32 Best Winter Soups and Stews

This time of year, happiness comes from hearty bowls of winter soups and stews.

They’re piping hot, with a rich home-style flavor.

If these winter soup recipes don’t warm your heart, then I don’t know what will.

When it’s chilly outside, it’s impossible not to crave a cozy, delicious meal to ride out the winter nights.

And these winter soups and stews are as cozy and satisfying as it gets.

Every recipe brings a warm blanket-like comfort and keeps your tummy full. So, let’s get your ladle working!

1. Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

This one-pot recipe is what you need for a last-minute yet filling dish. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a classic savory stew in just 20 minutes!

Featuring tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and the perfect mix of herbs and spices, this old-fashioned beef stew will take away the wintry feeling at the first bite.

2. Roasted Cream of Cauliflower Parmesan Soup

Can’t think of anything to do with leftover cauliflower? Check out this recipe!

Creamy, cheesy, and healthy, roasted cream of cauliflower parmesan soup is a winning cold-weather meal.

The roasted cauliflower is blended with butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, producing a flavor that’s so addictive.

You’ll surely love another bowl of this soup!

3. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

It’s cold outside, but you want Panera’s delicious broccoli cheddar soup. You can brave the cold, or make it at home!

I promise you it’s just as insanely cheesy and hearty as Panera’s. Personally, I think it’s even better. 

Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli makes a big difference.

4. Stuffed Pepper Soup

In the mood for more classic soups and stews?

This stuffed pepper soup can comfort everyone’s tummy with its combination of lightly sweet and beefy flavors.

It’ll fill you up so quickly, so there’s no need to make side dishes!

5. Crockpot Lasagna Soup

This recipe has all the lasagna vibes and none of the tedious work. What more could you ask for? 

The broth is deliciously light with a punch of savory spices, ground beef, and tender lasagna noodles. 

And don’t worry, it’s still as cheesy and gooey as a slice of grandma’s homemade lasagna.

6. Loaded Potato Soup

In the soup hall of fame, potato soup is the MVP. What’s not to love? An intensely creamy broth, with tender chunks of potatoes that simply melt in your mouth. 

But this recipe goes one step further on flavor and adds smoky hints of meaty bacon and more cheese. 

This recipe is a must-try if you love O’Charley’s loaded potato soup.

7. Roasted Vegetable and Red Lentil Stew

Looking for an excellent grilled cheese dipping soup? Put that can of tomato soup down!

Roasted vegetable and red lentil stew is like tomato soup’s overachieving little brother. 

It’s smoky, hearty, and oh-so-garlicky. I mean, there’s no such thing as too much garlic, right? 

This hearty winter stew is the perfect side kick for a savory grilled cheese.

8. Pork Pozole Verde

Pork pozole verde is Mexican comfort food at its finest. It has it all from smoky pork to spicy jalapenos and fresh herbs. 

It’s so rich and chock full of flavor in every spoonful. While it’s amazing on its own, it’s even better with toppings. 

A sprinkling of cotija cheese helps tame the spiciness and binds all those amazing flavors.

9. Beef Bourguignon

If you have a slow cooker and you want to make a French-style beef stew, this recipe is yours to take.

All you need are the basics — carrots, mushrooms, beef stock, and onions.

Backed by easy cooking steps, you can devour this delicious dish in no time without going to a French restaurant.

10. Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup

Have an abundance of carrots at home? Whip up a batch of this roasted carrot ginger soup.

The trick for the creamiest dish is to roast the carrots. Nothing beats the sweet and caramel-like flavor they produce.

Mix in some fresh ginger, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices for a soup that packs excellent flavor combinations.

11. Tuscan Sausage and Vegetable Stew

Healthy vegetables and diced Tuscan sausage swimming in a well-seasoned broth — give me some!

The sweet Italian sausage combines perfectly with the earthy taste of carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, and baby spinach. 

This meal also reheats well, making it a fantastic choice for easy lunches. 

12. Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Imagine deconstructed cabbage rolls, with all the ingredients immersed in a savory tomato base. That’s what stuffed cabbage soup is all about.

This recipe is my go-to when I don’t have the time to roll some cabbage.

In 45 minutes, using just one pot, you can turn the ground beef, tomato rice, chopped cabbage, and beef broth into a scrumptious, warming soup!

13. Easy Borscht

Have you ever tried classic Russian cuisine? If not, then you should definitely try borscht!

Also known as beet soup, borscht is a purple-red, healthy soup with red beet as its main ingredient.

It looks so festive, you can include it in your menu for the winter soup recipes list. But to be honest, it’s something I wouldn’t mind designating as an everyday soup. 

14. Thai Green Curry Soup

If you ask four chefs, “what’s the difference between soup and stew?” chances are you’ll get a couple of different answers.

Some say it’s how the dish is cooked, and others will claim it’s the texture.

I think it’s kind of both. So while this is called Thai green curry soup, it’s so darn hearty, I think it’s more like a bright, lightly spiced Thai stew.

15. Hearty Vegetable Stew

Who says you can’t make a stew without pork or beef? This hearty vegetable stew is 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Classic veggies are simmered in tomato paste and bullion, producing beefy, savory, and earthy flavors in one wonderful dish.

You can still take things to the next level by adding beer and wine to deepen the flavor. It’s the best beefless stew ever! 

16. Texas Cowboy Stew

When you think of hearty stew, this Texas Cowboy stew recipe likely comes to mind. 

It combines protein-packed ingredients like kielbasa, ground beef, and beans with savory spices. 

Seriously, when Texas Cowboy Stew is on the menu for dinner, no one will go to bed hungry.

17. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Classic chicken pot pie can be tedious. But with this amazing soup recipe, you can enjoy the flavors with none of the work. 

The soup base is very similar to the gravy-like insides of a traditional pot pie. It pairs chicken and root veggies in a hearty broth. 

And you can improvise a crust with a side of buttery biscuits or crusty bread. Easy peasy.

18. Moroccan Stew with Butternut Squash and Chickpeas

Do you have a functional Dutch oven or a large pot? Then you can make this Morrocan stew at home.

This recipe is for vegetarians and is made with butternut squash, chickpeas, kale, golden raisins, and tomatoes.

It’s all infused with warm curry and tangy cinnamon.

Feel free to replace some veggies with cooked beef, lamb, or chicken for a meaty alternative.

19. Brunswick Stew

Bring the taste of the south to your home with this Brunswick stew recipe.

Traditionally, Brunswick stew has a tomato base. But for this one, you’ll have a barbeque broth that pairs well with smoked pork.

This is my personal favorite, as the meat is well-seasoned and moist, with little to no prep time!

20. Italian Wedding Soup

Those canned Italian wedding soups in your pantry don’t hold a candle to this recipe!

The trick to this hard-to-put-down Italian wedding soup lies in the meatballs. Homemade and perfectly seasoned meatballs make a big difference. 

Add those meatballs to a light chicken-based broth with plenty of veggies, and try and stop at one bowl.

21. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is the perfect soup to warm those bones on those cold days. It’s creamy, thick, and so easy to whip together in a jiffy. 

Clams add an amazing briney flavor that pairs perfectly with smokey bacon and tender potatoes. 

Top it with a handful of crunchy croutons, and watch it disappear!

22. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup is a must-try. It’s so good, you’ll want to recreate it at home.

The soup is extra creamy, filled with tender chicken bites, soft gnocchi (Italian potato dumplings), and fresh spinach.

Because this soup is an Italian classic, it’s best served with focaccia bread or a chopped Italian salad.

23. Roasted Tomato and Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo ball soup (aka Jewish Penicillin) may not cure your cold. But it will cure your wintertime blues. 

Perfectly roasted tomatoes deliver a kick of smokey and slightly acidic flavor. When paired with tender Parmesan matzo balls, it melts in your mouth.

 It’s light, savory, and perfect with a slice of crust bread. You won’t want to Passover this soup!

24. 15 Bean Soup with Ham

With 15 different types of beans, this 15 bean soup with ham is sure to hit the spot. 

I mean, talk about a protein powerhouse! Beans deliver a good dose of fiber and protein, and the added ham takes it over the top. 

Pro tip: serve this soup with a slice of homemade honey beer bread. You won’t regret it!

25. Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

Julia Child’s recipe for French onion soup creates a feeling of a warm, comforting hug served in a bowl.

This dish is packed with caramelized onions, melted cheese, savory broth, and French bread. These are simple ingredients that bring out the best flavors.

With a sophisticated taste and look, you won’t notice that this dish started as a peasant soup!

26. Lamb Stew

One taste of these hearty stews, and you’ll fall in love with its flavor-packed sauce, soft lamb morsels, and nutritious vegetables.

It’s a complete meal on its own, but serving it with some soft-crust bread is ideal for soaking up all the goodness from the broth!

27. White Chicken Chili

Traditional chili is great, but sometimes you don’t want something so heavy. White chicken chili to the rescue!

It hits all the marks but infuses a creamy chicken base with a subtle sweetness from corn. 

And the secret ingredient? A packet of taco seasoning to bring on the flavor! It’s hard to stop at just one bowl.

28. Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Craving a unique Caribbean flavor? This Jamaican brown stew will satisfy every taste bud.

This recipe starts with a chicken that has been marinated with aromatic spices. It’s then braised in savory brown stew gravy.

The browning sauce is one of the key ingredients for this stew. When it’s done right, you’ll add a wonderful depth of flavor to your chicken dinner!

29. Tortellini Soup

Quick and easy to make, I’m sure this will be your go-to winter dinner!

Made with cheesy tortellini, meaty sausage, and hearty kale, it’s everything your heart desires in a bowl of soup.

Still not warm enough? Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine for a snuggly, comfy night Italian-style.

30. Thai Coconut Soup

One of the most versatile recipes on this list is Thai coconut soup.

It’s loaded with noodles and prawns bathing in a mixture of coconut milk and classic Thai spices.

In a nutshell, it’s spicy Thai coconut curry in soup form.

If you can’t handle the heat, no problem. The soup can be cooked as mild as you want.

31. Creamy Pumpkin Soup

This bowl of inviting orange, creamy soup has a silky smooth texture. Get ready for the second round because it’s that good.

Pumpkin soup is so easy to make when you use a canned pumpkin. Still, nothing quite beats the fresh ones.

Upgrades: Add smoky cumin, spicy ground ginger, and cayenne pepper to amp up the heat and savory flavors of your soup.

32. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Get ready, because your house is about to smell amazing!

This aromatic shrimp and sausage gumbo explodes with flavor in every spoonful. Sausage brings the heat, while shrimp offers a kiss of sweetness. 

Paired with a robust gumbo base, it’s comfort food at its finest. And for a real treat, try this gumbo served over a bed of fluffy white rice.