Okay, let’s be honest: who doesn’t crave a warm, comforting bowl of soup when the weather turns? But sometimes, the thought of standing over a stove for hours just isn’t happening. Enter: the glorious crockpot! It’s your secret weapon for delicious dinners, and today, I’m sharing seven ridiculously easy crockpot soup recipes that require minimal effort and maximum flavor. We’re talking soups so good, they’ll make you want to ditch takeout forever. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a soup sanctuary – let’s go!
1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – Elevated!
This isn’t your average canned tomato soup. We’re talking a truly decadent, creamy tomato basil soup that’s perfect on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and the crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
Ingredients:
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you’re not vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version – FYI, it changes the flavor slightly)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes in your crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with grilled cheese (because, obviously).
Why You’ll Love It: This soup is ridiculously simple, unbelievably creamy, and bursting with fresh tomato flavor. I once tried roasting the garlic beforehand – HUGE flavor upgrade! It’s also a fantastic base for adding shredded chicken or cooked pasta.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup – The Ultimate Healing Bowl
Need a pick-me-up when you’re feeling under the weather? You can’t beat a classic chicken noodle soup. This crockpot version is as effortless as it is comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 ounces egg noodles (add these last!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in egg noodles and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s soul-soothing, requires almost no chopping, and is the perfect way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Honestly, sometimes I just eat the broth by itself – seriously good.
3. Spicy Black Bean Soup – Fiesta in a Bowl!
Craving something with a bit of zing? This black bean soup is packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat. It’s a vegetarian delight that even the meat-lovers will adore.
Ingredients:
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (use less if you don’t like too much heat!)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine black beans, broth, onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a regular blender), blend the soup to your desired consistency. (I like mine chunky!)
- Serve with lime wedges, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a vibrant, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time it would take to make from scratch. I sometimes add corn for extra sweetness – it’s fantastic!
4. Tuscan White Bean Soup – Simple Elegance
Don’t let the “Tuscan” name intimidate you – this soup is surprisingly easy! It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: chopped kale or spinach.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil in a pan and then add to the crockpot.
- Combine beans, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- If desired, stir in a handful of chopped kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why You’ll Love It: This soup is hearty, flavorful, and feels a little fancy without any extra effort. It’s also incredibly versatile—add some crumbled Italian sausage for some extra protein.
5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Comfort Food Classic
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies – what’s not to love? This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food for all ages.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more, because why not?)
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream, if you’re feeling indulgent)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine broccoli, broth, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until broccoli is tender.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in milk for extra creaminess.
Why You’ll Love It: This soup is ridiculously easy and so delicious, kids and adults alike will enjoy. The broccoli practically melts into the cheese – it’s amazing!
6. Potato Leek Soup – Velvety Smooth Goodness
This classic soup is elevated with a crockpot’s gentle simmer, resulting in an incredibly creamy and flavorful experience. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thoroughly washed and sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine potatoes, leeks, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy – or transfer to a regular blender, in batches.
- Stir in heavy cream, if desired.
Why You’ll Love It: The slow cooking breaks down the potatoes beautifully, creating a naturally creamy soup without needing to add tons of dairy. I sometimes garnish with crispy bacon bits – don’t judge!
7. Lentil Soup – Healthy & Hearty
Looking for a nutrient-packed soup that will keep you satisfied? Lentil soup is your answer. It’s loaded with fiber, protein, and flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine lentils, broth, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, cumin, and turmeric in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a ridiculously healthy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for meal prepping. Some people add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end – really brightens the flavors!
So… What are you waiting for?
There you have it – 7 ridiculously easy crockpot soups that are guaranteed to impress (without the stress). Whether you’re craving comfort, spice, or something healthy, there’s a soup here for everyone. Grab your crockpot, fire up those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the simplest, most satisfying dinners ever. Happy souping! 🙂
