Our Best Crockpot Soup Recipes

March 13, 2025

Crockpot soups are a great way to make tasty meals with little effort. You can put ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and come back to a hot meal later.

These soups are perfect for busy days or cold nights when you want something warm and filling.

Crockpot soup recipes offer many choices for every taste. You can make classic soups like chicken noodle or try new flavors like taco soup.

Some recipes use meat, while others are vegetarian. Many crockpot soups are easy to make and need only a few ingredients.

1. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty and easy crockpot meal. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.

Add chicken, tomatoes, onions, and peppers to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Let it cook on low for 6 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.

Before serving, stir in some black beans for extra protein. Top your soup with crunchy tortilla strips, cheese, and sour cream.

This soup is perfect for cold days. It’s filling and full of flavor. You can even make it spicier by adding more chiles if you like.

2. Beef Barley Soup

Beef barley soup is a hearty meal perfect for cold days. You can easily make it in your slow cooker with minimal effort.

Start by browning cubes of beef in a skillet. Add the meat to your crockpot along with chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.

Pour in beef broth and add pearl barley. Season with herbs and spices to taste.

Set your slow cooker on low and let it simmer for 6-8 hours.

The result is a rich, flavorful soup with tender beef and soft barley. It’s filling enough to be a complete meal on its own. Serve it hot with some crusty bread for a cozy dinner.

3. Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious option for your crockpot. You can easily make this dish with brown or green lentils, which hold their shape well during slow cooking.

Add a mix of diced carrots, celery, and onions to create a flavorful base. Garlic, tomatoes, and vegetable broth enhance the taste and provide a rich texture.

You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables like spinach or zucchini. For extra protein, consider including diced ham or sausage.

This soup is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and packed with fiber. It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup is a perfect comfort food for your crockpot. You can make this tasty soup with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by adding diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to your slow cooker. Mix in some chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves.

Pour in chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

When it’s done, blend the soup until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in some heavy cream or milk. Serve your tomato basil soup hot with crusty bread or croutons on top.

5. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a cozy and flavorful dish perfect for your crockpot. You can easily make this soup by combining butternut squash, onion, carrot, and garlic in your slow cooker.

Add some thyme and sage for extra flavor. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. A pinch of cayenne can give it a subtle kick.

Cook until the vegetables are soft, then blend until smooth.

For variety, try adding a chopped apple or swapping thyme for rosemary. You can also make a curried version by adding curry powder or red curry paste.

6. Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a tasty Italian soup you can make in your crockpot. It’s packed with sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth.

To start, brown some Italian sausage in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, then cook until soft.

Put these in your slow cooker with sliced potatoes and chicken broth.

Let it cook on low for about 7 hours. Near the end, stir in some chopped kale and heavy cream.

The result is a rich, flavorful soup that’s perfect for cold days.

You can top your Zuppa Toscana with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch. This hearty soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own.

7. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian favorite that’s perfect for your crockpot. You can easily make this veggie-packed dish at home.

Start by adding diced tomatoes, beans, and your choice of vegetables to the slow cooker. Popular options include carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach.

Pour in vegetable broth and water for the base. Add some tomato paste for extra flavor and thickness. Toss in your favorite herbs and spices.

Let the soup simmer on low for 6-8 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add small pasta like shells or ditalini.

This nutritious soup is filling and tastes even better the next day. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for later.

8. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for your crockpot. This creamy dish combines tender broccoli florets with rich cheddar cheese.

To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic for extra flavor. Add broccoli and broth to your slow cooker, then cook on low for about 5 hours.

Near the end, make a quick roux with butter and flour. Stir this into the soup along with milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another hour until the cheese melts completely.

You can serve this soup with bread or a sandwich for a filling meal. It’s an easy, budget-friendly option that’s sure to please the whole family.

9. Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup is a comforting dish perfect for your slow cooker. This creamy soup combines potatoes, leeks, and a few simple ingredients.

To make it, slice the white and light green parts of leeks. Clean them well to remove dirt.

Add the leeks to your crockpot with peeled potatoes, garlic, and herbs like thyme.

Pour in broth and cook on low for about 8 hours or high for 5 hours.

Once the potatoes are soft, remove the herbs and blend the soup until smooth.

This easy recipe results in a velvety soup that’s great for chilly days. You can top it with bacon bits or a dollop of cream for extra flavor.

10. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a perfect dish for your crockpot. You can easily make this classic comfort food with minimal effort.

Start by adding sliced onions, butter, and a pinch of sugar to your slow cooker. Let them cook on high for 6-7 hours, stirring once halfway through.

Once the onions are golden brown, add beef broth, water, and herbs. Cook on low for 2-3 more hours to blend the flavors.

To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with toasted bread and a blend of cheeses. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Your homemade French onion soup will rival any restaurant version. It’s a cozy meal for chilly days.

11. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make in your crockpot. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.

Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and add some dried herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender.

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Add egg noodles about 30 minutes before serving. They’ll cook right in the broth, soaking up all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

12. Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for your crockpot. You can easily make this hearty meal with dried split peas, vegetables, and ham.

To start, rinse the split peas and put them in your slow cooker. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. For extra flavor, include diced ham or a ham bone.

Pour in chicken stock and water. Tie some fresh herbs like thyme and parsley together, then add them to the pot.

Set your crockpot on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours.

The result is a thick, creamy soup packed with protein and fiber. It’s filling enough to be a meal on its own, especially on cold days.

13. Chili con Carne

Chili con carne is a perfect dish for your crockpot. This hearty meal combines ground beef, beans, and tomatoes with a blend of spices.

To make it, brown onions, garlic, and ground beef in a skillet. Then transfer to your slow cooker.

Add canned tomatoes, beans, beef broth, and spices like chili powder and cumin.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking allows flavors to meld and meat to become tender.

You can customize your chili by using different types of beans or adjusting spice levels. Serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro for a comforting meal.

14. White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a tasty twist on traditional chili that’s perfect for your crockpot. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Start by placing chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add beans, corn, green chiles, and spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.

Pour in chicken broth and let it cook on low for about 8 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.

Before serving, stir in some cream or cream cheese for extra richness.

You can top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

This comforting soup is great for cold days and can feed a crowd. It’s also a good option if you want a milder chili flavor.

15. Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and bean soup is a comforting crockpot meal perfect for cold days. You’ll need dried beans, ham, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.

Rinse the beans and put them in your slow cooker. Add diced ham, chopped veggies, and water or broth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours. The beans should be tender when done. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.

This hearty soup goes great with crusty bread. It’s an easy way to use up leftover ham and get a filling, budget-friendly meal.

16. Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for cold days. You can make it easily in your crockpot.

The main ingredients are wild rice, mushrooms, and vegetables. Wild rice gives the soup a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Mushrooms add an earthy taste. You can use portobello mushrooms for a meaty flavor.

Carrots, celery, and onions provide extra nutrients and flavor. Some recipes include sweet potato for added sweetness.

Garlic and thyme enhance the taste. Vegetable broth forms the base of the soup.

Cook on high for about 4 hours until the rice is tender. The result is a thick, comforting soup.

17. Thai Coconut Soup

Thai coconut soup is a tasty dish you can make in your crockpot. It’s a great way to enjoy Thai flavors at home without ordering takeout.

The soup uses coconut milk as a base. You can add chicken for protein. Other key ingredients are red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger.

Thai curry paste gives the soup its unique taste. Fish sauce and lime juice add depth. You can adjust these to suit your taste.

Let the soup cook slowly for several hours. This allows the flavors to blend well.

The chicken will become very tender and easy to shred.

Serve the soup hot. You can top it with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for extra flavor.

18. Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for your crockpot. You’ll need cannellini beans, vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and flavorful herbs.

Start by adding the beans, veggies, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, then let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.

For extra flavor, consider adding pancetta or bacon. You can also toss in some kale or spinach near the end of cooking for added nutrition.

This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner on a chilly evening.

19. Sweet Corn Chowder

Sweet corn chowder is a perfect crockpot soup for cold days. You can make this creamy, comforting dish with minimal effort.

Start by adding corn, potatoes, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken or vegetable stock and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Cook on low for about 6 hours until the vegetables are tender. For extra richness, stir in some cream near the end of cooking.

Top your chowder with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley before serving. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

This recipe yields a large batch, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.

20. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded baked potato soup is a comforting dish you can easily make in your crockpot. This creamy soup combines all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in one bowl.

To make it, you’ll need potatoes, chicken broth, bacon, and cheese. Add these ingredients to your slow cooker and let it simmer for several hours.

When the potatoes are tender, mash them slightly to thicken the soup. Stir in some half-and-half or cream for extra richness.

Top your soup with classic baked potato toppings like sour cream, chives, and extra cheese. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for cold days.

21. Pumpkin Curry Soup

Pumpkin curry soup is a comforting dish perfect for your slow cooker. It blends the sweetness of pumpkin with warm curry spices.

To make this soup, add pumpkin puree, coconut milk, broth, and curry powder to your crockpot. You can also include carrots, potatoes, and onions for extra flavor and texture.

Cook the soup on low for about 8 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Before serving, stir in some extra coconut milk for creaminess. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of black pepper. This easy recipe is both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets.

22. Spicy Black Bean Soup

This spicy black bean soup is perfect for your crockpot. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how flavorful it turns out.

Start by adding dried black beans and water to your slow cooker. Let them cook on low for several hours until tender.

Next, toss in some chopped carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Add diced bell peppers and jalapeños for extra heat and flavor.

Season your soup with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a dash of hot sauce. These spices give it a delicious kick.

Let everything simmer together for hours. The result is a hearty, spicy soup that’s packed with protein and fiber.

Serve your black bean soup topped with cheese and cilantro for a satisfying meal.

Photographer – Jennifer Chong / Food Stylist – Marian Cooper Cairns

23. Thai Red Curry Soup

This tasty crockpot soup brings Thai flavors to your kitchen. You’ll need coconut milk, red curry paste, and Thai fish sauce for authentic taste.

Add chicken, sweet potatoes, and veggies like bell peppers and carrots to the mix. Garlic, ginger, and lemongrass paste boost the flavor profile.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours until the vegetables are tender. Stir in some fresh Thai basil leaves before serving for extra aroma.

This soup is creamy, spicy, and full of hearty ingredients. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on chilly days.

24. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty crockpot meal. You can make it easily with simple ingredients. The soup has meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth.

To start, put meatballs, diced veggies, and broth in your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The long cooking time helps blend the flavors.

Add pasta and spinach or escarole near the end of cooking. This keeps them from getting mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the soup hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold day.

25. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a comforting soup that’s perfect for your crockpot. You can easily make this creamy dish with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking bacon and onions, then add them to your slow cooker. Pour in canned clams with their juice, diced potatoes, and cream of potato soup.

For extra richness, add milk or heavy cream. Cream cheese helps thicken the soup and gives it a smooth texture.

Let your crockpot do the work for several hours. The result is a hearty, flavorful clam chowder that’s sure to warm you up on cold days.

26. Gumbo

Gumbo is a hearty soup that’s perfect for your crockpot. You can make it with chicken, sausage, shrimp, or a mix of proteins.

Start by adding chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery to your slow cooker. These veggies form the base of your gumbo.

Next, toss in your chosen meats and some okra. Pour in broth and seasonings like garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Let your gumbo simmer on low for 6-7 hours. The slow cooking helps blend all the flavors together.

If you’re using shrimp, add it in the last few minutes of cooking. Serve your gumbo over rice for a filling meal.

Understanding Crockpot Cooking

Crockpot cooking offers an easy way to make delicious soups with minimal effort. You can create tasty meals by combining ingredients and letting them simmer for hours.

Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking in a crockpot saves you time and energy. You can prep ingredients in the morning and come home to a ready-made meal. The low, steady heat brings out rich flavors in meats and veggies.

Tough cuts of meat become tender after hours of cooking. Nutrients stay locked in, making meals healthier. Clean-up is easy since everything cooks in one pot.

Crockpots use less electricity than ovens. This makes them budget-friendly for everyday cooking. You can make large batches to eat throughout the week or freeze for later.

Choosing the Right Crockpot

Pick a crockpot size that fits your needs. A 4-quart pot works for small families, while 6-8 quarts are good for larger groups or meal prep.

Look for these features:

  • Removable insert for easy cleaning
  • Clear lid to check food without lifting
  • Programmable timer
  • “Keep warm” setting

Oval shapes fit roasts and whole chickens better. Round pots are great for soups and stews. Some models have multiple heat settings for more control.

Digital controls offer precise cooking times. Basic models with manual dials are simpler to use. Choose based on your comfort level with kitchen tech.

How to Enhance Flavor in Soup Recipes

Adding flavor to your crockpot soups can take them from good to great. A few simple tricks can make a big difference in taste.

Using Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are key for tasty soups. Use ripe vegetables and herbs for the best flavor. Chop veggies right before adding them to the pot. This keeps their taste and nutrients.

Try roasting vegetables before putting them in the soup. It brings out their natural sweetness. Onions, garlic, carrots, and peppers are great for this.

Make your own stock if you can. It’s easy and adds tons of flavor. Use leftover bones and veggie scraps. Simmer them for a few hours. Strain and use in your soup.

Spices and Seasonings

The right spices can transform your soup.

Start with basics like salt and pepper. Add them slowly and taste as you go.

Try dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or bay leaves.

They work well in long-cooking soups.

Fresh herbs are great too. Add them near the end of cooking.

Don’t forget about spice blends. Italian seasoning or Cajun spice can add instant flavor.

A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes gives a nice kick.

Acids like lemon juice or vinegar can brighten flavors.

Add a splash at the end of cooking. It wakes up the taste of the whole soup.