Crockpot soups are a great way to make tasty meals with little effort. You can toss ingredients in the pot, set it, and forget it until dinner time. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a warm, comforting meal.
These 25 crockpot soup recipes offer something for everyone, from classic chicken noodle to hearty vegetarian chili. You’ll find options that are creamy, brothy, meaty, or packed with veggies. Many of these soups freeze well, so you can make big batches to enjoy later.
1. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a perfect choice for your crockpot. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.
Start by adding chicken, tomatoes, and broth to your slow cooker. Toss in some onions, peppers, and garlic for extra taste. Don’t forget the spices – cumin, chili powder, and salt work well.
Add black beans and corn for more substance. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred when done.
Serve your soup with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
2. Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and barley soup is a hearty meal perfect for your crockpot. You’ll love how the flavors blend as it cooks all day.
Start by browning ground beef or cubed stew meat. Add it to your slow cooker with beef broth, chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
Stir in pearl barley, garlic, and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
The barley will thicken the soup as it cooks. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or beer.
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning to taste. This filling soup is great with crusty bread on the side.
3. Vegetable Lentil Soup
Vegetable lentil soup is a tasty and filling meal you can easily make in your crockpot. Start by adding chopped onions, celery, carrots, and garlic to the pot.
Next, toss in lentils, diced tomatoes, and your choice of vegetables like potatoes or corn. Pour in vegetable broth and season with herbs like oregano and thyme.
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. The long cooking time lets the flavors blend and the lentils become tender.
For extra nutrients, add some chopped kale about 15 minutes before serving. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days and will keep you full for hours.
4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This tasty soup is perfect for your crockpot. You’ll need diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste for a rich base.
Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor. Don’t forget fresh basil and oregano to give it that classic taste.
Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it simmer. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
For extra creaminess, make a quick roux with butter and flour. Stir it in near the end of cooking time.
Blend the soup until smooth. You can use an immersion blender right in the crockpot. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade tomato basil soup.
5. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a great choice for your crockpot. This hearty Italian soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta.
To make it, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable stock, and water to your slow cooker. Toss in carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Add herbs like oregano and rosemary.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add zucchini and pasta. Some recipes also include green beans and spinach at this stage.
You can customize your minestrone with different vegetables or beans. A parmesan rind adds extra flavor. Serve with grated cheese on top for a comforting meal.
6. Split Pea and Ham Soup
Split pea and ham soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for your crockpot. You’ll need dried split peas, a ham bone or ham hock, and some veggies like carrots, celery, and onions.
Rinse the peas and add them to your slow cooker with the ham, chopped vegetables, and broth. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the peas are tender and the soup is thick.
Stir the soup a few times during cooking to prevent sticking. The meat will fall off the bone, making it easy to shred and mix back into the soup.
For a thicker soup, you can reduce the liquid slightly. This hearty meal is great for using up leftover ham and will warm you up on chilly days.
7. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days. You can easily make it in your crockpot with minimal effort.
Add chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and broth to your slow cooker. Popular veggie choices include carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
Season the soup with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The chicken will be tender and easy to shred when done. The wild rice will be soft and flavorful.
You can add a splash of cream at the end for extra richness. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken and wild rice soup.
8. Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic comfort food perfect for your crockpot. You’ll love how the slow cooking makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Start by browning cubes of beef in a pan. Add them to your slow cooker with potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Pour in beef broth and tomato paste for a rich base. Season with herbs like thyme and rosemary. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth.
Set your crockpot on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s great for cold days.
You can thicken the stew by mixing flour with some of the broth near the end of cooking. Serve hot and enjoy!
9. Potato Leek Soup
Potato leek soup is a comforting classic that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. You’ll need potatoes, leeks, broth, and a few simple seasonings.
Start by chopping the light parts of the leeks into rounds. Cook them with butter and garlic until soft. Add this mixture to your slow cooker along with diced potatoes.
Pour in chicken broth and add herbs like thyme and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 5-8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
When done, blend the soup until smooth. For a creamier version, stir in some milk or half-and-half before serving. You can also top it with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
10. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a perfect fall comfort food you can easily make in your crockpot. To start, add cubed butternut squash, onion, carrot, and apple to your slow cooker.
Toss in some garlic, salt, turmeric, and cinnamon for flavor. Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Once the squash is tender, blend the soup until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in some coconut milk at the end. You can garnish with sage or thyme if you like.
This soup is both delicious and nutritious. It’s a great way to warm up on chilly days.
11. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting crockpot meal you’ll love. This creamy soup combines tender broccoli florets with rich, melted cheddar cheese.
You can make it easily with simple ingredients. Just add broccoli, cheese, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Let it simmer for a few hours until the broccoli is soft.
The result is a velvety smooth soup packed with flavor. It tastes even better than restaurant versions. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
This recipe is perfect for busy days. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet too.
12. Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a perfect soup for your crockpot. You can make a delicious New England or Manhattan style chowder with ease.
For New England clam chowder, add potatoes, onions, celery, and clams to your slow cooker. Pour in clam juice and broth, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 7-10 hours.
Manhattan clam chowder uses a tomato base instead of cream. Mix diced tomatoes, vegetables, clams, and seasonings in your crockpot. Let it simmer for 5-6 hours on high.
Near the end of cooking, stir in some half-and-half or cream for New England style. For extra flavor, top your chowder with crispy bacon bits before serving.
13. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for your crockpot. You’ll love how easy it is to make this rich, flavorful dish.
Start by adding sliced onions, butter, and a pinch of sugar to your slow cooker. Let them cook on low for 8-10 hours until they’re golden brown and caramelized.
Next, pour in beef broth and a splash of sherry. Add some thyme and a bay leaf for extra flavor. Cook for another 2-3 hours until everything is hot and bubbling.
Serve your soup in oven-safe bowls topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. Pop them under the broiler for a few minutes to get that signature gooey, crispy top.
14. Italian Sausage and Kale Soup
This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage with nutritious kale for a comforting meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make in your slow cooker.
Start by browning the sausage and adding it to your crockpot. Toss in some diced onions, celery, and carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes for a filling base. Seasonings like garlic powder and thyme enhance the Italian flavors.
Let the soup simmer on low for 6-8 hours. Add the chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps it fresh and slightly crisp.
Serve your Italian sausage and kale soup hot. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
15. Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is a comforting crockpot soup perfect for cool days. You can easily make it in your slow cooker with just a few ingredients.
Start by adding corn, potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
For extra creaminess, stir in some half-and-half or cream near the end of cooking. You can also add crispy bacon bits and fresh chives as toppings.
This hearty soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping to complete your cozy dinner.
16. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
This exotic soup brings Thai flavors to your crockpot. Start by adding chicken, coconut milk, broth, and aromatic ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and lime to your slow cooker.
Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Near the end, toss in some mushrooms and bell peppers for extra texture. A splash of fish sauce and lime juice adds depth and brightness.
Serve your Thai coconut chicken soup over rice noodles if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an authentic touch.
17. White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is a tasty and comforting crockpot soup. You can easily make it by layering chicken, beans, and corn in your slow cooker.
Mix chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, green chiles, and seasonings in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours. When done, shred the chicken and stir it back in. Add some cilantro and lime juice for extra flavor.
This hearty chili is perfect for chilly days. You can top it with cheese, sour cream, or avocado for a delicious meal.
18. Vegetarian Chili
You can make a tasty vegetarian chili in your crockpot with simple ingredients. Start with a base of beans like kidney, black, and pinto. Add diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for flavor and texture.
Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, and garlic. For extra heartiness, toss in some quinoa or sweet potato chunks. Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
This meat-free chili is packed with protein and fiber. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need an easy meal. Serve it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
19. Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup brings the flavors of classic stuffed peppers to your crockpot. You’ll love this easy, hearty meal.
Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet. Add them to your slow cooker with bell peppers, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
Cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The peppers will become soft and the flavors will blend nicely.
Prepare rice separately according to package directions. Add it to the soup before serving for the perfect stuffed pepper taste.
Top your bowl with shredded cheese for extra flavor. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days.
20. Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
This hearty soup combines Italian flavors with the convenience of a crockpot. You’ll need sausage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese-filled tortellini pasta.
Start by cooking the sausage, onions, and garlic. Add them to your slow cooker with broth, tomatoes, and seasonings like basil and oregano.
Let the mixture simmer on low for about 6 hours. Near the end, toss in the tortellini and some fresh vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
The result is a rich, satisfying soup perfect for cool evenings. It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
21. Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is a cozy fall favorite you can easily make in your crockpot. Start by adding pumpkin puree, onion, garlic, and chicken or vegetable stock to your slow cooker.
For extra flavor, include spices like cinnamon, cumin, or ginger. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender.
Before serving, blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Stir in some cream or coconut milk for richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy your comforting homemade pumpkin soup.
22. Turkey and Rice Soup
Turkey and rice soup is a comforting crockpot meal perfect for using leftover turkey. To make it, combine turkey, broth, and veggies in your slow cooker.
Add carrots, celery, and onions for flavor and nutrition. Seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper enhance the taste.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours. Add rice near the end of cooking time to prevent it from getting mushy.
For extra richness, you can add diced bacon. Some recipes suggest using egg noodles instead of rice for variety.
This hearty soup is easy to customize with your favorite herbs and vegetables.
23. Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup brings the classic Italian dish to your crockpot. You can enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup form.
Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Add it to your slow cooker with crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian herbs. Let it simmer on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Near the end of cooking, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cook for another 30 minutes until the pasta is tender. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese.
This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s easier to make than traditional lasagna but just as satisfying.
24. Hamburger Soup
Hamburger soup is a hearty and filling crockpot dish. You can easily make this comforting meal with ground beef and lots of veggies.
Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions to your slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and put it in too. Pour in beef broth and tomatoes.
Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The result is a thick, tasty soup perfect for cold days. You can customize it by adding pasta or extra vegetables if you like.
25. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This bright and comforting soup is perfect for your slow cooker. You’ll need chicken, chicken stock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs.
Add these ingredients to your crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
About 30 minutes before serving, add orzo pasta to the soup. It will cook quickly in the hot broth.
Finish the soup with fresh lemon juice and spinach. The lemon adds a zesty flavor, while spinach provides color and nutrients.
This soup is easy to make and tastes great. It’s a filling meal that’s sure to please your family.
Nutritional Benefits of Crockpot Soups
Crockpot soups pack a nutritional punch. They offer a mix of low-calorie options, protein-rich choices, and fiber-filled ingredients that support good digestion.
Low-Calorie Options
Crockpot soups can be great for weight management. Many recipes are naturally low in calories but still filling. Vegetable-based soups like tomato or cauliflower are especially light.
A cup of broth-based soup often has fewer than 100 calories. This makes it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without overeating.
You can boost flavor without adding calories by using herbs and spices. Try adding garlic, thyme, or basil to your soups for extra taste.
High-Protein Choices
Crockpot soups can be excellent sources of protein. Chicken noodle, beef and vegetable, and lentil soups all offer good amounts of this important nutrient.
A serving of chicken soup typically has 15-20 grams of protein. Bean-based soups can provide even more, with some offering up to 25 grams per bowl.
High-protein soups help you feel full longer. They also support muscle health and repair. This makes them great options for active people or those trying to build strength.
Fiber Content and Digestion
Crockpot soups are often rich in fiber, which is key for good digestion. Vegetables, beans, and whole grains in soups all contribute to their fiber content.
A bowl of bean soup can offer 7-10 grams of fiber. That’s about a third of your daily needs. Fiber helps keep you regular and feeds good gut bacteria.
Fiber-rich soups can also help control blood sugar levels. They digest slowly, preventing quick spikes in glucose. This makes them smart choices for people watching their blood sugar.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Soups
Making great crockpot soups takes a few key skills. You’ll need to pick the right ingredients, control cooking time and temp, and add flavor. Here’s how to nail each of these elements.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Pick fresh veggies that hold up well to long cooking. Carrots, celery, and onions are classics. Avoid soft veggies like zucchini or spinach until the end. They can get mushy.
Use tough cuts of meat. They get tender and flavorful in the slow cooker. Chicken thighs, beef chuck, or pork shoulder work great.
Add starches like potatoes or pasta in the last hour. This keeps them from getting too soft.
Canned beans are handy. Rinse them first to cut down on salt. Dried beans need to be soaked overnight before using.
Timing and Temperature Control
Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow is best for most soups.
Don’t lift the lid too often. Each peek lets heat escape and adds 15-20 minutes to cook time.
Fill the pot 1/2 to 2/3 full. This helps food cook evenly.
Add dairy products in the last 30 minutes. They can curdle if cooked too long.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F, beef 145°F.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
Brown meat before adding it to the pot. This adds depth to your soup.
Use dried herbs at the start. Add fresh herbs near the end for brighter flavor.
A splash of acid like lemon juice or vinegar can perk up flavors.
Umami boosters like tomato paste or soy sauce add richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Flavors concentrate as liquid evaporates.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new spice blends or veggie combos to keep things interesting.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Crockpot soups pair well with many sides and breads. The right accompaniments can turn a simple soup into a complete, satisfying meal.
Complementary Side Dishes
A fresh green salad makes a great partner for hearty soups. Try mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing. Roasted vegetables are another tasty option. Consider carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
For creamy soups, add a crunchy element like homemade croutons or toasted nuts. Sliced avocado works well with spicy soups like chili or tortilla soup.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect with tomato soup. For chicken noodle, try egg noodles on the side. Rice or quinoa can bulk up broth-based soups.
Best Bread and Cracker Pairings
Crusty bread is ideal for dipping in soup. Try a French baguette, sourdough, or whole grain loaf. For a twist, serve garlic bread or cheesy toast.
Crackers add crunch and flavor. Saltines work with most soups. For creamy soups, try butter crackers or cheese crisps. Whole grain crackers pair nicely with vegetable soups.
Cornbread is great with chili or bean soups. For a gluten-free option, serve rice cakes or gluten-free crackers.
Try making your own croutons from day-old bread. Season with herbs and garlic for extra flavor.