These Slow Cooker Soup Recipes feature a variety of options from chicken to vegetable and more. If you are searching for the perfect soup to feed your family on a cold weeknight or a lazy Sunday, we have you covered with several categories to help you pinpoint the right match.
All of these homemade slow cooker soup recipes are made in the crockpot, and many of them don't require a lot of additional work or pre-cooking.
Many of them are ideal for meal prepping, freezing, or both, such as stuffed pepper soup, so you can prepare your favorite dish and have it ready for a craving. I enjoy soup all year, even in the summer sometimes!
Many are hearty enough to work as a full meal along with some homemade breadsticks or your favorite bread side dish.
Jump to:
- The Best Slow Cooker Soups Guide
- Slow Cooker Chicken Soups to Love
- Comforting Crock Pot Soups to Warm You Up
- Best Creamy Slow Cooker Soup Recipes
- Pasta and Grain Crock Pot Soups
- Vegetable-Loaded Slow Cooker Soups
- Crowd Favorite Slow Cooker Soup Recipes
- Slow Cooker Soups Make Ahead & Leftover Tips
- Slow Cooker Soup Recipes FAQs
- More Slow Cooker Meals You'll Love
The Best Slow Cooker Soups Guide
- Liquid rule: Always start with around 1-1 ¼ cups of liquid per quart of your slow cooker when making your soup. Adjust and add more as needed! Just remember, once it's added, it can't be taken away.
- Timing rule of thumb: The general rule is that if your soup has chicken thighs or a root vegetable, the recipe will take around 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high. This typically changes if you're using softer veggies (like peppers) and precooked meats like ground beef.
- Dairy and thickeners: All thickening agents and dairy products should never be added too early, especially since cream and cream cheese can curdle. Cornstarch slurry and cheeses, etc, should be added during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking time for the best result.
- Pasta, gnocchi, and rice: I recommend cooking starches like pasta and rice separately to avoid them overcooking and becoming mushy. If added to the slow cooker, it should be in the last 20-30 minutes. This chicken gnocchi soup is a good example!
- Food safety: Always keep the temperature above 140 degrees F to avoid bacterial growth. Unless the recipe states specific timing and tips, do not start your poultry from frozen either, and don't keep raw meat in the warm zone (between 40 and 140 degrees F).
Slow Cooker Chicken Soups to Love
There are only a few things better than a delicious chicken soup. These slow cooker soup recipes are my takes on some classics, including chicken noodle soup. You have to try them to see how amazing they are! For more chicken dinner inspiration, check out my collection of the best slow cooker chicken breast recipes.
Comforting Crock Pot Soups to Warm You Up
These soup recipes warm the soul! I find that these rich, hearty soups are the most comforting because they feature plenty of protein and healthy veggies, especially this stuffed pepper soup.
Best Creamy Slow Cooker Soup Recipes
Creamy soups are great as a standalone meal or with a delicious cold cut sandwich for lunch. I enjoy the richness and consistency of each of these recipes, especially the creamy broth of this crockpot chicken pot pie, which is similar to gravy.
Pasta and Grain Crock Pot Soups
These soups are for all the pasta and rice lovers out there! These tested recipes prove that some of the best soups feature noodles! Don't worry, soups like chicken gnocchi soup are included, too.
Vegetable-Loaded Slow Cooker Soups
There are plenty of delicious slow cooker soups that are packed full of nutritious veggies, such as this crockpot vegetable soup, that are not only good for you, but they taste amazing! Some of the crockpot recipes below are vegetarian-friendly, too.
Crowd Favorite Slow Cooker Soup Recipes
Here are the most popular and most loved crockpot soup recipes. From copycats to old favorites, you can't go wrong with serving any of these for a family dinner.
Slow Cooker Soups Make Ahead & Leftover Tips
- Reheating in the slow cooker: This is a great way to reheat a soup for a meal. Pour the contents into the slow cooker and reheat over low heat for 3-4 hours or until hot.
- Storage directions: Most of these soups have a 3-4 day shelf life in the refrigerator. Always make sure you allow them to completely cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Reheating your leftovers: The broth soups are easier to reheat in the microwave than the creamy ones, as they can cause some separation. If you choose to reheat a bowl in the microwave, cover it with a paper towel, and heat it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. You may also pour it into a saucepan and reheat over low heat until warm.
- Freezing soups: You can freeze leftover soup in a freezer-safe container or a large freezer bag. With the freezer bag, don't fill it all the way, and ensure it is sealed properly. Allow the soup to late flat in the freezer so it freezes evenly. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before you reheat it.
Slow Cooker Soup Recipes FAQs
Most soups thicken when they're stored so don't be surprised. It likely will loosen up as you reheat it. But if you notice that your slow cooker soup is a little thick, it may need a splash of liquid. Depending on the soup, I recommend broth or cream to liven it up. In a pinch, even water will work.
Technically, yes, but I don't recommend it. Browning it first ensures that it's cooked properly, but also adds depth of flavor.
You've got plenty of options beyond flour. Stir in a cornstarch or arrowroot slurry during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking for a smooth, glossy finish. For a more natural approach, mash some of the cooked beans, potatoes, or vegetables right in the pot to release their starches. You can also add pureed cauliflower, blended soup liquid, or a splash of coconut milk or cream cheese at the end for extra body and richness.
Most slow cookers keep the "Warm" setting between 165-185°F, which is above the food safety danger zone (140°F). You can safely hold soup there for about 2-4 hours. Any longer, and the quality starts to decline. You may find vegetables get mushy, pasta overcooks, and dairy can separate.
Slow cooker soups are some of my favorite recipes as they are versatile, customizable, and balanced! Most of the recipes allow you to make them an entire meal, as they contain plenty of protein and veggies to keep you feeling full and satisfied. I hope that you fall in love with soup, too!
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