (not the big bulb, the sections that break off of the bulb)

3 Tbs dried parsley (or six fresh - chopped)

1 Dash Cayenne Pepper

2 Tbs Olive oil or Sesame oil

(saute the above ingredients until the beef if brown and the veggies slightly cooked and put into the slow cooker).

Add:

2 quarts of Vegetable or Beef broth (I prefer the Swanson that comes in a 'box' - it is liquid).

2 cups of water

1 envelop of onion soup mix.

1 1/ 2 cup baby carrots (or 1 cup chopped large ones)

1 can Cannellini beans (white kidney beans)

1 can kidney beans

1 cup corn (or can)

1 large can of diced tomatoes (or 2 cups chopped fresh)

1 cup sliced or chopped celery

1 cup chopped spinach (or 1 10oz package frozen)

1 cup frozen peas (I add mine at the very end so they aren't overcooked)

1 cup green beans (cut in 1-inch slices) or 1 can. I also add these at the end to keep them green and crisp.

1 tsp. Turmeric

2 Tbs fresh chopped basil (or 1/2 Tbs dried)

Cracked pepper and salt to taste.

Serve with slices of French bread - which is great for dipping in the broth.

This is not only a very tasty and economical meal, but the combination of veggies and beans (and meat) along with the herbs and spices, make it extremely nutritional as well. I freeze it in single servings for lunches.