Healthy Recipes Healthy Cooking Methods & Styles Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes Slow-Cooker & Crock Pot Soup & Stew Recipes Our Top 40 Slow-Cooker Soups By Alex Loh Alex Loh Alex Loh is EatingWell's associate food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for the EatingWell audience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on September 14, 2020 Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Instagram Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, has been with EatingWell for three years and works as the associate nutrition editor for the brand. She is a registered dietitian with a master's in food, nutrition and sustainability. In addition to EatingWell, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Parents, Better Homes and Gardens and MyRecipes. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos It's officially soup season and we've pulled together our best slow-cooker soup recipes. Whether it's a light, broth-based soup or a hearty stew, these recipes are perfect for dinner. Just fill your slow-cooker with the ingredients in the morning and you'll be rewarded with a warming bowl of deliciousness. Recipes like Slow-Cooker Mushroom Soup with Sherry and Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Stew are healthy, filling and pair well with crusty bread to sop up all the goodness. 01 of 40 Slow-Cooker Mushroom Soup with Sherry View Recipe Treat dinner guests to this premeal soup loaded with earthy, umami flavor from the mushrooms and soy sauce. Puréeing only some of the slow-cooker mushroom soup gives the dish complex texture and eye appeal. Garnish with additional black pepper and chopped fresh thyme, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 02 of 40 Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew View Recipe This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2019 03 of 40 Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Chicken Meatball Soup View Recipe Don't skip cooking the onions for the meatballs. This step softens the onions so they more easily add their sweet flavor to the meatball mixture. Best part? This slow-cooker meatball soup only requires 25 minutes of hands-on time. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 04 of 40 Slow-Cooker Turkey & Kale Minestrone Soup View Recipe Adjust the heat level in the dish by choosing either hot or mild Italian sausage. You can add red pepper, too, to make it extra hot. Serve this slow-cooker minestrone with crusty bread, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 05 of 40 Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Stew View Recipe This Mediterranean stew is a healthy dinner chock-full of vegetables and hearty chickpeas. A drizzle of olive oil to finish carries the flavors of this easy vegan crock-pot stew. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale. Any way you vary it, this stew is sure to go into heavy rotation when you are looking for healthy crock-pot recipes. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2019 06 of 40 Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup View Recipe This slow-cooker chicken noodle soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2019 07 of 40 Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup View Recipe Puréeing some of the lentil-vegetable mixture, and then combining it with the remaining vegetables and lentils gives the soup a texture that satisfies those who love a creamy soup and those who prefer it chunky. Serve this slow-cooker lentil soup with crackers. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 08 of 40 Slow-Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew View Recipe The chicken, sweet potato and chickpeas all contribute to the nice textured bite of this slow-cooker stew. And the tomato broth takes it to the next level. When eating, you'll want to have a toasted baguette at the ready to soak it all up. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 09 of 40 Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili View Recipe Grab your crock pot for this delicious and easy slow-cooker vegetarian chili with beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet potatoes. The recipe requires just 20 minutes of active time: after a bit of chopping, you just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Adding a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro just before serving brightens up the flavors. Top it with some shredded cheese, if you'd like, or serve it as-is to keep it vegan. Either way, this healthy chili is sure to become a go-to when you want a satisfying and healthy dinner. Source: Eatingwell.com, June 2019 10 of 40 Pork & Green Chile Stew View Recipe Let your slow cooker work--while you're at work!--and come home to a delicious bowl of hearty stew for dinner. Full of potatoes, hominy, green chiles, and chunks of pork sirloin, this filling stew recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare in the morning. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine 11 of 40 Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup View Recipe In this genius slow-cooker soup recipe, two types of onions are caramelized for hours before adding a sherry-spiked broth. For a bistro-worthy presentation, ladle the soup into ovenproof crocks, top with the bread and cheese and broil. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Soup Cookbook 12 of 40 Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup with Garlicky Croutons View Recipe Fans of split pea soup will go crazy for bowls of this version that requires almost no hands-on time. If you sop up every last drop of this slow-cooker split pea soup, fantastic; if you have leftovers, even better--it might just be tastier the next day once the flavors have melded. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 13 of 40 Slow-Cooker Carrot-Leek Bisque View Recipe Creamy and delicate slow-cooker carrot soup is a welcome appetizer. The addition of millet--a whole grain similar to quinoa--adds body to the soup as well as protein and fiber. Garnish with additional black pepper, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 14 of 40 Slow-Cooker Beef Stew View Recipe Load the crock pot and go with this stew recipe that's prepped in the morning and simmers all day so you'll come home to a Sunday-worthy dinner (and your house smelling downright heavenly). Tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and carrots in a rich broth--this could be the best and easiest beef stew you've ever made. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2017 15 of 40 Slow-Cooker Potato Soup View Recipe This easy slow-cooker potato soup has all the good stuff you love on a potato--including bacon, cheese and scallions. Serve this loaded baked potato soup with a salad for an easy dinner--just 15 minutes of active prep time!--whenever you're in need of some serious comfort food. It would also be fun fare for a casual party. Serve it straight out of the slow cooker and set out bowls of toppings so everyone can assemble their own. You can easily make this soup vegetarian--just use vegetable broth and skip the bacon. Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019 16 of 40 Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew View Recipe Modeled on North African stews, this aromatic vegetarian main course can be served over brown rice or steamed spinach. Source: EatingWell Magazine, February/March 2006 17 of 40 Lentil & Root Veggie Soup View Recipe French green lentils and black lentils hold up well to long, slow cooking without becoming mushy. Save the rinds from used-up blocks of Parmesan in a resealable plastic bag or tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. They give soup broths a rich, savory flavor. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Soup Cookbook 18 of 40 Slow-Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with Asparagus & Peas View Recipe Use your crock pot all year with this healthy slow-cooker chicken soup recipe with fresh spring ingredients. Adding the asparagus and peas to the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes of cooking and leaving the lid off ensures that the vegetables stay bright green and are perfectly done without getting mushy. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019 19 of 40 Slow-Cooker Spanish Chickpea Soup View Recipe This easy soup recipe is inspired by cocido, the hearty stew of assorted meats, chickpeas and vegetables considered a national dish of Spain. Each region, family and restaurant has its own variation, but this slow-cooker soup has enough meat to satisfy the carnivores and enough vegetables to make it healthy. Ask for a 4-ounce slab of Serrano ham or prosciutto at your deli counter instead of buying slices. If you don't have a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, opt for the stovetop variation instead. Source: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016 20 of 40 Irish Lamb Stew View Recipe Lamb stew is Irish penicillin: a rich stew full of potatoes, leeks and carrots that'll cure whatever ails you. In traditional fashion, nothing here is browned first, just all stewed together--in this case, in a slow cooker to make it extra easy. To keep it healthy make sure to trim the lamb of any visible fat before you cook it. 21 of 40 Slow-Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash-Apple Soup View Recipe The sweetness of the Granny Smith apple shines through the creaminess of the blended butternut squash, a combination that is sure to whet appetites. Don't be afraid to keep blending the soup-more air yields tastier, frothier soup. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. To make this a vegan butternut squash soup, omit the heavy cream and use your favorite plant-based milk or yogurt instead. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker 22 of 40 Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew View Recipe Potatoes and beans make this tomato-based crock-pot vegetable stew super-hearty. You could also add briefly sautéed chunks of zucchini or fresh corn kernels just before serving, or add another can of cannellini beans for more substance. A dollop of pesto on top is also super-delicious. Adding homemade garlic croutons is an easy way to elevate this healthy dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019 23 of 40 Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Chicken & Chickpea Soup View Recipe This set-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker recipe simmers away all day so you come home to a warm and healthy dinner the whole family will love. Using bone-in chicken is the key to making rich soup without adding broth. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2019 24 of 40 Ethiopian-Spiced Chicken Stew View Recipe This chicken stew, generously seasoned with the Ethiopian spice mix berbere, is loaded with tomato and red lentils. Depending on brand, berbere spice blend can be rather spicy. For a less spicy stew, start with 3 tablespoons spice blend rather than 5. Source: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016 25 of 40 Slow-Cooker Creamy Lentil Soup Freezer Pack View Recipe Prep the ingredients for this soup months in advance for a total hands-off meal that's ready when you are. Vegetarian lentils and vegan coconut milk make this soup creamy and pack in plenty of plant-based protein and a hearty amount of fiber. To keep it vegan, opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Source: EatingWell.com, September 2018 26 of 40 Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash View Recipe The sweetness of the butternut squash tames the kick from cayenne in this healthy turkey chili, making this easy crock pot chili just right for kids and adults alike, whether for weeknight dinners or tailgating parties. For those who prefer a spicier chili, just pass hot sauce at the table. This chili also freezes well, so save leftovers for hearty and healthy dinners and lunches for weeks to come. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2019 27 of 40 Slow-Cooker "Corned Beef" & Cabbage View Recipe This warming slow-cooker stew has all the flavors of corned beef and cabbage but with much less sodium, plus it's ready in half the time of traditional corned beef and cabbage. Rather than curing the beef in a salty brine for at least a day, we just throw the beef and veggies into a crock pot with pickling spice for that delicous briny flavor without the long soaking period. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018 28 of 40 Middle Eastern Lamb Stew View Recipe This brothy stew is boldly flavored with a blend of characteristic Middle Eastern spices and finished with fresh spinach and fiber-rich chickpeas. Economical lamb shoulder tenderizes beautifully when leisurely cooked in a slow cooker. If you can't find boneless shoulder stew meat, do not substitute more-expensive lamb leg--it tends to dry out during slow cooking. Instead, purchase lamb shoulder chops and debone them. Serve over bulgur and accompany with a salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2008 29 of 40 Slow-Cooker Southwestern Bean Soup View Recipe Get dinner on the table on a busy day with ease with this load-&-go crock pot recipe. This zesty soup can simmer in the crock pot for an entire workday, making it perfect for a busy weekday meal. Bump up the Southwest flavors with a garnished of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2018 30 of 40 Savory Bean Spinach Soup View Recipe Let a slow cooker complete this vegetarian soup. Serve it in cups as a sandwich side or ladle it into bowls for a light meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine 31 of 40 Slow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup View Recipe Dera Burreson Skip the roasting in this butternut squash soup recipe and let your slow cooker do the work instead. Just load up all the ingredients into the crock pot, set it and forget it for an easy, healthy dinner or packable lunches. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018 32 of 40 Fennel & Pork Stew View Recipe This meltingly tender pork shoulder ragout has a savory broth that's full of fennel. White wine gives the stew a bright edge of acidity. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2012 33 of 40 Swedish Yellow Split Pea Soup with Ham View Recipe This yellow split pea soup has fresh ginger to give it a bright flavor. Use the best ham you can find to get the most flavor. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Soup Cookbook 34 of 40 Spaghetti Lover's Soup View Recipe This easy slow-cooker soup has all the great flavors of your favorite dish of spaghetti with beef sauce, without a lot of fussy preparation. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine 35 of 40 Slow-Cooker Stout & Chicken Stew View Recipe Chicken thighs can take plenty of cooking without getting tough or drying out, which makes them perfect for the slow cooker. Here we braise them in Guinness stout along with hearty vegetables, with just the right amount of bacon for added savoriness. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2012 36 of 40 Stuffed Pepper Soup View Recipe Using a slow cooker makes this flavorful soup an easy meal for any night of the week. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine 37 of 40 Sweet Potato & Barley Chili View Recipe If you're ready for something different, try this hearty slow-cooked chili made with sweet potato, pearled barley, and red beans. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine 38 of 40 Slow-Cooker Moroccan Lentil Soup View Recipe Like most soups, this Moroccan lentil soup recipe gets better with time as the complex seasonings have time to develop. Make it a day ahead if you can--this easy slow cooker/crock pot recipe variation makes it a cinch to get the soup cooking while you do other things. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Soup Cookbook 39 of 40 Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup View Recipe Make a big batch of low-calorie veggie-packed soup with ease in this load-and-go crock pot recipe. After simmering away in the slow cooker, portion it into individual serving containers and store in the fridge or freezer for fast, healthy lunches or an easy, satisfying snack. This weight-loss vegetable soup fills you up without a lot of calories, plus it's an easy way to eat more vegetables. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2017 40 of 40 Slow-Cooker Black Bean-Mushroom Chili View Recipe Black beans, earthy mushrooms and tangy tomatillos combine with a variety of spices and smoky chipotles to create a fantastic full-flavored chili. It can simmer in the slow cooker all day, which makes it perfect for a healthy supper when the end of your day is rushed. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Winter 2004 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit