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I’ve always leaned on my slow cooker when life gets hectic. Just toss everything in, let it simmer all day, and come home to a hot bowl of soup.
These easy slow cooker soup recipes are hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor — no fancy steps or ingredients needed.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This is my go-to when anyone in the house feels under the weather. I throw in chicken thighs, chopped carrots, celery, onion, broth, and seasonings. By dinnertime, the chicken is tender and the soup is cozy and comforting. I add the noodles in the last 30 minutes so they don’t turn to mush.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for more flavor, and skim off the fat before serving for a clearer broth. I also squeeze in a little lemon juice at the end — it brightens up the whole bowl and adds a fresh kick.
Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.
2. Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
This one is creamy, cheesy, and feels like a warm hug. I add peeled diced potatoes, onions, broth, and seasonings, then blend them smooth after cooking. A little sour cream and shredded cheese stirred in at the end make it extra rich.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use a mix of Yukon gold and russet potatoes — the texture is creamier. Don’t skip the toppings! Crispy bacon, green onions, and sharp cheddar take this soup to the next level without much effort.
Get the Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup recipe.
3. Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal. I use stew beef, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, broth, and pearl barley. Everything gets tender and flavorful after a day in the slow cooker. It’s great with crusty bread or even on its own.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Brown the beef first — I know it’s an extra step, but it adds deep flavor. If you’re short on time, a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce at the end can help boost the savory taste.
Get the Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup recipe.
4. Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup
This soup is meatless but super filling. I add green or brown lentils, chopped vegetables, garlic, tomato paste, and broth. It simmers into a thick, stew-like soup that’s great for meal prep or freezing.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Don’t be afraid to spice it up — a little cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder makes a big difference. I blend about a cup of the soup at the end and stir it back in to give it a rich texture without needing cream.
Get the Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup recipe.
5. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This one is always a hit with friends and family. I use shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, corn, and a creamy broth base. It’s a fun twist on chili that’s not too heavy but still packed with flavor.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Stir in cream cheese or sour cream at the end to thicken the soup and make it extra creamy. A squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro right before serving adds a fresh, bright touch.
Get the Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe.
6. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
This one tastes like something from a fancy café, but it’s so easy. I toss in canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and basil. After it’s cooked, I blend it smooth and stir in a bit of cream. It’s rich, tangy, and perfect with grilled cheese on the side.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Roast the canned tomatoes in the oven for 20 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker — it deepens the flavor like crazy. And if you’re out of cream, a splash of milk and butter works just fine too.
Get the Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup recipe.
7. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
When I want something zesty and filling, this is my pick. I brown some ground beef, then toss it in the slow cooker with canned beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth. It’s got that chili-meets-taco flavor that never fails.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese to make it feel like a full taco night. I also add a spoonful of salsa to the pot for an extra kick.
Get the Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe.
8. Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
This is one of my guilty pleasures. I cook broccoli, onion, carrots, and broth in the slow cooker until tender, then blend most of it and stir in a generous amount of cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hits the spot every time.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded — it melts smoother and tastes better. And blend just half the soup if you like a chunkier texture with a creamy base.
Get the Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
9. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This classic is so simple but always satisfying. I use split peas, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, and a ham bone if I have one. It cooks down into a thick, hearty soup that’s packed with protein and flavor.
How to Make This Recipe Better
If you don’t have a ham bone, smoked paprika adds a great flavor boost. I also stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end — it cuts through the richness and brightens everything up.
Get the Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe.
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This is a family favorite on taco nights. I cook shredded chicken with corn, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Once it’s ready, I serve it with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. It’s spicy, savory, and totally comforting.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Add the tortilla strips right before eating so they stay crispy. If you like it thicker, mash some of the beans with a spoon before serving — it makes the soup heartier without adding anything extra.
Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
11. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
It has all the flavor of stuffed peppers without the fuss. I toss in ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and broth. Everything simmers until the rice is tender and the flavors come together beautifully.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Sauté the peppers before adding them for a deeper flavor, and rinse the rice to help prevent it from getting mushy. A sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan on top gives it a cheesy twist.
Get the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe.
12. Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana
This copycat version of the popular soup is always a hit in my house. I use Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, garlic, and cream. It’s savory, creamy, and just spicy enough. A bowl of this on a cold day is pure joy.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Brown the sausage until it’s crispy — those bits add loads of flavor. And don’t add the kale too early — I toss it in during the last 15 minutes so it stays bright and doesn’t get mushy.
Get the Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana recipe.
13. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
Sweet corn, potatoes, onions, and a creamy base come together in this cozy soup. It’s thick, hearty, and great for summer or winter. I love it with crusty bread or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use frozen fire-roasted corn for more flavor if you can find it. Blend just a third of the soup and stir it back in — that way, you keep the texture but still get the creamy feel.
Get the Slow Cooker Corn Chowder recipe.
14. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
This one takes a little prep but is worth it. I slowly caramelize onions, then let them simmer in broth all day. When it’s done, I ladle it into bowls, add a slice of crusty bread, and melt cheese over the top. It’s restaurant-level good.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Use a mix of yellow and red onions for more depth. And don’t rush the caramelizing — it’s the backbone of this soup’s flavor. Broil the cheese-covered toast separately so it gets melty and bubbly before placing it on the soup.
Get the Slow Cooker French Onion Soup recipe.
15. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This is my favorite clean-out-the-fridge soup. I toss in chopped vegetables, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and small pasta. It’s hearty, filling, and totally flexible based on what you’ve got on hand. A great meatless option that still feels like a full meal.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Add the pasta during the last 20 minutes so it doesn’t overcook. A spoonful of pesto stirred in right before serving gives the whole pot a fresh, herby kick without needing extra ingredients.
Get the Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup recipe.
16. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This one’s perfect for chilly days. I use chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onions, and broth. It cooks all day until the rice is tender and the chicken falls apart. A splash of cream at the end makes it thick and rich.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Soak the wild rice for 30 minutes before cooking — it helps it cook more evenly. If you want it extra creamy, blend a small ladle of the soup with the cream before stirring it in. It makes the base velvety and smooth.
Get the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe.
17. Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup gives you all the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls without the rolling. I combine ground beef, cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and spices in the slow cooker. The result is a rich, savory, and super satisfying bowl.
How to Make This Recipe Better
Brown the beef with a little garlic and onion before adding it to the pot — it brings out deeper flavor. Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to balance the tomato and brighten everything up.
