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32 Best Winter Soups and Stews

This time of year, happiness comes from hearty bowls of winter soups and stews.

They’re piping hot, with a rich home-style flavor.

If these winter soup recipes don’t warm your heart, then I don’t know what will.

Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
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When it’s chilly outside, it’s impossible not to crave a cozy, delicious meal to ride out the winter nights.

And these winter soups and stews are as cozy and satisfying as it gets.

Every recipe brings a warm blanket-like comfort and keeps your tummy full. So, let’s get your ladle working!

Bowl of warm and hearty Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with carrots and potatoes

1. Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

This one-pot recipe is what you need for a last-minute yet filling dish. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a classic savory stew in just 20 minutes!

Featuring tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and the perfect mix of herbs and spices, this old-fashioned beef stew will take away the wintry feeling at the first bite.

Top view of a bowl of Roasted Cream of Cauliflower Parmesan Soup
Source: Wholeandheavenlyoven.com

2. Roasted Cream of Cauliflower Parmesan Soup

Can’t think of anything to do with leftover cauliflower? Check out this recipe!

Creamy, cheesy, and healthy, roasted cream of cauliflower parmesan soup is a winning cold-weather meal.

The roasted cauliflower is blended with butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, producing a flavor that’s so addictive.

You’ll surely love another bowl of this soup!

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Served with Bread

3. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

It’s cold outside, but you want Panera’s delicious broccoli cheddar soup. You can brave the cold, or make it at home!

I promise you it’s just as insanely cheesy and hearty as Panera’s. Personally, I think it’s even better. 

Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli makes a big difference.

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Bowl of homemade Stuffed Pepper Soup on a table sliced bread
Source: Cookingclassy.com

4. Stuffed Pepper Soup

In the mood for more classic soups and stews?

This stuffed pepper soup can comfort everyone’s tummy with its combination of lightly sweet and beefy flavors.

It’ll fill you up so quickly, so there’s no need to make side dishes!

Warm Homemade Crockpot Lasagna Soup

5. Crockpot Lasagna Soup

This recipe has all the lasagna vibes and none of the tedious work. What more could you ask for? 

The broth is deliciously light with a punch of savory spices, ground beef, and tender lasagna noodles. 

And don’t worry, it’s still as cheesy and gooey as a slice of grandma’s homemade lasagna.

Bowl of  Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

6. Loaded Potato Soup

In the soup hall of fame, potato soup is the MVP. What’s not to love? An intensely creamy broth, with tender chunks of potatoes that simply melt in your mouth. 

But this recipe goes one step further on flavor and adds smoky hints of meaty bacon and more cheese. 

This recipe is a must-try if you love O’Charley’s loaded potato soup.

Toasted French bread dipped on a bowl of Roasted Vegetable and Red Lentil Stew
Source: Crumbsandcaramel.com

7. Roasted Vegetable and Red Lentil Stew

Looking for an excellent grilled cheese dipping soup? Put that can of tomato soup down!

Roasted vegetable and red lentil stew is like tomato soup’s overachieving little brother. 

It’s smoky, hearty, and oh-so-garlicky. I mean, there’s no such thing as too much garlic, right? 

This hearty winter stew is the perfect side kick for a savory grilled cheese.

Feta bread dipped on a bowl of Pork Pozole Verde
Source: Somuchfoodblog.com

8. Pork Pozole Verde

Pork pozole verde is Mexican comfort food at its finest. It has it all from smoky pork to spicy jalapenos and fresh herbs. 

It’s so rich and chock full of flavor in every spoonful. While it’s amazing on its own, it’s even better with toppings. 

A sprinkling of cotija cheese helps tame the spiciness and binds all those amazing flavors.

Bowl of  Homemade Beef Bourguignon with carrots and potatoes
Source: Tamingtwins.com

9. Beef Bourguignon

If you have a slow cooker and you want to make a French-style beef stew, this recipe is yours to take.

All you need are the basics — carrots, mushrooms, beef stock, and onions.

Backed by easy cooking steps, you can devour this delicious dish in no time without going to a French restaurant.

Bowl of Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup garnished with mint leaves
Source: Themediterraneandish.com

10. Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup

Have an abundance of carrots at home? Whip up a batch of this roasted carrot ginger soup.

The trick for the creamiest dish is to roast the carrots. Nothing beats the sweet and caramel-like flavor they produce.

Mix in some fresh ginger, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices for a soup that packs excellent flavor combinations.

Top view of a bowl of Tuscan Sausage and Vegetable Stew
Source: Iowagirleats.com

11. Tuscan Sausage and Vegetable Stew

Healthy vegetables and diced Tuscan sausage swimming in a well-seasoned broth — give me some!

The sweet Italian sausage combines perfectly with the earthy taste of carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, and baby spinach. 

This meal also reheats well, making it a fantastic choice for easy lunches. 

Bowl of homemade Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Source: Dinnerthendessert.com

12. Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Imagine deconstructed cabbage rolls, with all the ingredients immersed in a savory tomato base. That’s what stuffed cabbage soup is all about.

This recipe is my go-to when I don’t have the time to roll some cabbage.

In 45 minutes, using just one pot, you can turn the ground beef, tomato rice, chopped cabbage, and beef broth into a scrumptious, warming soup!

Bowl of homemade Borscht carrots, onions, red beets, potatoes, white cabbage and minced garlic
Source: Happykitchen.rocks

13. Easy Borscht

Have you ever tried classic Russian cuisine? If not, then you should definitely try borscht!

Also known as beet soup, borscht is a purple-red, healthy soup with red beet as its main ingredient.

It looks so festive, you can include it in your menu for the winter soup recipes list. But to be honest, it’s something I wouldn’t mind designating as an everyday soup. 

Bowl of homemade Thai Green Curry Soup with rice noodles, chicken breast, green curry paste, green onions, cilantro, ginger, snow peas and coconut milk
Source: Damndelicious.net

14. Thai Green Curry Soup

If you ask four chefs, “what’s the difference between soup and stew?” chances are you’ll get a couple of different answers.

Some say it’s how the dish is cooked, and others will claim it’s the texture.

I think it’s kind of both. So while this is called Thai green curry soup, it’s so darn hearty, I think it’s more like a bright, lightly spiced Thai stew.

Bowl of homemade Hearty Vegetable Stew with carrots and potatoes
Source: Thecheekychickpea.com

15. Hearty Vegetable Stew

Who says you can’t make a stew without pork or beef? This hearty vegetable stew is 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Classic veggies are simmered in tomato paste and bullion, producing beefy, savory, and earthy flavors in one wonderful dish.

You can still take things to the next level by adding beer and wine to deepen the flavor. It’s the best beefless stew ever! 

Hearty and Savory Texas Cowboy Stew with Sausage, Corn and Potatoes

16. Texas Cowboy Stew

When you think of hearty stew, this Texas Cowboy stew recipe likely comes to mind. 

It combines protein-packed ingredients like kielbasa, ground beef, and beans with savory spices. 

Seriously, when Texas Cowboy Stew is on the menu for dinner, no one will go to bed hungry.

Bowl of homemade Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup

17. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Classic chicken pot pie can be tedious. But with this amazing soup recipe, you can enjoy the flavors with none of the work. 

The soup base is very similar to the gravy-like insides of a traditional pot pie. It pairs chicken and root veggies in a hearty broth. 

And you can improvise a crust with a side of buttery biscuits or crusty bread. Easy peasy.

Homemade Moroccan Stew with Butternut Squash and Chickpeas
Source: Rachelcooks.com

18. Moroccan Stew with Butternut Squash and Chickpeas

Do you have a functional Dutch oven or a large pot? Then you can make this Morrocan stew at home.

This recipe is for vegetarians and is made with butternut squash, chickpeas, kale, golden raisins, and tomatoes.

It’s all infused with warm curry and tangy cinnamon.

Feel free to replace some veggies with cooked beef, lamb, or chicken for a meaty alternative.

Homemade Brunswick Stew with smoke pulled pork and lima beans

19. Brunswick Stew

Bring the taste of the south to your home with this Brunswick stew recipe.

Traditionally, Brunswick stew has a tomato base. But for this one, you’ll have a barbeque broth that pairs well with smoked pork.

This is my personal favorite, as the meat is well-seasoned and moist, with little to no prep time!

Bowl of Italian Wedding Soup with ground pork and beef meatballs and ditalini pasta
Source: Mantitlement.com

20. Italian Wedding Soup

Those canned Italian wedding soups in your pantry don’t hold a candle to this recipe!

The trick to this hard-to-put-down Italian wedding soup lies in the meatballs. Homemade and perfectly seasoned meatballs make a big difference. 

Add those meatballs to a light chicken-based broth with plenty of veggies, and try and stop at one bowl.

Clam Chowder With Bread Crumbs And Bacon Bits

21. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is the perfect soup to warm those bones on those cold days. It’s creamy, thick, and so easy to whip together in a jiffy. 

Clams add an amazing briney flavor that pairs perfectly with smokey bacon and tender potatoes. 

Top it with a handful of crunchy croutons, and watch it disappear!

Bowl of homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with slices of rye bread on a wooden table

22. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup is a must-try. It’s so good, you’ll want to recreate it at home.

The soup is extra creamy, filled with tender chicken bites, soft gnocchi (Italian potato dumplings), and fresh spinach.

Because this soup is an Italian classic, it’s best served with focaccia bread or a chopped Italian salad.

Bowl of homemade Roasted Tomato and Matzo Ball Soup
Source: Littleferrarokitchen.com

23. Roasted Tomato and Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup (aka Jewish Penicillin) may not cure your cold. But it will cure your wintertime blues. 

Perfectly roasted tomatoes deliver a kick of smokey and slightly acidic flavor. When paired with tender Parmesan matzo balls, it melts in your mouth.

 It’s light, savory, and perfect with a slice of crust bread. You won’t want to Passover this soup!

Bowl of homemade 15 Bean Soup with Ham

24. 15 Bean Soup with Ham

With 15 different types of beans, this 15 bean soup with ham is sure to hit the spot. 

I mean, talk about a protein powerhouse! Beans deliver a good dose of fiber and protein, and the added ham takes it over the top. 

Pro tip: serve this soup with a slice of homemade honey beer bread. You won’t regret it!

Bowl of homemade Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

25. Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

Julia Child’s recipe for French onion soup creates a feeling of a warm, comforting hug served in a bowl.

This dish is packed with caramelized onions, melted cheese, savory broth, and French bread. These are simple ingredients that bring out the best flavors.

With a sophisticated taste and look, you won’t notice that this dish started as a peasant soup!

Lamb Stew cooked on a pot with carrots, potatoes and mushrooms
Source: Natashaskitchen.com

26. Lamb Stew

One taste of these hearty stews, and you’ll fall in love with its flavor-packed sauce, soft lamb morsels, and nutritious vegetables.

It’s a complete meal on its own, but serving it with some soft-crust bread is ideal for soaking up all the goodness from the broth!

Bowl of White Chicken Chili with Sour Cream and Herbs

27. White Chicken Chili

Traditional chili is great, but sometimes you don’t want something so heavy. White chicken chili to the rescue!

It hits all the marks but infuses a creamy chicken base with a subtle sweetness from corn. 

And the secret ingredient? A packet of taco seasoning to bring on the flavor! It’s hard to stop at just one bowl.

Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken on a Pan
Source: Thatgirlcookshealthy.com

28. Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Craving a unique Caribbean flavor? This Jamaican brown stew will satisfy every taste bud.

This recipe starts with a chicken that has been marinated with aromatic spices. It’s then braised in savory brown stew gravy.

The browning sauce is one of the key ingredients for this stew. When it’s done right, you’ll add a wonderful depth of flavor to your chicken dinner!

Top view of a bowl of Tortellini Soup
Source: Damndelicious.net

29. Tortellini Soup

Quick and easy to make, I’m sure this will be your go-to winter dinner!

Made with cheesy tortellini, meaty sausage, and hearty kale, it’s everything your heart desires in a bowl of soup.

Still not warm enough? Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine for a snuggly, comfy night Italian-style.

Chopsticks scooping noodles on a bowl of Thai Coconut Soup
Source: Recipetineats.com

30. Thai Coconut Soup

One of the most versatile recipes on this list is Thai coconut soup.

It’s loaded with noodles and prawns bathing in a mixture of coconut milk and classic Thai spices.

In a nutshell, it’s spicy Thai coconut curry in soup form.

If you can’t handle the heat, no problem. The soup can be cooked as mild as you want.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup in a Bowl with Seeds and Herbs

31. Creamy Pumpkin Soup

This bowl of inviting orange, creamy soup has a silky smooth texture. Get ready for the second round because it’s that good.

Pumpkin soup is so easy to make when you use a canned pumpkin. Still, nothing quite beats the fresh ones.

Upgrades: Add smoky cumin, spicy ground ginger, and cayenne pepper to amp up the heat and savory flavors of your soup.

Bowl of homemade saucy Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Source: Thealmondeater.com

32. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Get ready, because your house is about to smell amazing!

This aromatic shrimp and sausage gumbo explodes with flavor in every spoonful. Sausage brings the heat, while shrimp offers a kiss of sweetness. 

Paired with a robust gumbo base, it’s comfort food at its finest. And for a real treat, try this gumbo served over a bed of fluffy white rice.

32 Best Winter Soups and Stews

Course: Soups, DinnerCuisine: American
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

3

hours 
Calories

529

kcal

There’s nothing better than winter soups and stews to warm you up on a cold day. This easy beef stew, for example, will become your new winter favorite!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast), cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 cup red wine or water

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, toss beef in flour and shake off the excess.
  • Brown the beef in hot oil on all sides. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for about 5 minutes until reduced.
  • Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a few minutes, then return the browned beef to the pot.
  • Stir in bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
  • Add the carrots and potatoes. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls and garnish with parsley, if desired.
  • Serve with crusty bread or biscuits. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of flour with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
  • Experiment with root vegetables like turnips or parsnips for varied flavors and textures.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 529kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 53g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
  • Sodium: 714mg
  • Potassium: 1617mg
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Calcium: 61mg
  • Iron: 31mg
Winter Soups and Stews

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INSANELYGOOD

Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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