When the weather turns chilly and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm your soul. But who has the time to stand over a stove for hours? That’s where the crockpot comes to the rescue. In this article, we’ll explore seven of the best crockpot soups that are not only incredibly comforting but also delightfully easy to make. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of soul-warming goodness.
The Magic of Crockpot Soups:Before we delve into these soul-warming recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of crockpot soups. These hearty meals have been a kitchen favorite for busy home cooks, and they have a history as rich and comforting as the soups themselves. We’ll explore the origins and evolution of crockpot soups and understand why they hold a special place in our hearts. The convenience of preparing them in a crockpot adds an extra layer of charm to these already delightful dishes.
Choosing the Right Crockpot:Not all crockpots are the same, and in this section, we’ll help you choose the right one for your soup-making adventures. We’ll discuss the different sizes and features available, helping you select the perfect crockpot to match your culinary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a small family meal, we’ve got tips to guide you. Plus, we’ll highlight the convenience of programmable and smart crockpots that make modern soup-making a breeze.
Benefits of Crockpot Soups
Crockpot soups are like a warm hug on a chilly day. Here’s why they’re so fantastic:Convenience:Throw your ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. No need to babysit the stove.
Rich Flavors:The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and robust taste.
Budget-Friendly:Crockpot soups often make use of simple, affordable ingredients, making them easy on your wallet.
Now, let’s dive into the delicious world of crockpot soups!
Soup #1: Hearty Chicken Noodle
Ingredients
Chicken
Noodles
Vegetables
Broth
Directions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant.
Place the chicken breasts in the pot and season them with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook them until they’re nicely browned on both sides. This adds a rich flavor to your soup.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the chicken cook for about 20 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked. You can tell it’s done when the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with a fork. This step gives your soup that hearty, chickeny goodness.
Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Simmer them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re tender.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it in. This is where the magic happens, and your soup starts to take shape.
Toss in the egg noodles and cook for another 10 minutes or until they’re tender. Noodles make it extra comforting.
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Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, good soup should never be bland!
Serve hot and enjoy a heartwarming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dunking.
Instructions
Place chicken, noodles, and veggies in the crockpot.
Add broth and seasonings.
Cook on low for several hours until the chicken is tender.
Personal touch:I once left the crockpot running while I went out. When I returned, the whole house smelled like grandma’s kitchen, and I had a hearty meal waiting for me!
Soup #2: Savory Tomato Basil
Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes
Basil leaves
Onions
Garlic
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions are soft and translucent.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil and dried oregano. Let this mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Slowly add the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows the soup to develop its rich, savory taste.
Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Be careful, as hot liquids can splash. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and return the soup to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through without boiling. This step adds a luscious, creamy texture to the soup.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to taste and adjust for your preference.
Ladle the savory tomato basil soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Instructions
Dice fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
Add basil leaves and spices.
Let it simmer in the crockpot.
Fun fact:Did you know that tomatoes are technically a fruit? So, this soup has a fruity twist to it!
Soup #3: Spicy Taco Soup
Ingredients
Ground beef
Spices
Beans
Corn
Directions
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté until the veggies are tender and the meat is fully cooked.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies with those flavorful spices.
Time to add the beans – black beans and kidney beans. Give them a good rinse and toss them into the pot.
Throw in the corn, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel). Mix everything together and let the ingredients party for a couple of minutes.
Pour in the beef or chicken broth. Bring the whole fiesta to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat and let the Spicy Taco Soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This will let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. More chili powder or cumin if you want it spicier, or a pinch of salt for that extra oomph.
Serve up your Spicy Taco Soup hot, and feel free to garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added flair. Or not. It’s your fiesta, after all!
Instructions
Brown the ground beef with spices.
Add beans, corn, and other ingredients.
Let the flavors mingle in the crockpot.
Spice it up:Be careful with the spiciness! I once made this soup and ended up drinking a whole gallon of milk.
Soup #4: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar
Ingredients
Broccoli
Cheddar cheese
Cream
Directions
Begin by blanching the broccoli florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli, and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and green.
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant.
Stir in the flour, creating a roux. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes until it’s light golden brown. This step thickens the soup.
Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
Toss the blanched broccoli into the pot. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Using an immersion blender or a regular blender (in batches), blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
Return the blended soup to the pot, and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is velvety.
Season the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you desire a touch of warmth.
Serve hot, garnished with crusty bread or croutons for added texture and flavor.
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Instructions
Steam the broccoli.
Mix in cheddar cheese and cream.
Let it get creamy in the crockpot.
Broccoli, really?: I used to hate broccoli as a kid, but in this soup, it’s surprisingly delicious!
Soup #5: Beef and Vegetable Stew
Ingredients
Beef chunks
Potatoes
Carrots
Spices
Directions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This step adds a depth of flavor to your stew.
Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, celery, green beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir everything together.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt; you can always adjust later.
Cover the pot and let the Beef and Vegetable Stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors meld.
Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Serve your wholesome stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Instructions
Brown the beef.
Add veggies, spices, and broth.
Slow cook it all in the crockpot.
Stew mishaps: The first time I made stew, I forgot to add the lid. Let’s just say, it didn’t turn out as expected.
Soup #6: Lentil and Sausage Delight
Ingredients
Lentils
Sausage links
Onions
Spices
Directions
In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
In the same pot, using some of the sausage drippings, sauté the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery until they soften and become aromatic.
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together.
Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let the Lentil and Sausage Delight simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir.
Serve this hearty delight hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like a touch of green.
Instructions
Cook lentils and sausage with onions and spices.
Let the crockpot work its magic.
Sausage surprise: The sausages give this soup a delightful twist. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
Soup #7: Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes
Coconut milk
Curry spices
Peas
Directions
In a large skillet or pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute, releasing those delightful aromas.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes to let the veggies soak up all the flavors.
Spoon in the red curry paste. This is where the magic starts. Stir it in and let it coat the veggies.
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and let the Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Toss in the frozen peas and sprinkle the ground turmeric and cumin. This adds a lovely depth of flavor and a touch of color.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir.
Serve your flavorful curry over cooked rice or with some warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.
Instructions
Mix sweet potatoes, coconut milk, curry spices, and peas.
Crockpot does the rest!
Exotic twist: This soup may sound exotic, but it’s incredibly easy to make and has a unique, unforgettable flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it, the 7 best crockpot soups to warm your soul on a chilly day. Each of these soups offers a different experience, from the comforting chicken noodle to the exotic sweet potato and coconut curry. So, go ahead, grab your crockpot, and let it work its magic. The result? A warm and hearty bowl of goodness that will leave you craving more.Before you go, here’s a little piece of advice: Don’t make the same mistake I did with the spicy taco soup. A glass of milk may not be enough to cool down those taste buds!
Crockpot soups are not just meals; they are a source of comfort and nourishment. Whether you opt for the classic chicken noodle soup, the hearty beef stew, the creamy tomato basil soup, or any of the other delightful recipes, you’re in for a soul-warming experience.So, pick your favorite recipe, set up your crockpot, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of slow-cooked soups. Your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you for introducing them to the world of crockpot soups. It’s a delightful experience that can turn an ordinary day into a heartwarming one. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the soul-satisfying goodness of these crockpot soups.Crockpot soups are a surefire way to warm your soul and fill your belly with deliciousness. Whether you opt for the classic chicken noodle, a hearty beef stew, a velvety broccoli cheddar, a spicy chili, a protein-packed lentil and sausage, a sweet butternut squash and apple, or a creamy potato leek, these recipes are all designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier.So, next time you want to savor the comfort of a warm bowl of soup, dust off your crockpot and choose one of these fantastic recipes. Your soul will thank you for it, one savory spoonful at a time.
