When there’s a chill in the air, there’s nothing better than comforting soups, stews, and, of course, chili. From chicken noodle soup to beef stew and even a white chicken chili recipe, these hearty meals and comfort food are perfect for the cooler months. Plus, they’re all one-pot meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. So bundle up, simmer down, and scroll on for our favorite slow cooker stews, two-step soups, chili recipes, and more.
Pasta e Fagioli
This copycat version of Olive Garden’s starter soup from Cooking Classy is, according to reviewers, even better than the restaurant’s iconic version. Filled with veggies, pasta, ground beef, and a savory broth, you’ll have requests for this one often.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
You can’t go wrong with Broccoli Cheddar Soup! This popular recipe from Damn Delicious is creamy, light, and easy to make on a busy night.
Smoked Salmon Chowder
If your kids love seafood, check out this delicious Smoked Salmon Chowder from View from Great Island. It’s a light, yet hearty chowder that’s ready in only 30 minutes!
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
This soup is so easy that anyone can make it. Plus, it’s one of those meals that make even better leftovers, so if you’ve got a busy week, make this over the weekend to ensure you’ll have plenty on hand for nights you don’t have time to cook. Get the recipe from Spend with Pennies.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
For a quick take on a popular version of chili, we like Boulder Locavore's Instant Pot version. It only takes 15 minutes and you can make it mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Don't have an Instant Pot? No Worries! Try this version instead.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Does your soul need some homemade chicken soup? Jennifer Tyler Lee, the author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, has you covered. You can even pack it in a thermos, and send the kiddos to school with a warm and hearty lunch.
Sunday Chili
A good go-to chili is something everyone needs for chilly fall and winter days. Full of flavorful ingredients, just enough spice that works for everyone in the family, and the ability to pull it together, leave it to simmer, and then enjoy when it’s time for an early dinner. Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum. If you want something that you can pull off on a weeknight, opt for this Instant Pot version from Oh Sweet Basil.
Related: 30+ Simple Pasta Dishes Everyone Will Love
Chicken and Dumplings
This delish stew is the perfect cure for a comfort food craving. This recipe from The Cozy Cook is one of the best we’ve tried (and we’ve tried a few). This savory chicken stew topped with homemade biscuits is always a crowd-pleaser, and even better, it only takes one hour from start to finish.
Vegetarian Crock Pot Chili
There's no reason for vegetarians to be left out of the chili fun! This dish (which uses the crock pot!) includes three kinds of beans and is gluten- and dairy-free. Get the recipe here.
Cream of Tomato Soup
This soup from The Cake Chica is just what your grilled cheese needs! It uses the freshest ingredients and takes two—count ‘em, two steps. And if you have a blender or food processor, it's that much easier!
Slow Cooker Maple Chicken Stew
Your busy workdays just got better with this recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog. It’s bursting with healthy vegetables and flavors, and since it cooks all day in your Crock Pot, there’s not much work involved.
Related: 50+ Slow Cooker Recipes We’re Obsessed With
Japanese Noodle Soup
Ditch the questionable instant ramen and whip up your own with this recipe from Aviva Goldfarb of The Six O’Clock Scramble. Your little noodle lovers will love all the fresh flavors, like ginger and lime!
Tuscan-Style Sausage Soup
Great news! This recipe from Prevention RD uses ingredients you probably have on hand. And there’s a healthy twist: low-sodium chicken broth, whole wheat pasta, and lots of variations if you want to add your fave veggies.
Mexican Street Corn Soup
This recipe from Closet Cooking is Mexican street corn (think: corn, lime, cheese, avocado) and is surprisingly easy to pull off. And, since you can use fresh or frozen corn and customize the spices to suit your family, you can whip this up any time of the year!
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
For fans of chicken pot pie, this Kitchen Sanctuary takes the cake. It has the same comfort-food flavors, and you can customize it with your kids’ favorite veggies. It’s also a cinch to make!
Related: Cast Iron Skillet Recipes You Need to Try This Winter
Classic Beef Stew
If there’s one perfect beef stew recipe out there, it might be this one from Spend with Pennies. It has all the good stuff: beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, a savory soup base—yum! If you don’t have time to cook on the stove top, try the slow cooker or Instant Pot versions.
Lasagna Soup
If your family loves lasagna, you’ve got to give this soup from Boulder Locavore a try. It’s got all the same flavors, without the hours of preparation (Psst! It’s also great for gluten-free diets!).
Loaded Potato Soup
We’re willing to bet that this soup from Life Made Simple is going to be your new cold-weather staple. It’s thick, creamy, and just like a loaded potato with all the fixings! And did we mention it’s a quick and easy one-pot recipe?
Egg Drop Soup
If egg drop soup is your kids' fave thing to order at Chinese restaurants, you’re in luck. This recipe from One Lovely Life is a great homemade option. It can be made in no time and is a total crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup
The best way to eat more veggies? Slurp them! This soup from Kitchen Sanctuary is chock-full of healthy vegetables and cheesy to boot. Plus, the veggies have an extra oven-cooked flavor for a truly tasty meal.
—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton
