This creamy mushroom and spinach onion soup is a warm, hearty dish perfect for cool evenings. The caramelized onions add a natural sweetness, the mushrooms provide earthy depth, and the wilted spinach lends freshness—all brought together in a velvety broth enriched with heavy cream. Simple to prepare yet indulgently delicious, it’s a comforting meal in every spoonful.
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Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 1244mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5097IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3mg
Why This Recipe is Perfect for a Thanksgiving Meat Break:
- A Hearty Yet Meat-Free Alternative: This creamy mushroom and spinach onion soup is packed with earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and savory beef broth flavors that mimic the richness of traditional meat dishes—without actually including meat. It’s the perfect way to take a break from the turkey and ham without sacrificing comfort and satisfaction.
- Light Yet Indulgent: With the velvety texture of heavy cream and the umami-packed broth, this soup feels indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s a welcome reprieve from the decadence of stuffing, gravy, and buttery casseroles while still offering a rich, cozy experience.
- Savory Comfort for Non-Meat Eaters: If you have vegetarians in the crowd (substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth!), this dish is a fantastic, flavor-forward option that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms provide layers of taste that rival any meat-based comfort dish.
- A Touch of Green Amongst the Feast: Baby spinach adds a fresh, nutrient-packed burst of color and flavor, offering a much-needed veggie break from the carb-heavy Thanksgiving sides. It balances the richness of the soup with its light and slightly bitter notes.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal addition to your menu when you need something easy to prepare but still impressive enough to eat.
- Warm and Soul-Soothing: Cooking isn’t just about the food; it’s about the feeling. This soup is warm, creamy, and soul-soothing—offering the same cozy vibes as the best comfort food dishes without being meat-centric.
Ingredient Breakdown:
- Onion (Thinly Sliced): Onions serve as the flavor punch of this dish. When caramelized, they develop a natural sweetness that serves as the flavor base of the soup. Their soft, velvety texture adds body to the broth, while their mild sweetness perfectly balances the earthiness of the mushrooms and the richness of the cream.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a deep, earthy umami flavor that elevates the soup’s savory profile. When sautéed, they develop a meaty texture and slightly smoky notes, which contrast beautifully with the creamy and sweet elements of the dish. Their natural glutamates also enhance the overall taste, making the soup more flavorful.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic provides a punch of aromatic depth, rounding out the dish with its subtle spice and complexity. It complements the caramelized onions and mushrooms by adding warmth and enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Baby Spinach: Spinach adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that contrasts and balances the richness of the cream. Its vibrant green color also makes the dish visually appealing, while its tender leaves melt into the broth, adding texture and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.
- Flour: Flour acts as a thickening agent, creating a silky, velvety texture for the soup. It binds the liquids together, transforming the broth and cream into a luscious base that holds all the flavors. By cooking the flour with the onions, you ensure there’s no raw flour taste in the final dish.
- Beef Broth: The beef broth is the backbone of the soup, adding depth, savoriness, and complexity. Its bold, meaty flavor complements the mushrooms and onions, creating a robust base that supports the cream’s richness while keeping the soup light enough to enjoy as a starter or side.
- Heavy Cream: Cream ties everything together by adding richness and a luxurious mouthfeel. It mellows the stronger flavors, like garlic and beef broth, while amplifying the caramelized sweetness of the onions and the earthy warmth of the mushrooms.
- Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential to bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients. Salt enhances the savory umami notes of the mushrooms and broth, while pepper adds a gentle spice that brightens the overall taste.
Basic Steps to Meal Prep Mushroom and Spinach Onion Soup
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown color, then stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms soften and their moisture evaporates, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir to coat them in the remaining oil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes. If the pan looks dry or the onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of water and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any caramelized bits. This step develops a deep, sweet flavor, so take your time.
- Incorporate Garlic and Flour: Once the onions are golden and fully caramelized, add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and stir continuously. The mixture will become thick and pasty—this is the base that will help thicken the soup later. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful caramelized bits. Once combined, stir in the heavy cream. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as it cooks for 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
- Cook the Spinach and Reintroduce Mushrooms: Add the baby spinach to the soup and stir until it wilts completely, about 2 minutes. Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pan, stirring to combine everything evenly. Let the soup simmer for 1-2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and ladle into bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Pairing Tips:
- Customize for Variety: Mix in cooked pasta, rice, or barley to make it more filling and hearty.
- Bread Pairings: Crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth. Garlic bread or cheesy toast adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Salad Pairings: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette, like arugula or mixed greens with lemon dressing, balances the soup’s richness. A roasted vegetable salad (with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or beets) complements the earthy mushroom flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour to thicken the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Onion Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition