Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (2024)

There's just something about good soup recipes that can lift your spirit and comfort your soul, and these are our highest-rated soup recipes ever. Our best soup recipes are filled with good-for-you veggies, fresh fish, hearty beef, and more. Load them up with ingredients you have on hand, or try out some of our favorite creative soups with delicious ingredients like red miso or smoky Cajun-seasoning. And don't stress if you're short on time—we have plenty of quick soup recipes that will help you get dinner on the table fast.

01of 38

Baked Potato Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (1)

As one of our go-to orders when dining out, we love that we can whip up this creamy potato soup at home whenever the craving strikes. Plus, we can make it as "loaded" as we want with our favorite toppings, such as more cheese, bacon, sour cream, and/or green onion.

02of 38

Tuscan Tortellini Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (2)

Simmer the broth and veggies low and slow, then add the tortellini, kale, and a splash of cream before serving. This Italian-inspired soup tastes way more complicated than it is to prepare. The best news: You can enjoy a big bowl of this hearty soup for less than 300 calories.

03of 38

Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (3)

It's hard to beat a classic. And our chicken noodle soup recipe is as classic as can be. Put leftover chicken (or turkey) to delicious use as a shortcut ingredient in this home cooked soup recipe that you'll make again and again. Or follow our directions for cooking the chicken to create the most flavorful broth.

04of 38

Egg Drop Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (4)

This healthy version of a take-out classic uses low-sodium chicken (or vegetable) broth as its base. Just two eggs provide the perfect amount of texture and protein for this easy egg drop soup recipe, which comes together in just 25 minutes. Fried wonton strips are optional.

05of 38

Minestrone

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (5)

This tasty minestrone is a warm dinner for a chilly winter night. It has garbanzo beans, fresh spinach, bell peppers, and rigatoni pasta. Swap the garbanzo beans out with browned Italian sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier option.

06of 38

Cajun-Seasoned Vegetarian Gumbo

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (6)

This healthy gumbo recipe may not have any shrimp or andouille sausage, but it does have a ton of flavor. Silky black beans and tender okra bulk up this nourishing stew while it simmers with Cajun-spiced peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes. Add the ingredients to a slow cooker for a fuss-free meal, and serve it alongside a steaming scoop of brown rice.

07of 38

Spring Lamb and Fava Bean Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (7)

Low in fat yet full of flavor, this Mediterranean soup stands out from the slow cooker competition with unique ingredient additions like lamb, fava beans, barley, and piles of fresh herbs. We offer instructions for making your own beef broth, but store-bought would also work well here.

08of 38

Tuscan Bean Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (8)

Not all quick soup recipes are as satisfying as this bowl. Baby carrots, onions, beans, and baby spinach add heartiness to a soup that takes just 20 minutes to make. Freeze a batch of this bean soup to enjoy all season long.

09of 38

Chicken Tortilla Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (9)

The crisp bite of tortillas atop spicy chicken soup has made this one of our favorite soup recipes. It also doesn't hurt that there are only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time involved in this chicken tortilla soup. Top the bowls with a bit of shredded cheese or some authentic grated queso cotija.

Fast Pho

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (10)

You'll be blown away by how complex this Vietnamese soup tastes after just 30 minutes of total prep and cook time. The keys to our fast pho recipe? Starting with cooked chicken, pork, or shrimp and loading the broth with flavor-boosters like ginger, star anise, and fresh herbs.

11of 38

Easy Taco Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (11)

All the flavors of your favorite taco recipes are found in this one-pot soup. Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker, set the timer for six hours, and sit back as this taco soup takes form. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of crema Mexicana. Taco night has never been so simple.

12of 38

Mediterranean Kale and Cannellini Stew with Farro

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (12)

This whole-grain veggie soup eats like a meal, even without any meat. A can of beans and a cup of farro crank up the satisfaction factor so you can add this to your list of favorite hearty soup recipes.

13of 38

Miso Soup with Pork and Edamame

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (13)

Red miso is the secret powerhouse behind this 30-minute miso soup recipe. Fresh ginger and garlic add a bold boost of flavor to the complex broth while tenderizing the pork to perfection. The result is a healthy, chunky soup with bursts of umami that will brighten even the dreariest day.

14of 38

Sausage and White Bean Stew with Kale

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (14)

This sausage-bean stew is a meal prepper's dream. It tastes incredible after just 45 minutes of cooking time. Still, it gets even better reheated after spending up to two days in the refrigerator. Mix up a big batch of this easy stew recipe on Sunday to enjoy for dinner early in the week.

15of 38

Chunky Vegetable-Lentil Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (15)

This light and satisfying lentil soup has a mix of hearty winter vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, celery, and napa cabbage. Dry green lentils add texture and protein to the veggie-based broth. Unlike some broth-based dishes, this healthy soup recipe is low in sodium.

16of 38

Butternut Squash Soup with Ravioli

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (16)

This quick soup recipe is almost too gorgeous to eat. This pretty dish is fast and easy to make—it requires only six ingredients and is ready and on the table in 30 minutes.

17of 38

Tomato-Tortellini Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (17)

There are only four ingredients in this creamy soup recipe, and this entire meal can be on the table in less than 15 minutes from opening the first can. Simply bring the broth to a boil, add the tortellini, and lower the heat to a simmer while whisking in the cream cheese and canned tomato soup.

18of 38

Pork and Black Bean Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (18)

Who needs a spoon when you can scoop up soup with tortilla chips instead? That's our preferred way to eat this pork and bean slow cooker soup. Let this hearty soup recipe transport you south of the border via salsa, cumin, and cilantro.

19of 38

Broccoli-Cheese Soup

View Recipe

When it comes to broccoli soup recipes, broccoli cheese soup is always the winner. The simple combination of broccoli and smooth, melty American cheese creates an irresistible and easy soup recipe. Bread bowls are optional but add a fun touch to a cozy meal.

20of 38

Curry Pumpkin Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (20)

Using canned pumpkin makes this soup quick to prepare. Pumpkin pie spice and a hint of curry give the dish bright seasonal flavor. You can make this healthy soup recipe even more delicious with an orange-cranberry topper. Start sprinkling!

21of 38

Beefy French Onion Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (21)

Make French onion soup into a meal by adding slices of sirloin steak, plenty of meaty mushrooms, and a handful of egg noodles. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and (optional) dry white wine bring out the cooked onions and tender beef flavors. This caramelized onion soup is still topped with a cheesy toast for a traditional touch.

22of 38

Spicy Chicken-Corn Chowder

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (22)

This yummy soup recipe might take an hour to prepare, but it's well worth the wait. Bacon, chicken, potatoes, peppers, and onion combine in this creamy chowder recipe. Add a dash of cayenne pepper or leave a few seeds in your chopped jalapeño for an extra kick.

23of 38

Pumpkin, Barley, and Sage Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (23)

Pumpkin soup recipes make some of our favorite autumn dinners. Especially this filling version made with canned pumpkin. Simmer andouille sausage in a broth flavored with pumpkin, maple syrup, and apple cider for a quick, flavorful dinner.

24of 38

Green Chile Pork Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (24)

Soup or stew recipes can warm even the coldest of cold nights. This hearty stew, featuring pork tenderloin, yellow carrots, spinach, and white beans, makes a warming dinner no matter the temp.

25of 38

French Chicken Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (25)

This twist on a traditional French stew comes together in a slow cooker with less than 30 minutes of prep time. Save time by using canned tomatoes and jarred tomato pasta sauce, but don't skimp on the fresh green beans, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. The vegetables add an essential layer to this aromatic and easy chicken stew recipe.

26of 38

Pork and Sweet Potato Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (26)

Our favorite easy stew recipes come together quickly but taste like they've been simmering all day. Nutmeg, sage, and apple-cranberry juice flavor this hearty, good-for-you stew recipe. Serve it on a chilly night to warm you up.

27of 38

Chicken-Butternut Squash Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (27)

Golden butternut squash roasted with onions and curry powder transports your taste buds to the wild side of chili. It gives an upgrade to ordinary chicken soup recipes. Chickpeas, dried apricots, and nutmeg-spiced walnuts add texture. Just before serving, stir in chunks of tender rotisserie chicken.

28of 38

Sweet Potato and Hominy Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (28)

Inspired by the traditional Mexican soup posole, this zesty meal is an easy stew recipe to make during the week. Refrigerated shredded barbecue pork cuts down on prep time, so it's ready in less than an hour.

29of 38

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (29)

Wondering what to do with the season's fresh butternut squash? First, peel and dice it, then add it to this squash-and-carrot pureed soup. Then add toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to this quick soup recipe as a crunchy finish.

30of 38

Skillet Beef Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (30)

If comfort food is what you're craving, you can't go wrong with beef stew. Chase the chill away with this down-home favorite—beef and vegetables served over simple-to-make mashed potatoes.

31of 38

Thai-Inspired Butternut Squash Soup with Gremolata

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (31)

Slow cooker soup recipes are our favorites for chilly days. We combine coconut milk, fish sauce, fresh butternut squash, onions, brown sugar, and Asian chili sauce for this recipe and let the flavors develop over time. A Thai-inspired topping of fresh basil, peanuts, and lime peel adds crunch to this creamy butternut squash soup.

32of 38

Cabbage Roll Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (32)

Inspired by Hungarian cabbage rolls, this beef, rice, and vegetable soup is a meal in a bowl. A dash of allspice seasons the entire pot of cabbage soup with the classic flavors of fall. Set your slow cooker to low in the morning, add the ingredients, and look forward to coming home to a cozy meal come suppertime.

33of 38

Sage Chicken Dumpling Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (33)

Turned into a thick chicken soup recipe with olives and mushrooms, this fall favorite is a bit more modern than Grandma's dumpling recipe. Sage adds a modern touch to this updated version of classic chicken and dumplings. Our savory stove-top biscuits keep it classic.

34of 38

Matzo Ball Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (34)

Matzo balls are the ultimate soup dumplings, and our recipe takes them to the next level. Sweet caramelized onions stir right into the matzo mix for flavorful dumplings everyone will love. A bit of club soda makes the texture light—a nice contrast to the savory, rib-sticking shredded chicken pieces in this matzo ball soup recipe.

35of 38

Classic Oyster Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (35)

The ideal oyster stew has a slightly thick broth and complex flavors from plump, tender oysters and simple seasonings. This easy stew recipe also offers a fast prep—it's done in just 25 minutes.

36of 38

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (36)

Winter soups and stews are all about toasty warm bowls and celebrating in-season squash, and this recipe is no different. Curry powder, ginger, and fresh cilantro make this creamy squash soup delicious and flavorful.

37of 38

Seafood Stew

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (37)

Shrimp and whitefish add the seafood, while potatoes and cream add the comfort. Simply toss everything into a Dutch oven in phases—depending on how long the ingredient needs to cook—and your one-pot dinner will be ready before you know it.

Buy It: Lodge Dutch Oven ($70, Target)

38of 38

Split Pea Soup

View Recipe

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (38)

The name doesn't do this split pea soup justice. Our version of this simple soup is loaded with toothsome carrots, satisfying chunks of ham, chopped celery and onions, and tons of dried spices. This soup freezes well, so we'd recommend making a double batch to enjoy some now and freeze some for later.

Our 38 Top-Rated Recipes for Stews and Soups to Warm Your Belly (2024)

FAQs

What not to put in a stew? ›

But the liquid itself should not be thick in the same way that gravy is thick. So skip the roux, and don't bother dusting the meat with flour or cornstarch before browning, either, as some recipes will suggest. That will just interfere with getting a good sear on the meat, and gum up the stew with unneeded starch.

What is the secret to good beef stew? ›

Using the right type of beef, searing the meat before cooking, deglazing the pan, cooking for several hours, and using plenty of salt all make a huge difference in the flavor of your beef stew.

What can I add to my stew to make it taste better? ›

If so here are some tips for making your stews tasty and have your family begging you for more!
  1. Choose your ingredients wisely. ...
  2. Start off with a good flavour base. ...
  3. Add vegetables. ...
  4. Add flavourings to taste. ...
  5. Add Herbs and/or Spices. ...
  6. Spices: (Optional) ...
  7. Add stock or wine/beer. ...
  8. Add thickeners.

What adds richness to a stew? ›

Other additions and ingredients, mentioned in other answers, can be useful, either during cooking or when added to the finished pot:
  1. Umami, from fish sauce or anchovies, or (less rich) soy sauce.
  2. Salt, sugar, herbs and spices. ...
  3. Mushrooms, sauteed or roasted.
Mar 29, 2015

Can you cook a stew too long? ›

Don't overcook it. Simmer, don't boil. It starts out tough but long slow cooking will melt the connective tissue. If you cook past the time when the connective tissue is melted, you boil out all the water in the meat and it becomes tough again, like a well-done steak.

What makes beef stew unhealthy? ›

Most stews use a beef broth for the base. Many of the versions purchased from store shelves are filled with sodium and add way more salt than your body needs. Go with a low-sodium option that won't be as harmful to your heart.

What can I add to my beef stew to give it more flavor? ›

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

Why do you add vinegar to stews? ›

If you think about it, vinegar is really a flavor-enhancer (umami). That's why it is so often used in cooking, sauces, and salad dressings. The same is true with soups.

Why put vinegar in stews? ›

Tough stew meat will take a couple of hours to get tender, and the vinegar helps this happen as well as add special flavor. Then add the onions, carrots, celery, Brussels sprouts etc and cook until the vegetables are the way you like them.

How do you fix a tasteless stew? ›

Personally I would add as many aromatics and flavor enhancing substances that I like. If the stew is already finished, then you can sauté onions, garlic peppers, celery and carrots then add them to the stew. I would also add some herbs and finally salt and pepper to taste.

Why does my stew have no taste? ›

Not adding enough seasoning would be the second potential issue. Add plenty of pepper and some salt and it should taste better. Using beef stock or red wine is better than water for the liquid. Use just enough to cover the meat and vegetables.

Why add milk to stew? ›

People add milk to soups for several reasons: To add creaminess: Milk can add a creamy texture to soups, making them feel more luxurious and comforting. To balance flavors: Milk can help to tone down the acidity in soups, making them more palatable.

Why add tomato paste to stew? ›

Tomato paste adds crucial flavor and body to the stew meat when cooked with herbs, garlic and wine. If you don't have any on hand, try one of these tomato paste substitutes.

Why add tomato paste to beef stew? ›

A bit of tomato paste amps up the flavor of beef stew, giving it a richness and a punch of umami that makes the stew truly memorable.

Why add tomato puree to a stew? ›

Tomato paste can be used to intensify flavor over time in slow-cooked recipes or can quickly add a burst of flavor in quick 30-minute recipes for weeknights.

What are the basic rules of stewing? ›

How to cook a basic stew
  • Chop the ingredients. Cutting the meat and/or main vegetables to roughly the same size will help them to cook evenly.
  • Fry your base ingredients. ...
  • Add the remaining ingredients. ...
  • Add your liquid of choice. ...
  • Let it simmer. ...
  • Season to taste.
Nov 15, 2018

What is the rule for stewing? ›

Low heat is suggested for all stews, never a hard boil. Placing a lid, slightly ajar on the pot traps the escaping steam and allows it to condense and fall back onto the stew. You can also cook stews in a 350°F oven or on low in a slow cooker.

Can you put raw meat in a stew? ›

You should never throw your raw cubes of beef into the stew pot. You must sear the cubes first in a pan to brown them and begin building that rich flavor. It's important not to brown them too lightly—sear them until there's a dark crust on each side of the meat cubes.

What are two disadvantages of stewing? ›

Stewed foods are easily digested and flavours of food are retained in stewing. Disadvantages of stewing: - it is a long and slow method of cooking. - it requires longer time than boiling.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5594

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.