When the days turn chilly and the nights grow long, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup or stew. These 10 easy recipes are perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Each dish is simple to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
Start with classics like a rich and savory beef stew simmered with tender vegetables, or a soothing chicken noodle soup that never fails to comfort. If you’re looking for something creamy, a bowl of potato leek soup or butternut squash soup makes the perfect silky, satisfying choice.
For plant-based options, try a hearty lentil stew or a vegetable minestrone, both brimming with nutrients and flavor. These recipes prove that healthy eating can be just as cozy as indulgent comfort food.
If you love bold flavors, spice things up with a Thai coconut curry soup or a Mexican tortilla soup, both offering a delicious twist on traditional favorites. And for the ultimate cozy night, nothing beats a big pot of chili served with warm bread or cornbread on the side.
These soups and stews aren’t just meals—they’re a way to slow down, savor the season, and enjoy the simple pleasure of home-cooked comfort food. With just one pot and a few ingredients, you can have a steaming, hearty dish ready to enjoy.
So grab your favorite bowl, curl up on the couch, and let these 10 easy warming soups and stews keep you cozy all season long.
The Best Broccoli-Cheddar Soup
This outstanding broccoli-cheddar soup is rich, cheesy and packed with flavor. We decided to puree just over half the soup which makes it extra thick and creamy, and left the remainder chunky so there are broccoli bits in every bite. Gild the lily with more shredded cheese on top to satisfy your comfort food craving.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
This soup packs the satisfying flavors of beloved chicken enchiladas into one big, comforting pot of soup. Chicken breasts simmer and flavor a broth that includes red enchilada sauce, then they’re shredded and added back for hearty texture. Since no enchilada is complete without creamy cheese, we used two: Cheddar and cream cheese. While everything is simmering together, we fry up strips of corn tortillas to make the perfect crunchy topper for this cozy weeknight meal.
Ham and Collard Soup
Ree knows that nothing perks up the flavor of hardy greens like a healthy dose of savory ham — and just a touch of spicy jalapeno and garlic.
Onion Soup
Toasted bread and gooey Gruyere are the perfect tried-and-true toppings for this satisfying bowl of caramelized onions in a flavorful broth.
Vegan Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup
This hearty vegan soup conjures up the flavors of Spain in a bowl. The smoked paprika (aka pimenton) gives it a deep savory taste that anyone (even your favorite omnivore) will enjoy. We like water as the base of this soup because it lets the flavors of the vegetables shine through. While it’s optional, the drizzle of sherry vinegar at the end adds a brightness that takes this dish to the next level.
Zuppa Toscana
We developed this recipe to be just like the popular version from Olive Garden — a hearty Italian soup with sausage, kale and potatoes.
The Best Lentil Soup
Brown lentils are the star of this dish. To boost flavor, we used a classic mirepoix—onion, celery and carrot – as well as thyme, bay and oregano for an herby finish. We found the fresh lemon juice and parsley at the end brightened up the soup and added a nice pop of color.
Classic Potato Leek Soup
This classic creamy soup is easy to make and has a hint of fresh lemon juice for some brightness.
Lentil Soup
Giada gives lentil soup an Italian twist by adding elbow macaroni and grated Parmesan. Yum!
Parmesan Chicken Noodle Soup
Stir grated Parmesan into classic chicken noodle soup for a creamy finish.
