In our constant quest to nourish our bodies and delight our taste buds, incorporating more vegetables into our daily meals is a common goal. If you, like many, are looking for innovative and delicious ways to boost your veggie intake, look no further! We’re thrilled to share one of our most beloved and celebrated recipes: our healthy, comforting, and award-winning Shredded Carrot Chowder. This remarkable carrot soup recipe earned top honors in the FYI Doctors “Eats For Your Eyes” recipe competition, a testament to its exceptional flavor and nutritional value. It’s an incredibly satisfying and easy way to help you meet your daily vegetable quota, making healthy eating both simple and enjoyable. For even more creative ideas to bring vibrant produce into your life, don’t miss our comprehensive guide on 45 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits & Veggies!

This heartwarming carrot chowder offers pure, healthy comfort in every spoonful. It’s the perfect antidote to a rainy afternoon, a chilly day, a crisp fall evening, or any time the craving for a cozy, nourishing soup strikes. Its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it an instant family favorite. Planning ahead? This easy carrot soup can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal candidate for busy weeknight meals when time is short but you still want a homemade, wholesome dinner. Furthermore, if you’re searching for a truly memorable dish to grace your Easter dinner table or any special gathering, this recipe provides a delicious and impressive option that’s sure to be a hit. Explore more seasonal warmth with our collection of other Healthy Fall Soup Ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Shredded Carrot Chowder

• It’s incredibly healthy and nutritious. This shredded carrot chowder is packed with a generous amount of fresh vegetables and robust, natural flavors. Carrots are renowned for their high Vitamin A content, vital for eye health, and the lean ground beef (or your chosen substitute) provides essential protein. By cleverly using creamed soups instead of heavy cream, we achieve a luxurious texture without the excess calories, making it a truly wholesome choice for your family.
• Kids absolutely love it! We all know the challenge of getting children to enthusiastically eat their vegetables. However, this chowder is a game-changer! The finely shredded carrots blend seamlessly into the creamy base, offering a sweet and savory taste that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. My own children adore this chowder, alongside my popular Healthy Carrot Loaf, proving that healthy food can indeed be kid-approved and utterly delicious.
• It’s satisfyingly hearty and fulfilling. When I sit down to a bowl of soup, I want it to be substantial enough to serve as a complete meal. This shredded carrot chowder delivers exactly that. With lean ground beef providing a significant protein boost and an abundance of vegetables, it’s designed to keep you feeling full and satisfied without feeling heavy. It’s a truly satisfying dish that will warm you from the inside out, much like my hearty Borscht with Canned Beets and the comforting Easy Hamburger Potato Soup.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Carrot Chowder

This delightful carrot and tomato soup is crafted using a selection of simple, readily available ingredients that you likely already have stocked in your pantry and fridge. While many might debate the “chowder” designation, often associated with heavy cream or milk, this recipe takes a lighter approach. To keep it healthy, Weight Watchers-friendly, and to let the natural flavors shine, we intentionally omit heavy cream and even regular milk. The creaminess is perfectly achieved through the strategic use of condensed creamed soups, which add a velvety texture and rich flavor without unnecessary richness.

However, given its wonderfully thick, comforting texture, reminiscent of a classic chowder, I’ve chosen to proudly call it a chowder. Yes, I’ve even encountered some lively online discussions from readers challenging this nomenclature. For a brief period, I considered changing the name, feeling a bit like a “chowder imposter.” But I’ve since reverted to its original name because it perfectly describes the heartiness and consistency of this soup. This is the name my Grandma used for her original recipe, which this dish is based on (with some of my own modern adjustments), and I’m sticking to it! This Shredded Carrot Chowder is a testament to tradition meeting healthy innovation.

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this shredded carrot chowder so special:

• Lean Ground Beef. We opt for lean ground beef not only because it’s a healthier choice with fewer calories and Weight Watchers points, but also because it renders less grease, resulting in a cleaner, richer flavor profile in your soup.
• Green Bell Pepper. The addition of green bell pepper is crucial for both texture and flavor. It provides a lovely, crisp contrast to the tender shredded carrots and infuses the soup with a subtly sweet and slightly bitter note that truly enhances the overall taste.
• Carrots. The star of our show! Using shredded carrots is a deliberate choice. They cook significantly faster than chopped carrots, allowing their sweet, earthy flavor to permeate the soup more thoroughly, and they contribute a fantastic, tender texture. A pro tip: I often shred large batches of carrots and freeze them for future use, so you can drop them directly into the soup without defrosting for ultimate convenience.
• Tomato Juice. This forms the foundational liquid base of our soup, imparting a beautiful, thick consistency, a rich umami depth, and a pleasant tanginess that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
• Cream of Celery Soup and Cream of Mushroom Soup. These are our secret weapons for achieving incredible creaminess without the need for heavy dairy. Added undiluted, these condensed cream soups effortlessly thicken the chowder and introduce layers of savory, earthy flavor that complement the other ingredients perfectly.
• Beef Soup Broth. A good quality beef soup broth provides a robust backdrop for the ground beef and tomato juice, creating a deeply savory and cohesive flavor base that ties all the elements of this hearty soup together.
• Marjoram. This aromatic herb is a delightful addition, contributing a fresh, slightly floral, and earthy taste that elevates the entire dish, giving it a unique and irresistible aroma.
• Crispy Onion (Garnish). While typically found in the salad aisle, these crispy fried onions are an absolute revelation as a garnish for this chowder. They add an irresistible crunch and a savory, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the creamy soup.

*Please refer to the recipe card below for a comprehensive list of all ingredients and precise quantities.

📖 Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

This versatile shredded carrot chowder recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations and clever substitutions:

• Carrots: Whether you prefer the freshness of garden carrots or the convenience of pre-shredded frozen carrots, both work beautifully. If using frozen shredded carrots, there’s no need to defrost them; simply add them directly to the simmering soup. They’ll cook down perfectly and infuse their sweet flavor.
• WW Friendlier Options: To significantly reduce the Weight Watchers points and calorie count, easily substitute the lean ground beef with lean ground turkey or ground chicken. Both options offer excellent protein and a lighter profile without sacrificing the soup’s hearty character.
• Make it Vegetarian: Transforming this into a vegetarian delight is simple. Omit the meat entirely and swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable stock. You can also add plant-based protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, or a firm tofu crumble for extra substance and nutrition.
• Canned Creamed Soup Alternatives: If you don’t have canned cream of mushroom soup, or prefer to make your own, you can easily whip up a homemade version (check out #17 in our 21 Useful Kitchen Cooking Hacks, Tips & Tricks post for a “cream of anything” recipe!). If cream of celery soup is unavailable, use an extra can of cream of mushroom soup and enhance it with a pinch of celery seed for that distinct celery flavor.
• Tomato Juice Swaps: For the tomato base, you have several excellent options. Canned diced or crushed tomatoes with their juice can be substituted, or you can use pureed fresh tomatoes (simply blend ripe tomatoes in a food processor or regular blender until smooth). A combination of tomato juice and V-8 Vegetable Juice also works wonderfully, adding an extra layer of vegetable goodness. *For a healthier choice, always aim for low-sodium versions of canned products.
• Broth Variety: While beef broth lends a classic savory depth, you can confidently substitute it with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand. Each will contribute a slightly different, yet equally delicious, base to the soup.
• Garlic Options: Freshly minced garlic offers the most vibrant flavor, but for convenience, jarred minced garlic is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just be sure to use a good quality brand.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, introduce red pepper flakes to the soup during the simmering process. Start with a quarter teaspoon and add more to taste, creating a delightful warmth that complements the savory notes.
• Herb Substitutions for Marjoram: Marjoram provides a unique earthy, slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have it, you can experiment with other complementary herbs like cumin for a warmer, spicier note, oregano for a more robust Italian profile, or thyme for a classic, subtle earthiness.

This one-pot meal is celebrated for its ease and speed, which means less time spent on preparation and, wonderfully, fewer dishes to wash! For optimal results and flavor development, we highly recommend preparing this soup in a Dutch Oven (affiliate link). A Dutch oven’s superior heat retention and distribution are unparalleled, allowing you to perfectly brown the ground beef directly in the same pot. This crucial step creates a rich “fond” (the browned bits at the bottom of the pot) that ordinary pots simply can’t replicate, adding immense depth of flavor to your chowder.

🔪 How to Make Our Award-Winning Shredded Carrot Chowder

Creating this delicious and healthy shredded carrot chowder is a straightforward process, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a perfect pot of soup every time:

1. Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables. In your large pot or Dutch oven, brown the lean ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey) over medium heat on the stovetop. As the meat cooks, add the chopped onions and green peppers, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked through and the vegetables have softened and become aromatic.

2. Step 2: Combine All Ingredients. Once your meat and vegetables are ready, add the shredded carrots (fresh or frozen), tomato juice, undiluted cream of celery soup, undiluted cream of mushroom soup, beef soup broth, minced garlic, and dried marjoram to the Dutch oven with the browned meat mixture.

3. Step 3: Whisk for Smoothness. Give all the ingredients a thorough whisk. This ensures that the condensed soups are fully incorporated and dissolve smoothly into the liquid, preventing any lumps and creating a beautifully uniform, creamy base for your chowder.

4. Step 4: Simmer to Perfection. Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chowder simmer, uncovered, for approximately 1 hour. This extended simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the vegetables become wonderfully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before serving, garnish generously with crispy onions if desired, adding a delightful crunch and extra layer of savory flavor.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Carrot Chowder

To ensure your shredded carrot chowder is absolutely perfect every time, consider these expert tips that enhance flavor, texture, and convenience:

• Shred the Carrots Finely for Optimal Texture and Flavor. For this recipe, the shredding of carrots is key. Using the fine grating side of a box grater or a food processor equipped with a shredding disc will yield delicate, fine shreds. These finer pieces not only cook much faster and soften beautifully, but they also integrate more thoroughly into the soup, allowing the sweet carrot flavor to permeate every spoonful evenly, without any chunky bits.
• Always Deglaze the Pan After Browning the Meat. This step is a secret weapon for maximizing flavor. After you’ve browned your ground beef and sautéed the onions and green peppers, add a small splash of beef broth or tomato juice to the hot pan. Scrape up all the delicious browned bits (known as “fond”) stuck to the bottom. This fond is packed with savory, caramelized flavor that will dissolve into your soup, boosting its umami depth significantly.
• Simmer Gently After Adding Creamed Soups. Once you’ve incorporated the cream of celery and cream of mushroom soups into your chowder, it’s crucial to maintain a gentle simmer. High heat can sometimes cause condensed creamed soups to curdle or become overly thick, compromising the desired smooth and velvety texture. A low, steady simmer ensures everything blends harmoniously.
• Use an Immersion Blender for an Even Creamier Variation. If your preference leans towards an exceptionally smooth and silky texture, an immersion (hand) blender is your best friend. After the soup has simmered and cooled slightly, blend a portion of the soup (or the entire pot, depending on your desired consistency) directly in the pot. This technique naturally thickens the soup further and creates a luxurious mouthfeel without requiring any additional dairy or starch.

🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Carrot Chowder

Elevate your healthy carrot soup experience by pairing it with accompaniments that complement its rich and creamy profile. For a truly indulgent and satisfying meal on a cool evening, serve this chowder alongside some freshly baked artisan crusty bread. A simple dipping oil made with good quality olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds an exquisite touch, transforming your meal into a gourmet experience.

When it comes to balsamic vinegar, I highly recommend Kirkland Balsamic Vinegar, which you can often find at Costco. It consistently offers an excellent sweet-to-sour balance and a pleasing, complex finish, especially impressive for its accessible price point. This vinegar pairs wonderfully with my homemade Bread Machine Artisan Onion & Olive Bread, creating an unforgettable side.

Alternatively, if you’re aiming to keep this carrot tomato soup recipe lighter, particularly if you’re following the Weight Watchers program, our Everything Bagel Cloud Bread Recipe is an outstanding choice. It’s a fantastic 0 WW point option that provides a delightful, airy texture and savory flavor without adding extra calories, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

Top Tip for Ultimate Convenience

For maximum efficiency and to significantly cut down on prep time for this and other recipes, utilize your food processor to quickly grate large quantities of carrots. Once shredded, portion them into freezer bags and store them for future use. This way, you’ll always have fresh, ready-to-use carrots at your fingertips. If you’re really short on time or simply prefer the ultimate convenience, most grocery stores now offer pre-grated carrots in their produce section, saving you a step.

The beauty of having extra grated carrots on hand extends beyond this chowder! You can effortlessly use them in other delightful recipes like Healthy Carrot Muffins with Pineapple, Healthy Zucchini and Carrot Bars, and even savory dishes such as Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Having them prepped and ready makes healthy cooking a breeze!

🌡️ Storage Instructions for Carrot Chowder

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious tomato carrot soup for days to come. Always ensure your soup has completely cooled to room temperature before transferring it to any storage container and moving it to the refrigerator or freezer. This step is crucial for both food safety and maintaining the soup’s quality.

*Important Note: Avoid refrigerating hot soup immediately. Direct temperature changes can accelerate oxidation and acidification of the soup, potentially causing it to develop a sour or off-flavor. Always allow it to cool first.

• Refrigeration: The cooked soup can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Its flavors tend to deepen and improve overnight!
• Freezing: This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

👪 Adjusting Serving Size for Your Family

This heartwarming cream of carrot soup recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 generous servings. Whether you’re cooking for a smaller household or planning a large gathering, adjusting the batch size is incredibly simple. You can easily double or even triple the recipe to create a larger batch. To do so, simply click on the serving size displayed in the interactive recipe card below, and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient amounts will automatically adjust to the correct proportions for you. I personally love to make a double batch, enjoying half immediately and freezing the other half for quick and easy future meals!

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Carrot Chowder Recipe

📋 Discover More Delicious Homemade Soup Recipes

If you enjoyed this wholesome carrot chowder, you’ll love exploring these other comforting and flavorful homemade soup recipes from our collection:

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