As the temperature drops and the cold winter months approach, layering up and popping on some fluffy socks almost becomes routine practice, but why not warm up through your diet. Feasting on some hearty meals will not only keep you full for prolonged periods but can also help to increase your body temperature. Of course, the star of the show in these months has to be chili, soup, and stews!
Jump to:
- The Best Chili and Soup Recipes
- Lasagna Soup (Slow Cooker)
- Thai Chicken Soup (Slow Cooker)
- Basil Tomato and Tortellini Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Leek and Potato Soup Recipe
- Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
- Cheese and Broccoli Soup
- Chicken and Tortilla Soup
- Wild Rice and Chicken Soup
- Red Lentil and Coconut Soup
- Taco Soup (Slow cooker)
- Black Bean Soup
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Cabbage Soup
- Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
- Chicken Chili
- Pumpkin Chili
- Black Bean and Mango Chili
- Chicken Chili
- Three Bean Chili (Vegan Friendly)
- Chickpea and Sweet Potato Chili
- Mediterranean Farro Stew
- Butternut and Beef Stew
- Italian Chicken Stew
- Beef Stew (Dutch Oven)
- Hungarian Goulash
- Corn and Yellow Split Pea Chowder
- Tomato Bisque
- Handy Tools for Making Soups
- Final thoughts
- 📖 Recipe
The Best Chili and Soup Recipes
A great thing about the dishes that we have mentioned in our list is that they are made using real and healthy ingredients. As soups have a high liquid content they not only keep you feeling full but keep you hydrated too.
They are also good for our immune systems as they contain nutrients that are known to fight diseases. Most of them have tons of vegetables, bone broth, and grains.
Stews typically have a higher calorie content than soups and a thicker consistency, however, they can be healthy depending on the ingredients that you add.
Chilli is typically flavored with peppers, chilies, and beans all of which are a great source of fiber. It can also aid with weight loss.
Need More Inspiration after this list? Make sure you check out some of my other favorite soup recipes!
- The Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Easy Dutch Oven Cabbage Vegetable Soup
- Copycat Pasta e Fagioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe
- Comforting Dutch Oven Vegetable Soup Recipe
Lasagna Soup (Slow Cooker)
Recipe: damndelicious
If you enjoy eating lasagna, you are more than likely to enjoy lasagna soup that has been made in a slow cooker.
As it has been made in a slow cooker you aren’t confronted with the chore of cleaning up messy dishes and utensils after cooking.
You also don’t have to fuss around with layering each sheet of pasta neatly. Prepare your favorite vegetables and select any type of pasta that you have available and combine them in your slow cooker.
Then add some cheese to enhance the flavor.
This soup will take around 8 hours in the slow cooker so you can continue with your day and upon your return home, you will be welcomed by the delicious taste of home cooked lasagna.
Thai Chicken Soup (Slow Cooker)
Recipe: showmetheyummy
I’m sure we are all familiar with normal chicken soup, but why not mix it up and make your own Thai Chicken soup.
This is another recipe that can be made in the slow cooker and for many, it is likely to soon become a favorite mealtime choice.
When cooked on a high setting, you should expect your Thai Chicken Soup to take a maximum of 4 hours to cook. This recipe also contains fewer than 250 calories per cup.
Basil Tomato and Tortellini Soup
Recipe: tasteofhome
For those looking for a simple but tasty soup recipe, this is a great option.
You do not require a vast amount of ingredients aside from the tomatoes (canned tomatoes can be used), the tortellini, and of course the basil for more flavor.
Although you will need to slightly cook your ingredients on the stove, once transferred to a slow cooker, this soup will be ready to eat in around 6 hours.
Minestrone Soup
Recipe: cookieandkate
Originating from Italy, Minestrone soup contains vegetables, rice or pasta, stock, and vegetables. As this is a versatile soup, it can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, rather than just during the winter months.
You can also cater it to suit your taste preferences too. High in fiber, Minestrone soup delivers many health benefits.
Leek and Potato Soup Recipe
Recipe: deliaonline
Leek and potatoes work very well together when used to make a soup. As this soup doesn’t use a huge amount of ingredients it is fairly easy to make.
To enhance the flavor of this soup, some people may wish to use chicken stock for the base as the richness will make this ingredient more noticeable.
Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
Recipe: simplyfoodie
This soup is made from ground beef, potatoes, and other tasty vegetables which are then cooked in a broth. Unlike some other soups, this hamburger soup has a shorter cooking time of around 1 hour.
Although the flavors may be rather simple they remain prominent and create an overall great tasting soup.
Cheese and Broccoli Soup
Recipe: cookingclassy
Creamy soups are a favorite for many during the winter months. This cheese and broccoli soup is easy to rustle up and can be made and served in as little as 30 minutes.
You can also add some more cheese on top once it has cooked too.
After finishing your first dish, you are bound to crave more.
Chicken and Tortilla Soup
Recipe: therecipecritic
As a Mexican inspired soup, this recipe uses beans, corn, and jalapenos for a kick of flavor. It typically has a tomato base and is topped with crispy tortillas.
If you fancy trying something a little different, this recipe is a perfect choice.
Although chicken tends to be the most popularly used meat, if preferred, you can use beef or lamb.
Wild Rice and Chicken Soup
Recipe: bowlofdelicious
Easily prepare this recipe using any pre-cooked poultry that you have available.
Add a few vegetables of your choice such as carrots, celery and onions, combine with some rice and complement with some garlic or thyme to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Red Lentil and Coconut Soup
Recipe: familyapp
For those seeking a vegetarian, nutrient enriched soup, this could be the perfect recipe. The taste is fairly similar to that of curry and the lentils are low in calories but pull off fiber and magnesium.
It’s super easy to prep and your ingredients will be ready for cooking in under 5 minutes. Furthermore, this soup also contains ingredients that are believed to deliver several health benefits.
Taco Soup (Slow cooker)
Recipe: inspiredtaste
Another option that can easily be made in the slow cooker is this taco soup. It’s typically made with ground beef but it can be served with tortilla chips or rice etc.
Because it is so easy to prepare and cook, it’s a great option for those with busy lifestyles. Combine your ingredients in your slow cooker and then allow it time to cook.
Black Bean Soup
Recipe: inspiredtaste
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, black bean soup can be made using canned black beans and flavored with spices.
It has a thicker consistency and can be served with toppings of your choice, some of the most popular being avocado, herbs, onions, etc.
Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe: delish
Creamy and thick, this butternut squash recipe is perfect for the colder evenings. It isn’t overly complex to prepare and can be cooked with ease inside an instant pot. This would taste great when accompanied by a sandwich.
Cheeseburger Soup
Recipe: therecipecritic
Have you ever considered making a soup with cheeseburgers as the main ingredient? This soup is perfect for days where it is too cold to stand outdoors cooking on a barbeque.
It has a thick consistency and is made using beef, an assortment of vegetables, and cheese to replicate the taste of a cheeseburger.
Cabbage Soup
Image Source: cookingclassy
As this soup is low in calories, you can enjoy eating as many bowls as you like without feeling any sort of guilt afterwards.
Aside from cabbage which is of course the core ingredient, it also contains carrots, onions, celery, peppers, and beans. Once cooked, season as desired.
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Recipe: cookinglight
Originating from Italy, this is a soup that is packed with flavor. When added to the slow cooker, it will take around 8 hours to cook. Though this recipe does work with canned beans, it can be made from dried beans too.
For a meaty alternative, some may wish to add sausage which will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
Recipe: lowcarbwow
Creamy and comforting, this soup is full of flavor and it is quick and easy to prepare and make. It goes particularly well with crusty garlic bread, although it can also be accompanied by a side dish of broccoli.
This is also a healthier option as the recipe does not use ingredients that are high in carbs.
Chicken Chili
Recipe: delish
For those who are tired of eating beef chili, chicken chili is an excellent alternative. It is very easy to prepare and is full of flavor. As this recipe uses chicken, it is a good source of protein and it is also high in nutrients.
Because this is a slow cooker dish, you should expect it to take a total of 6 and a half hours to cook thoroughly.
Pumpkin Chili
Recipe: juliasalbum
Many of us associate pumpkins with fall, so why not incorporate them into a hearty savory dish. To create a smooth consistency you can puree the pumpkin first before combining it with your other ingredients.
A great thing about pumpkin is that it is full of vitamins, fiber, and nutrients.
Black Bean and Mango Chili
Recipe: kitchentreaty
As a vegetarian friendly dish, the two main ingredients in this chili are black beans and mango. The taste will differ slightly to the original taste of a chili due to the zestiness of the ingredients that have been used to make it.
It’s also super quick to prepare and cook.
Chicken Chili
Recipe: healthyfitnessmeals
Simple, but tasty, this chicken chili dish is likely to become a favorite in your household. It is straightforward to make and perfect for colder evenings.
After preparing all of your ingredients, you can pop them into the slow cooker and then you don’t need to worry about them until it is cooked.
Three Bean Chili (Vegan Friendly)
Recipe: simple-veganista
If you are looking for a convenient dinner option that is vegan friendly, this three bean chili is a perfect choice.
In place of meat, this recipe uses white onion, bell peppers, garlic, jalapenos, carrots, vegetable broth and you can then use your preferred seasonings to complete the dish.
Chickpea and Sweet Potato Chili
Recipe: theendlessmeal
Another vegan friendly option is a chickpea and sweet potato chili. Both the sweet potatoes and chickpeas contain lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
This dish is super easy to make and will be ready to serve within a minimal amount of time.
If desired, you can top your chili with some avocado before serving.
Mediterranean Farro Stew
Recipe: bhg
If you would like to introduce a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner, why not try out this tasty recipe. As it contains vitamins, fiber and protein it is a healthy lunch idea. It also contains kale and cannellini beans.
Whilst kale is rich in fiber and calcium, beans are a good source of fiber and protein.
Butternut and Beef Stew
Recipe: closetcooking
This dish incorporates all of the flavors that many of us would associate with the fall season. As a hearty dish, it is a comforting meal that can be enjoyed on a winter’s evening.
Aside from the beef and butternut, it contains a few other ingredients that create more aromas and tastes delicious when seasoned and served with some crunchy bread.
Italian Chicken Stew
Recipe: womanandhomemagazine
Italian chicken stew combines shredded chicken, olives, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to create a great tasting dish that is low in carbohydrates.
This recipe doesn’t use a huge amount of ingredients, however, you can add your own seasonings and ingredients so that it is flavored as you like.
Serve with some bread and this is bound to become another family favorite.
Beef Stew (Dutch Oven)
Recipe: cookingformysoul
As the temperatures drop, what’s better than feasting on some homemade beef stew. It takes around 2 hours to cook and is packed full of flavors.
It uses a few core ingredients such as the beef and vegetables, but you can add your own ingredients so that the taste caters to your preferences.
If you like Dutch oven recipes, then make sure you check out my Complete Dutch Oven Cookbook on Amazon. It's filled with easy-to-make meals from breakfasts to soups and stews and even a few desserts!
Hungarian Goulash
Recipe: dinnerthendessert
Goulash is the national dish of Hungary and is a seasoned soup or stew that is made using vegetables and meat.
This recipe locks in all of the authentic flavors of the dish and guarantees to provide a delicious dinner option that your whole family will enjoy.
Corn and Yellow Split Pea Chowder
Recipe: sarahsvegankitchen
Though this dish has hints of summer, it can still be enjoyed during the winter months too. This is a creamy and hearty meal idea that is nutritious and tasty. It is also fairly easy to prepare and will take around an hour to cook.
Tomato Bisque
Recipe: sweetandsavorymeals
Tomato bisque is a creamy dish that looks very similar to tomato soup. Although it can be made using fresh, ripened tomatoes, you can also make it using canned tomatoes.
This is a cozy and delicious meal that doesn’t take a huge amount of time to make. Once your base ingredients have been added, you can then season it as you like.
Handy Tools for Making Soups
I love making soups and stews, and one of the reasons is that I can use either my Instant Pot or my slow cooker. Below are my picks for the best out there for you to grab and cut your cooking time in half or more!
- Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker
- Hamilton Beach Portable 5-Quart Slow Cooker
- Instant Pot 8-Quart Auro Pro Multi-Use Programmable Slow Cooker with Sous Vide
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 6-Quart Pressure Cooker - most popular option includes 13 one touch programs.
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 8-Quart Pressure Cooker with Air Fryer - this option includes both pressure cooker and air fryer settings with a specialized lid.
- Instant Pot Ultra 80 10-in-1 8-Quart Pressure Cooker - similar to the Duo Crips, but without the air fryer lid.
- Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 3-Quart Pressure Cooker - smaller version of the Duo.
Final thoughts
So there you have it, 30 delicious ideas for winter warming soups, chilis, and stews, most of which can be easily prepared. Many can be cooked in slow cookers which is great for those who often find themselves on the go.
As such, you can simply add all of the required ingredients into your slow cooker and then allow it to cook for the recommended amount of time.
You can then continue with your day, and once you have returned home, you will be welcomed by a great-smelling, tasty meal.
You should expect some of these dishes to be easier to make and prepare than others. On the whole, there aren’t any that are hugely challenging to master, however, some use a more extensive list of ingredients than others.
There are also many recipes available that are suitable for those on vegan or vegetarian diets. Included on our list above, there is bound to be something for everyone.
If you make larger quantities you will also have plenty available for the rest of the week.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Noodle Soup + 30 More Soups & Chilis
Make a batch of this classic chicken noodle soup in less than 30-minutes for the perfect comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken thighs, shredded or cubed
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon season salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add in carrots, celery, garlic, chicken, broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chopped parsley and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with crackers.
Notes
Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 202Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 1683mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 19g
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