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    Home / Roundups

    17 Easy Soup and Stew Recipes You’re Probably Overlooking

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 24, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    We all need quick, reliable meals that don't take much effort but still feel like a real dinner. These soups and stews are the kind of recipes that make life easier. They come together in one pot with simple ingredients and big flavor without the hassle. If you've been stuck making the same things over and over, it's time to switch things up with options you might not have considered before.

    A bowl of hearty vegetable and meat soup with a spoon.Pin
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

    Soup with minced meat, greens, and diced potatoes in a wooden ladle.Pin
    Kale Potato and Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This soup brings together hearty potatoes, flavorful sausage, and kale for a well-rounded meal that's easy to put together on a busy evening. Everything simmers in one pot, letting the ingredients blend without requiring much attention. The combination of protein, greens, and starch makes it a great choice when you need something simple yet filling. If you're looking for something beyond the usual go-to options, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

    Close-up of a ladle holding a hearty soup with visible chunks of tomato, cabbage, ground meat, and grains in broth.Pin
    Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Skip the extra steps of rolling and stuffing cabbage by making this hands-off version in your slow cooker. It delivers the same flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in a way that's easier to prepare and serve. Ground meat, rice, and cabbage cook slowly, creating a rich broth that brings everything together. This is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

    Low Carb Pizza Soup

    A pot of tomato-based stew with mushrooms, herbs, and chunks of meat, being stirred with a gray ladle.Pin
    Low Carb Pizza Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This soup packs all the flavors of a pizza without needing to turn on the oven. A mix of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese makes it a warm and hearty option that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's an easy alternative when you're craving something different but don't want the effort of baking. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup just as simple as the preparation.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pizza Soup

    Tomato Egg Drop Soup

    A spoonful of tomato egg drop soup over a bowl, showing diced tomatoes and green onions.Pin
    Tomato Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This simple soup comes together in minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal. The combination of silky egg ribbons and a light tomato broth creates a comforting dish that doesn't require many ingredients. It's a great alternative when you need something warm but don't want to spend a lot of time cooking. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can make a bowl that feels effortless yet still hits the spot.
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

    Chicken Corn Chowder

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

    This thick, creamy chowder is packed with corn, tender chicken, and potatoes for a meal that feels hearty without being complicated. It's an easy option when you want something warm and comforting but don't have time for a long prep process. The mix of flavors works well for any season, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. If you've been skipping over chowders, this one is worth trying for a simple yet filling dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

    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.Pin
    Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A rich and creamy bisque doesn't have to be complicated, and this one proves it with a straightforward approach. Shrimp and corn create a balanced flavor, while the creamy broth pulls everything together without a lot of extra steps. It's a great way to bring a seafood dish into your meal plan without extra fuss. Whether served as a main course or a starter, it's a simple way to add variety to your weeknight routine.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    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.Pin
    Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This soup is proof that a handful of vegetables and a slow cooker can create something comforting with little effort. The broth develops deep flavor over time, while the vegetables soften into a hearty, satisfying mix. It's an easy way to make use of whatever produce you have on hand without much prep. Letting everything cook throughout the day means you can come home to a ready-made meal with minimal cleanup.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

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

    This stew brings together flaky fish and smoky chorizo in a way that feels effortless but still full of flavor. The broth develops a rich depth without needing hours on the stove, making it an easy option for a weeknight dinner. A mix of seafood and spices gives it a bold taste that's different from more common soup choices. It's a great way to change up your routine while still keeping things simple.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    Crock Pot Chili for Two

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

    This smaller-batch chili is perfect when you want a home-cooked meal without making too much. Everything simmers in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop while you focus on other things. The mix of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a comforting bowl that requires minimal effort. It's a great option for nights when you need something easy but still filling.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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

    Adding sausage to minestrone gives this classic vegetable soup a boost of flavor and protein. The broth is rich but not heavy, making it a great choice for any season. Beans, pasta, and vegetables come together for a complete meal in one pot. If you're looking for a way to switch up traditional minestrone, this version is worth trying.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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

    This bright and comforting soup uses lemon and eggs to create a smooth, creamy texture without dairy. The combination of tender chicken, rice, and a rich broth makes it a great alternative to heavier soups. It's simple to prepare but still feels different from the usual options. The light yet filling nature of this dish makes it perfect for any time of year.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken 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.Pin
    Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A homemade tomato soup that cooks itself in the slow cooker is a great way to get a warm meal on the table with minimal effort. The slow cooking process brings out a deeper flavor in the tomatoes, creating a smooth and rich broth. It's a step up from store-bought versions while still being incredibly simple. Whether paired with a sandwich or enjoyed on its own, this is a great way to bring homemade soup into your routine.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

    Easy Beef Stew

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

    A classic beef stew doesn't have to take all day, and this version keeps things simple while still delivering a hearty meal. The beef becomes tender as it cooks, while the vegetables soak up the rich flavors of the broth. It's a great option when you need something warm and filling without a complicated prep process. With everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is just as easy as making it.
    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.Pin
    Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This creamy soup is a great way to turn a few basic ingredients into something warm and comforting. The blend of broccoli and cheese creates a smooth texture that works well as a main dish or a side. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight. If you've been overlooking this classic, it's worth adding back to your rotation for an easy meal.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

    Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

    This soup brings together tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy broth for a meal that feels comforting without being heavy. It's an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a well-rounded dish with minimal effort. The gnocchi add a unique texture that sets it apart from more common soup choices. It's a great alternative when you want something different but still easy to make.
    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.Pin
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This soup makes good use of pantry staples and leftover ham to create a hearty, flavorful meal. The beans become tender as they cook, absorbing the smoky taste of the ham for a rich broth. It's a great way to make something filling with little hands-on work. With everything cooking in one pot, the process is simple from start to finish.
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Easy Potato Soup

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

    This soup keeps things simple with a short ingredient list and a straightforward approach. The potatoes break down into a creamy texture that's warm and filling without being overly rich. It's a great choice when you need a quick, no-fuss meal that still feels homemade. Whether served on its own or with toppings, it's an easy addition to any meal plan.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

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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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