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    Home / Roundups

    15 Cozy Soups & Stews That Don’t Simmer All Day

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 30, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    A collage of four bowls of cozy soups and stews that don't simmer all day, each garnished with herbs, with the text "Cozy Soups & Stews" and the website "littlebitrecipes.com.

    When I want something warm and filling but don’t have time to hang around the stove, I always turn to quick soups and stews. These kinds of meals give you all the comfort of slow-cooked flavor without the long wait or extra cleanup. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a busy weeknight, these recipes make it easy to sit down to something that feels like home.

    A bowl of creamy chicken corn chowder with potatoes and garnished with shredded cheese.
    Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

    A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side.
    Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This hearty Italian vegetable stew brings together fresh seasonal vegetables in a savory broth. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s perfect for when you need a comforting meal without hours of simmering. The mixture of vegetables and seasonings makes this stew a great option for a quick, yet fulfilling dish. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal on a busy day. Ideal for those nights when you want something cozy without a long wait.
    Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

    Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

    A bowl of hearty tomato-based soup with cabbage.
    Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This crockpot cabbage soup is the perfect solution when you're looking for a warm, hearty meal that doesn't take all day. With just a few ingredients, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. It’s a comforting, savory soup that can be enjoyed with minimal effort. The cabbage adds a nice texture, making this soup a great choice for an easy, satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and will keep you feeling full for hours.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

    Crock Pot Tomato Soup

    Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side.
    Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A warm bowl of tomato soup is a comforting classic, and this crockpot version makes it even easier to enjoy. It’s rich in flavor, with the tomatoes perfectly cooked to a creamy consistency without the need for constant attention. This soup is a simple and fuss-free option when you're craving something cozy but don’t have hours to wait. The slow-cooked flavors make it feel like you’ve been simmering it all day. It’s a great choice for a warm, effortless meal any time.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

    Easy Beef Stew

    Beef stew in yellow bowls.
    Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This easy beef stew comes together in no time and is perfect for a cozy meal without the long cook time. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth make it a comforting, no-hassle option for dinner. It’s an ideal recipe for those who want a filling meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation. The robust flavors are achieved in a fraction of the time, so you can enjoy a hearty meal in less time. It’s the perfect choice for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

    Broccoli Cheese Soup

    A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup beside fresh broccoli and shredded cheese, with a slow cooker in the background.
    Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A creamy, comforting soup that’s rich in flavor, broccoli cheese soup is an easy go-to for when you want something filling without long cooking times. The broccoli adds texture while the cheese gives it a rich, smooth base. It’s a quick and easy way to make a cozy, warming meal without all-day prep. This soup can be made in no time, making it a great choice for those last-minute meal needs. Perfect for a chilly day or when you're craving something creamy.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

    A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This fish stew with chorizo offers a wonderful combination of flavors, with the spiciness of the chorizo balancing the tenderness of the fish. It’s a quick, satisfying stew that doesn’t take hours to make, yet still delivers rich, full-bodied flavor. A great choice when you’re craving a flavorful, hearty meal without the long simmering. The chorizo adds depth, making this stew a comforting option in less time. It’s a flavorful and warming meal that's perfect for busy days.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    Chicken Corn Chowder

    A bowl of creamy chicken corn chowder with potatoes and garnished with shredded cheese.
    Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This creamy chicken corn chowder is an easy, comforting dish that's perfect for a quick, warming meal. The combination of chicken and corn creates a rich, hearty base that doesn’t require long cooking times. It’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something filling without the wait. With just a few ingredients, you can have a flavorful and hearty soup ready in no time. This chowder is simple to make and packed with comfort in every spoonful.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

    Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
    Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This crockpot chili for two is perfect for a cozy, filling meal without the lengthy cooking times. The combination of spices, beans, and meat delivers rich, robust flavors that simmer to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s an easy recipe that allows you to set it up and enjoy a hearty meal without the long wait. The smaller portion size makes it ideal for a quiet night in with minimal effort. It's the perfect option when you want something hearty and satisfying in a short amount of time.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.
    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This slow cooker vegetable soup is an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy a warm, comforting meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, it cooks to perfection with just a little preparation. It’s an ideal choice for busy days when you need a cozy, satisfying meal without hours of simmering. The flavors come together effortlessly, and it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies. It’s a comforting, warm meal that’s ready with minimal hands-on time.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon.
    Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This chicken gnocchi soup is a creamy, comforting option that's easy to make in a short time. With tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying soup that doesn’t need to simmer all day. It’s perfect for when you want a cozy, hearty meal that’s both filling and quick. The combination of ingredients makes it feel like a meal that took hours to prepare, but it’s ready in no time. Ideal for a busy weeknight when you want something cozy and comforting.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side.
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This navy bean and ham soup is a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn’t require long simmering. The beans are tender and the ham adds just the right amount of smoky flavor, making it perfect for a quick meal. It’s a great option when you're craving something cozy and filling, but don’t have all day to cook. The rich, comforting flavors come together easily without hours of prep. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in no time.
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

    Lemon chicken soup in a white bowl with lemon slices.
    Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This Greek lemon chicken soup is a bright, flavorful option that’s both comforting and quick to prepare. With tender chicken and a tangy lemon broth, it’s a great choice when you want something light yet filling without waiting all day. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, making it a perfect option for cozy meals on the go. It’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients, and is ready in no time. It’s an easy and comforting dish that feels like it’s been simmering for hours.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

    Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl.
    Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This shrimp and corn bisque is a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal in a fraction of the time. The sweetness of the corn and the tender shrimp make for a satisfying dish that doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s ideal for when you're craving something hearty and flavorful, but need it ready quickly. The bisque comes together effortlessly, with minimal prep and cook time. It’s a perfect option for a comforting, quick soup on any busy day.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    Easy Potato Soup

    A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with rosemary and thyme, served on a wooden table.
    Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This easy potato soup is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, filling meal without the long cooking time. The potatoes create a creamy, hearty base that’s easy to prepare and cook quickly. It’s an ideal choice for those busy days when you need a comforting soup in a short amount of time. This recipe is straightforward and simple, with minimal prep needed for a cozy meal. It’s a great option when you want something filling without all-day simmering.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This minestrone soup with sausage combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients in a simple, quick meal. The sausage adds a savory depth, and the vegetables make it a filling dish that doesn’t require hours of simmering. It’s perfect for when you want a cozy, flavorful meal in a short amount of time. With minimal prep, this soup is easy to make and offers satisfying flavors in less time. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you want something comforting and quick.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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