Warm up with these cozy soups and stews for fall from creamy chowder, hearty stews, and easy slow cooker soups the family will love!
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When the air turns crisp and leaves start changing, nothing sounds better than a warm bowl of soup or a hearty stew, and that’s exactly what this collection delivers with these cozy soups and stews for fall. From creamy chowder to slow-simmered stews, there’s something here for every craving once the temperature drops.
Soup season is one of my favorite times to cook, since so many of these recipes are practically hands-off once everything’s in the pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after school or meal-prepping for a busy week, this list has a fall favorite for every night.
Fall soups and stews are warm, hearty dishes built on slow-simmered broths, seasonal vegetables, and comforting proteins like chicken, beef, or ham. They’re loved because they’re easy to make ahead, freeze well, and turn simple pantry ingredients into filling, satisfying meals as the weather cools down.
Key Takeaways
A mix of soups, stews, and chowders, so there is something for every craving.
Great for meal prep; most of these recipes reheat well.
Budget-friendly, using pantry staples, beans, and broth.
Family-friendly flavors that work for picky eaters and adults alike.
Variety of cooking methods.
Cozy Soups and Stews for Fall
1
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This slow cooker Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, veggies, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach. It’s an easy, hands-off comfort food recipe your family will request again and again!
This Italian Chicken and Mushroom Soup recipe is warming to the soul and is totally easy to make a big batch of on a chilly night! Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, you’ll love this soup on fall and winter nights when all you want is something cozy and comforting.
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup is a creamy, satisfying meal that comes together in no time and will satisfy the pickiest of eaters.
The Best Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe You’ll Ever Make
This classic stovetop Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe featuring tender chunks of beef roast, carrots, and potatoes, is the epitome of comfort food. It is what you want to come home to after a long, busy day.
This comforting Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will brighten any gloomy day. Feeling under the weather? This homemade soup combats any head cold with its hearty combination of shredded chicken (or turkey), egg noodles, carrots, peas, corn, and lots of flavor-packing spices.
Packed with pasta, beans, veggies, and ground beef, pasta fagioli is a hearty, comforting soup. Easy to make, it's perfect for a chilly day with flavor in every bite!
White bean soup is made with simple ingredients that creates a satisfying, flavorful dish. This hearty soup embodies home-cooking at its finest, delivering both comfort and nourishment in every bowl.
Classic potato chowder recipe with bacon, veggies & potatoes, made creamy with sour cream. This easy recipe can be made in the slow cooker or instant pot!
Baked potato corn chowder is creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavors! This warm and satisfying soup is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup is easy to make and loaded with all your favorite vegetables. This delicious, hearty and healthy soup will be a hit with the whole family!
Taco soup is a delicious, nutritious, and customizable dish. Packed with nutritious ingredients like vegetables, beans, and lean protein, it's both wholesome and satisfying.
Quick and easy Instant Pot Split Pea Soup made with just a few ingredients and done in about 40 minutes, start to finish. Hearty soup recipes are a must if you want to make it through the harsh winter!
All the heartiness of a baked potato comes together in this rich and fast-as-can-be Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup, topped with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, green onion, and sour cream.
This hearty Black Bean Chili recipe combines ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and perfect spices for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, and those chilly evenings when you just want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
Build flavor before adding the broth. Sauteing onions, carrots, and celery first creates a much richer base than dumping everything in raw.
Don’t skip the simmer time. Letting a soup or stew simmer, even just an extra 15 to 20 minutes, helps the flavors fully develop.
Use the right tool for your schedule. Slow cookers are great for hands-off days, while the Instant Pot is perfect when you’re short on time in the evening.
Add delicate ingredients last. Pasta, gnocchi, and greens like spinach should go in near the end of the cooking time.
Make a double batch. Most soups and stews freeze beautifully, so cooking once for two meals saves time later in the month.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Swap – Swap chicken, beef, turkey, or ham based on what you have on hand.
Dairy-Free Swaps – Use dairy-free cream or milk alternatives in the creamy soups and chowders.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or gnocchi to adapt recipes like tortellini or chicken gnocchi soups.
Vegetarian – Swap meat for extra beans, lentils, or vegetables, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken or beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a soup and a stew?
Stews are typically thicker and chunkier, with less liquid and larger pieces of meat and vegetables, while soups tend to have a thinner, more brothy base.
Can I make these soups in advance?
Yes! Many of these recipes, especially the beans, chowders, and stews, taste even better the next day and are great for meal prep.
What’s the best way to store leftover soup or stew?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
What sides go well with soups and stews?
Crusty breads, biscuits, cornbread, or a simple side salad pair well with a warm bowl of soup or stew.
Each recipe will include its own specific storage details, but in general, most soups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to reheat, gently reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave in 60-second intervals.
Soup season is here, and this collection of cozy soups and stews for fall will help you never run out of comforting dinner ideas as the weather cools down.
