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Slow Cooker Soup Recipes for Busy Weeknights

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Tired of juggling a busy schedule and cooking dinner? These 15 slow cooker soup recipes are the perfect solution for hectic weeknights!

Two bowls of slow cooker chicken fajita soup topped with crispy tortilla chips, avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, served with lime wedges and garnishes on a neutral background.

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When life gets crazy, these slow cooker soups are here to save the day! Set them and forget them, and you'll have a delicious, comforting dinner ready without standing around the kitchen all day. 

Between work, kids, and life's other demands, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? These 15 slow cooker soup recipes will have you covered, giving you comforting meals with minimal effort!

 This list has everything, such as hearty lasagna soup, creamy tomato soup, or flavorful chicken tortilla soup. There's something here for every taste! Plus, you can make them ahead to save time during the week. What's not to love?

Protein-Packed Slow Cooker Soups

These hearty soups will keep you full and satisfied! They are great for quick and easy dinners or make-ahead lunches. 

Slow Cooker Turkey Soup

327 CAL 4 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker turkey soup with shredded turkey breast, egg noodles, carrots, celery, and onions.
If you're looking for a cozy, easy way to use up leftover turkey, this slow cooker turkey soup is a game-changer! Packed with veggies like carrots, celery, and onions, plus hearty egg noodles, it's a one-pot meal that's comforting and full of flavor.

Healthy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

330 CAL 4 HOURS, 45 MIN
Slow Cooker lasagna soup in a crockpot with noodles, beef, and zucchini.
No need to spend hours in the kitchen for lasagna with this Healthy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup! It's got all the classic flavors, like rich marinara and melty cheese, with none of the layers to deal with!

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

290 CAL 4 HOURS, 40 MIN
Slow cooker chicken enchilada soup in a white bowl, garnished with avocado, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, green onions, and shredded cheese, served with a spoon.
This slow cooker chicken enchilada soup is a cozy, flavorful dish packed with chicken, beans, corn, and spices. It's the perfect fix for chilly days when you want a comforting, hearty meal without a lot of fuss.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

296 CAL 4 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker chicken tortilla soup with shredded chicken, beans, corn, cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and lime wedges.
Warm up with this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup packed with tender chicken, savory beans, and fresh veggies. It's perfect for any weeknight, especially when topped with crispy tortillas!

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

312 CAL 4 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup in tow bowls with shredded chicken, bell peppers, onions tortilla chips, and avocado.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup brings all the bold, smoky flavors of sizzling fajitas into one cozy bowl. Tender shredded chicken, bell peppers, and onions simmer in a spiced tomato broth with a kick of chili powder and cumin. Top it off with avocado, cheese, or a squeeze of lime for the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food!

Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup

292 CAL 6 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker sausage and gnocchi soup with mushrooms, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a rich tomato broth in a bowl.
If you love a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup, this slow cooker sausage gnocchi soup is for you! Spicy Italian sausage, soft gnocchi, and a creamy, garlicky broth come together for a flavor-packed dish that tastes like it came from a fancy café, but it's unbelievably easy to make at home.

Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Soup with Kale

296 CAL 8 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker chicken quinoa soup with kale, carrots, celery, and onions in a bowl with a spoon.
Packed with juicy chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and nutrient-dense kale, this slow cooker soup is as satisfying as it is wholesome. The rich, herby broth ties everything together, making it the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

312 CAL 4 HOURS, 15 MIN
Slow cooker white chicken chili with shredded chicken, green chilies, white beans, tortilla chips, cilantro, and lime.
If you love a creamy, flavorful chili with just the right amount of spice, this White Chicken Chili is for you! Juicy chicken, hearty white beans, and green chilies slow-cook to perfection, creating a dish that's both comforting and ridiculously easy to make. Just grab a spoon and get ready to fall in love!

Vegetarian & Plant-Based Slow Cooker Soups

Trying to incorporate more plant based recipes into your routine? Soups are such a great way to do this! Serve them as the main course or use them as an easy side dish or appetizer.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

320 CAL 8 HOURS, 15 MIN
Slow cooker lentil soup with lentils, squash, carrots, spinach, and potatoes in a bowl with a hand holding it.
Toss butternut squash, potatoes, carrots, and lentils into your slow cooker, and let them mingle into a creamy, hearty stew. This veggie-loaded comfort food is just what you need to warm up any day.

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

313 CAL 4 HOURS, 35 MIN
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna soup with noodles, zucchini, and more.
Craving lasagna, but don't feel like dealing with all the layers? This vegetarian slow cooker lasagna soup has you covered. Toss whole wheat noodles, zucchini, spinach, and veggie crumbles into your crockpot with a savory tomato broth, and let it simmer to a comforting, hearty perfection.

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

240 CAL 8 HOURS, 5 MIN
Slow cooker Black Bean Soup in a bowl with sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, and radishes.
This easy slow cooker black bean soup is hearty, packed with bold spices, and simmered with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It's the ultimate cozy meal and can be made vegetarian or with added meat for extra protein.

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

111 CAL 8 HOURS, 15 MIN
Slow Cooker French Onion soup in a bowl with bread and melted cheese.
Who knew something so fancy could be this easy? This Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is packed with caramelized onions, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a beefy broth that develops deep, bold flavors as it simmers. Topped with melty cheese and crispy bread, it's the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant treat but comes straight from your kitchen!

Slow Cooker Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

141 CAL 5 HOURS, 10 MIN
Slow cooker cheesy cauliflower soup with a metal spoon, shredded cheese, and black pepper.
This cheesy cauliflower soup is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavors! Slow-cooked with onions, broth, and plenty of sharp cheddar, it's rich, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make. Serve it with crusty bread, and you've got a meal worth savoring.

Slow Cooker Curried Red Lentil Soup

236 CAL 6 HOURS, 5 MIN
Slow cooker red lentil soup with curry powder and carrots in a bowl with herbs and yogurt.
Hearty, nourishing, and packed with bold flavors, this slow cooker red lentil and carrot stew is a game-changer. The lentils break down into a thick, velvety texture, while the curry, garlic, and coconut milk create a rich, comforting broth that's perfect for dunking a warm piece of naan.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chipotle Tomato Soup

133 CAL 4 HOURS, 15 MIN
Slow cooker tomato soup with chipotle flavors in a bowl with a napkin.
If you love a little heat with your comfort food, this creamy chipotle tomato soup is calling your name. Slow-cooked tomatoes, smoky chipotle peppers, and rich cream come together for a bold, cozy soup with just the right amount of spice. It's smooth, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Soups

These tips will make your life so much easier when it comes to making soup in the crockpot:

  • Add flavor in layers: Sautéing onions, garlic, and spices before tossing them in the slow cooker really takes the flavor up a notch. A little extra effort at the beginning makes the soup taste so much better.
  • Hold off on the dairy: If your soup is made with cream, milk, or cheese, wait till the end to stir it in. Letting it cook too long on high heat can make it separate or curdle.
  • Layer things wisely: Put denser veggies like potatoes or carrots at the bottom so they get all that heat. Save the delicate stuff, like herbs or spinach, for the last part.
  • Find that balance: Tomatoes, wine, or vinegar can brighten up the soup, but a pinch of sugar or a little cream can mellow out that tang.
  • Boost the flavor: Want a richer taste? Try adding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even some Parmesan rinds. These little things can really make the soup pop.
  • Watch the cook time: Soups are pretty forgiving, but don't overcook things like seafood, pasta, or delicate veggies. Throw them in the last hour for the best texture.

What can I add to these slow cooker soups?

Here are some easy ways to add more flavor and texture to slow cooker soups!

  • Vegetables: Toss in peppers for sweetness, butternut squash for creaminess, or corn for a hearty soup.
  • Potatoes: Russets make the soup creamy, while red or Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape, adding texture and bite.
  • Cream: A little cream goes a long way, making the soup rich and smooth. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free option too!
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or pepper jack adds richness and flavor. You can also sprinkle it on top right before serving!
  • Bacon: Crumbled bacon or bacon bits bring in that smoky, salty crunch, making everything more savory.
  • Spices: A bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper gives your soup just the right amount of heat and warmth. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat!
  • Herbs: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme add a pop of freshness and aromatic flavor. Toss them in toward the end or use them as a garnish.
  • Lime or Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lime or lemon brightens the soup and balances out the richness with a refreshing kick.
  • Pasta or grains: Small pasta like ditalini or orzo is great for light texture, while fusilli or penne adds more substance for a filling meal. You can also add quinoa or rice toward the end of cooking for more bulk!
  • Smooth soup: If you prefer a smooth soup over a chunky one, use a blender or an immersion blender to blend everything up for a smooth soup!

How to Prep Slow Cooker Soups Ahead of Time

Prepping slow cooker soups ahead of time can save you so much time and effort on busy days! Here's how you can do it for both the fridge and freezer:

Fridge Prep:

  • Chop and Prep Ingredients: If you're making a soup that needs chopped veggies, meats, or other ingredients, you can prep everything the night before or a few hours ahead. Just store your chopped ingredients in separate containers in the fridge. That way, when you're ready to cook, you can throw everything into the slow cooker without extra prep time.
  • Make-Ahead Broth or Base: If your soup uses a broth or base (like a tomato or cream base), make it in advance and store it in the fridge. This works especially well for creamy or pureed soups.
  • Assemble Soup (No Cooking Yet): For many soups, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert (minus any dairy or delicate items) and store it in the fridge. The next day, just transfer it to the slow cooker, set it to cook, and you're good to go.
  • Storage Tips: If you're prepping ahead of time, don't add fresh herbs, cream, or cheese until closer to the end of cooking time—this ensures they stay fresh and flavorful.

Freezer Prep:

  • Freezer Soup Kits: This is one of the easiest ways to prep for slow cooker soups. Simply layer all your raw ingredients (veggies, meat, seasonings) in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge or directly toss it into the slow cooker and add broth or water.
  • Prep and Freeze Broth or Base: If your soup has a broth, creamy base, or puree, you can make and freeze that in advance. Pour the base into freezer bags or containers. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw and add the rest of your ingredients before slow cooking.
  • Portion It Out: If you like to have smaller servings, freeze individual portions of your soup. This makes it easy to defrost just what you need and reheat quickly.
  • Add Dairy or Delicate Ingredients Later: If your soup recipe calls for dairy (like cream, milk, or cheese), it's best to add those ingredients after you thaw and cook the soup. Freezing dairy can cause it to separate and affect the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

I love making soup in the slow cooker on hectic days when I don't feel like standing around the kitchen! You can prep parts of the soup or the entire soup beforehand, set it to cook, and you're done! 

 

For a thicker soup, try blending a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or mashing some of the ingredients before serving. Adding ingredients like mashed beans, pureed veggies, or a cornstarch slurry can also help. If you want a creamier texture, stir in heavy cream, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt just before serving.

Yes! While slow cooking on low allows flavors to develop more deeply, most soups can be cooked on high for about half the time. For example, if a soup calls for 6-8 hours on low, you can cook it for 3-4 hours on high. However, be mindful that dairy-based soups or those with delicate vegetables may not hold up as well to higher temperatures.

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These are so good, the whole family will love them!

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