Effortless Slow Cooker Soups For Chilly Days

When the temperature drops and the chilly days roll in, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. And what’s better than a soup that practically cooks itself? With our collection of effortless slow cooker soup recipes, you can simply toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let your crockpot work its magic. Whether you’re craving a hearty tomato bisque, a creamy broccoli cheddar, or a flavorful chicken noodle soup, you’ll find a treasure trove of mouthwatering recipes that will make your taste buds dance with delight. So grab your ladle and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of homemade soup without the hassle.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. With its rich and velvety texture, this soup will surely satisfy your cravings. The combination of juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil creates a delightful flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

To make creamy tomato basil soup, you will need the following ingredients:

2 pounds of ripe tomatoes
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cups of vegetable broth
1/2 cup of heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by washing and cutting the tomatoes into quarters.
In a slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped basil leaves.
Add the tomatoes to the slow cooker and pour in the vegetable broth.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the tomatoes are soft and tender.
Once the tomatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Allow the soup to cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve the creamy tomato basil soup hot and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips and variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add a can of diced tomatoes with their juices to enhance the tomato flavor.
If you prefer a vegan version of the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy and dairy-free option.
Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite herbs and spices such as oregano or thyme.
To make the soup even heartier, you can add cooked pasta or rice to the finished soup. This will add texture and make it a more filling meal.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms both your body and soul. This classic soup is packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful noodles. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a comforting meal, chicken noodle soup is a go-to recipe for everyone.

Ingredients

To make chicken noodle soup, gather the following ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8 cups of chicken broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups of egg noodles
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
About 20-30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
Cook on low heat for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the noodles are fully cooked.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.

Tips and variations

If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add additional vegetables such as peas or corn.
To add extra flavor to the soup, you can sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding the chicken breasts yourself.
To make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked rice or quinoa instead of egg noodles.

Effortless Slow Cooker Soups For Chilly Days

Beef Stew

Beef stew is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly days. With tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew will warm you up from the inside out. It’s a classic recipe that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

To make beef stew, you will need the following ingredients:

2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into cubes
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups of beef broth
1 cup of red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by coating the beef stew meat in flour. This will help thicken the stew later on.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the coated beef stew meat to the skillet and brown it on all sides. This will help seal in the flavors and create a crust on the meat.
Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker, along with the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well-developed.
Serve the beef stew hot and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and variations

For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef stew meat in the red wine overnight before cooking. This will add richness to the stew.
Feel free to add any other vegetables you prefer, such as mushrooms or peas.
To make the stew thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) in the last hour of cooking and allow it to thicken.
If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with beef broth or simply omit it from the recipe.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash, combined with aromatic spices, creates a delicious and comforting soup. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To make butternut squash soup, gather the following ingredients:

1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of vegetable broth
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the butternut squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Allow the soup to cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve the butternut squash soup hot and garnish with a drizzle of heavy cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Tips and variations

For extra depth of flavor, you can roast the cubed butternut squash in the oven before adding it to the slow cooker. Simply toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, or until golden and caramelized.
To make the soup vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy and dairy-free option.
For additional texture and flavor, you can top the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled crispy bacon.
If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a subtle kick.

Effortless Slow Cooker Soups For Chilly Days

Vegetable Minestrone Soup

Vegetable minestrone soup is a wholesome and nutritious meal that is packed with a variety of vegetables and hearty beans. This Italian-inspired soup is a great way to incorporate a rainbow of flavors and colors into your diet. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for endless variations, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients

To make vegetable minestrone soup, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 can of diced tomatoes
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of small pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced zucchini, and diced yellow squash to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, drained and rinsed kidney beans, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve the vegetable minestrone soup hot and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips and variations

Feel free to add any other vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers or green beans.
If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add cooked quinoa or barley instead of pasta.
For extra flavor, you can sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pot.
To make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein.

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a healthy and hearty dish that is packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of nutrients. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. With the earthy flavors of lentils, aromatic spices, and nutritious vegetables, this soup is a delicious way to incorporate plant-based ingredients into your diet.

Ingredients

To make lentil soup, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups of dried lentils, rinsed and drained
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups of vegetable broth
2 cups of water
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice, for serving
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed and drained lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, sliced celery, vegetable broth, water, can of diced tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
Once the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. This will help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
Stir in fresh lemon juice to taste, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the lentil soup hot and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Tips and variations

For a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a subtle kick.
Feel free to add any other vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers or spinach.
To enhance the flavor, you can sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
For a heartier soup, you can add cooked brown rice or quinoa to the finished soup.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli cheese soup is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with the rich flavors of cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and will warm you up from the inside out. With its silky texture and cheesy goodness, it’s hard to resist a bowl of this delicious soup.

Ingredients

To make broccoli cheese soup, you will need the following ingredients:

4 cups of broccoli florets
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of vegetable broth
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the broccoli florets, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the broccoli is tender.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until well combined.
Gradually whisk the milk and flour mixture into the soup, and cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the soup.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Allow the soup to cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the flavors are well-combined.
Serve the broccoli cheese soup hot and garnish with additional shredded cheese, if desired.

Tips and variations

Feel free to add any other vegetables you prefer, such as cauliflower or carrots.
For extra flavor, you can sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of butter or olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
To make the soup even creamier, you can stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
For added texture and flavor, you can top the soup with crumbled crispy bacon or toasted bread crumbs.

French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic dish that is loved for its rich, caramelized flavors and gooey cheese topping. This soup is a perfect balance of sweet onions, savory broth, and melted cheese. With its comforting aroma and delicious taste, French onion soup is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

To make French onion soup, gather the following ingredients:

4 large onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons of butter
4 cups of beef broth
2 cups of vegetable broth
1/2 cup of red wine (optional)
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
French bread, sliced
Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. This process can take about 30-40 minutes.
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle them with flour and stir well to coat.
Transfer the caramelized onions to a slow cooker and add the beef broth, vegetable broth, red wine (if using), dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the flavors are well-developed.
About 10-15 minutes before serving, preheat the broiler in your oven.
Slice the French bread into thick slices, and place them on a baking sheet.
Broil the French bread slices in the oven for a couple of minutes, until they become toasted and golden.
Ladle the French onion soup into ovenproof bowls, and place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese over each slice of bread.
Place the bowls under the broiler for a couple of minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the French onion soup hot.

Tips and variations

If you prefer a vegetarian version of the soup, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a savory and meat-free option.
For a different twist, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions for a tangy flavor.
You can customize the cheese topping by using a combination of Gruyere cheese and Swiss cheese, or even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Feel free to add additional toppings such as croutons or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added texture and freshness.

Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup is a creamy and satisfying dish that is perfect for those cold winter nights. With its velvety texture and delicate flavors, this soup is a true comfort food. The combination of potatoes and leeks creates a wonderful balance of earthy and subtle sweetness that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

To make potato leek soup, you will need the following ingredients:

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, sliced leeks, vegetable broth, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can use a potato masher or fork to lightly mash some of the potatoes.
Allow the soup to cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve the potato leek soup hot and garnish with chopped fresh chives.

Tips and variations

For a richer soup, you can substitute the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy and dairy-free option.
Feel free to add any other vegetables you prefer, such as carrots or celery, to add more texture and flavor to the soup.
To make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked bacon or ham for additional protein and a smoky flavor.

Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for cold winter days. Made with dried split peas and a variety of vegetables, this soup is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. It’s a simple and budget-friendly recipe that will keep you warm and satisfied.

Ingredients

To make split pea soup, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups of dried split peas, rinsed and drained
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
8 cups of vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed and drained split peas, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the split peas are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup.
Using an immersion blender, puree a portion of the soup until smooth. This will thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
Stir the soup to combine the pureed and chunky portions.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the split pea soup hot and garnish with crispy croutons or chopped fresh parsley.

Tips and variations

For a smoky flavor, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon or ham to the soup.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) in the last hour of cooking and allow it to thicken.
Feel free to add any other vegetables you prefer, such as potatoes or leeks, to add more texture and flavor to the soup.
To make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked sausage or chicken for additional protein and flavor.