If you’re looking for comforting stew and soup recipes to make at home, you’re in the right place!From creamy vegetable-based soups to meaty stews and everything in between, there is something for everyone on this list of 20+ soups and stews for the cozy months ahead.
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It’s officially SOUP SEASON, and I, for one, am super excited for chillier temperatures and lazy evenings that include a bowl of soup. Let’s just pretend that I don’t live in Central Texas where the weather has been unseasonably warm.
Soup is one of the most comforting dishes there is, and there are so many variations on it.
From classics, like chicken noodle soup and French onion, to the more unique recipes, meaty chilis, creamy comforts (like Broccoli Cheddar Soup) and more, we’ve got a bit of everything on this list that just happen to be some of MY favorite soup recipes.
In addition to the variety of flavors and texture, we’ve got recipes here that are quick and easy while others require some more time and effort.
There is something for everyone, truly.
Things I love about soup:
Soup is comfort food. Not only is it cozy, but it’s chock full of good-for-the-soul ingredients.
It’s easy to share. After all, it’s made in a big pot. You can also make some for now and freeze extra for later. (More on this below.)
You can make it early! Many soups actually taste better after a day in the fridge because the flavors all get to meld together.
Pairing perfection. Serve a bowl of soup with crusty bread, cornbread muffins or crackers to complete the meal.
What you need to make soup at home:
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Obviously, this depends on the recipe you are making, but here are a few common tools that you might want to have on hand for any adventure that involves soup making:
Let the soup or stew cool, then transfer to an airtight container. (Large mason jars work like a charm, too, so long as the liquid isn’t too hot!) Store in the fridge for 3-6 days, depending on the recipe.
DID YOU KNOW?
If there is pasta in your recipe, consider boiling the pasta separately and storing in a separate container. If the pasta is stored in the liquid, it will soak it up, and you’ll have less for leftovers… and soggy noodles.
Reheating tip:
Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove or warm through in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if necessary to thin it out.
How to freeze:
Let the recipe cool, then transer for a freezer-safe storage container (or something like a SouperCube) and freeze until solid.
Most soups will keep for 1-2 months in the freezer if they are packaged correctly.
Pro tip!
Do not freeze a soup that has any type of milk or heavy cream in it, as dairy products tend to get weird in the freezer.
Want to see the different soup and stew recipes? I’ve broken them down by soups and stews with added meat, vegetable-based recipes and ones made in a slow cooker or an electric pressure cooker.
Here you go…
Meaty Soups and Stews
1
Turkey Tortilla Soup
Looking to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? Transform the turkey into a batch of Turkey Tortilla Soup, a fun twist on the classic. This comforting, creamy soup comes together with very little effort and minimal ingredients. Also, it freezes like a dream, so you can store some for later!
Chicken Spaetzle Soup is a perfect comfort food for a chilly day. Classic chicken soup with onions, carrots and celery is filled with spaetzle, German egg noodles, to create this comforting twist on a classic.
Rich, flavorful French Onion Soup, topped with a crunchy slice of bread and gooey cheese is a comforting entree for the wintertime. This soup’s onions caramelize in the oven, then the soup is made on the stovetop before individual servings are topped with bread and cheese and broiled until crusty, gooey and delicious.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is the ultimate Louisiana comfort food! This gumbo starts with a dark roux as its base. Once the roux is ready and combined with water, add sautéed chopped green bell pepper, onion and celery to the pot. Sear the chicken and sausage, too, before throwing them in, and letting the gumbo cook low and slow for hours. From-scratch gumbo is a labor of love, but it’s a delicious one that is perfect to serve to a crowd over rice.
Ground Turkey Taco Soup is the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s warm, comforting and hearty, perfect for fall and winter — or any time you crave the flavor of tacos without the tortillas.
Hearty Shiner Bock Chili makes the perfect wintertime meal that the whole family will love. Ground beef, chili en adobo, canned whole tomatoes, a bottle of Shiner Bock, and spices come together to make this comfort dish in 30 minutes! Once cooked, let the chili simmer on the stovetop until it’s time to eat. A comforting dish to the core, Shiner Bock Chili highlights the spicy/sweet of chili en adobo and a well-loved Texas dark lager. YUM!
Want to know the secret to a fast-cooking chicken noodle soup? Your favorite grocery store rotisserie chicken and a solid base of vegetables! This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe could not be simpler to make and is the ULTIMATE comfort food.
Slightly spicy and completely comforting Beef and Buffalo Chili is a new favorite in our household! This homemade chili, made with simple, flavorful ingredients, is perfect for a crowd or the family as a homey weeknight meal. Chipotle chile powder adds spice while two different kinds of meat elevate this chili recipe! Beef and Buffalo Chili is perfect for crisp fall and winter weather and serves as a bowl full of comfort during chilly months!
Classic Cajun Seafood Gumbo is intensely rich, yet delicate, and perfect for a chilly day. Chock full of shrimp, crab and oysters, this gumbo recipe sings with flavors from the sea. It makes a big batch, too, so you can share it or freeze it for later.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is creamy, comforting and hearty for any evening or occasion. This easy weeknight meal calls for leftover roasted butternut squash and adds extra flavor with pancetta, onion and garlic.
Savory, smooth and flavorful, Sweet Potato Bisque is chock full of sweet potato goodness. Made with simple ingredients and warming spices, this vegetarian soup is bound to wow your guests, no matter if it's served as a weeknight dinner or a party entree. In addition, this recipe can be tweaked to feed someone on the Whole30 or a paleo eater! Sweet Potato Bisque is perfect comforting meal for a cold winter's evening.
Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a flavorful and comforting soup that's not too heavy. Full of roasted cauliflower and creamy cheddar cheese, this creamy soup is perfect for a chilly day.
Looking for a soup to warm your soul as winter loosens its grasp on our country? Try this Spicy Tomato Soup, a heat-filled and warming soup for a cold day.
Vegan Potato Leek Soup makes the perfect creamy soup for all seasons! This Whole30-compliant, Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free soup recipe takes an hour to make and packs a flavorful punch. Cook leeks, onion and garlic together, then add veggie stock and red potatoes and boil. Once the potatoes are soft, blend until smooth. Swirl in coconut cream, then serve warm with an additional dollop of coconut cream and a sprinkle of chives and paprika.
The weather has been chilly recently, so let's warm up with a wonderful bowl of Potato and Leek Soup. It's healthy, full of veggies and is filling, too!
Whip up easy and flavorful Instant Pot Gumbo to share with friends and family this season! Full of flavor, this twist on the classic Louisiana chicken and sausage entree is made easy using an electric pressure cooker.
Seared beef, potatoes and veggies come together in this Slow Cooker Beef Stew for the ultimate comforting dinner. Put it together in the morning hours and come home to the best meal!
Slow cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is a wintertime classic for a reason! Chock full of veggies, chicken and fresh tortellini, this homemade soup is easy to make and even easier to share with the people you love.
Creamy, comforting and perfect for a chilly day, this Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe is loaded with flavor! Made with your favorite potatoes, onions, garlic and finished with cream cheese, sour cream and your favorite baked potato toppings, this slow cooker soup recipe is easy to make and great for any night of the week.
Homemade Texas Chili never tasted so good! This twist on the classic recipe calls for beef stew meat instead of the ground variety and TONS of spices. With flavors as big and bold as Texas, this Texas-style Chili is sure to be adored this fall and winter!
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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