Soup has always been a staple in kitchens around the world, cherished for its versatility and the comforting warmth it brings. Whether it’s a cold winter evening, a family gathering, or a moment of personal indulgence, a bowl of soup can offer not only nourishment but also a sense of coziness. The following six recipes showcase a variety of flavorful, hearty, and comforting soups, perfect for any occasion. From rich braised short rib French onion soup to creamy chicken noodle and satisfying cabbage soup, these recipes will keep you coming back for more.
1. Braised Short Rib French Onion Soup
This dish is a luxurious twist on the classic French onion soup. The combination of tender braised short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and cheesy garlic bread makes for a comforting and indulgent meal that is perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- For the Short Ribs:
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups (475ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- For the French Onion Soup:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
- 6 cups (1.5L) beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Garlic Cheese Toast:
- 4 slices baguette or crusty bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (50g) Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Short Ribs:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, then remove them from the pot and set aside. Add the sliced onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Deglaze with red wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom. Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and braise in the oven for 2.5–3 hours until tender. Once cooked, shred the meat, discard the bones, and set it aside.
2. Make the French Onion Soup:
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deeply caramelized. Sprinkle in the flour, stir, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Deglaze with white wine, then add beef broth, thyme, and the shredded short ribs. Simmer for 20 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Garlic Cheese Toast:
Preheat the broiler. Spread the softened butter mixed with minced garlic onto bread slices. Top with shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the cheesy garlic toast, and garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
2. Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is a comforting, hearty dish loaded with vegetables and seasoned ground beef. It’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for a warming meal on a cold day.
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage (chopped)
- 2 small onions (diced)
- 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
- 1 large celery stalk (chopped finely)
- 1-2 pounds ground beef
- Optional: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any favorite spices
Instructions
1. Boil the Water:
Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain any excess fat.
4. Season the Beef:
Stir in the Lipton Onion Soup Mix and any favorite spices (such as garlic powder, salt, pepper, or paprika) into the cooked ground beef.
5. Combine:
Add the seasoned ground beef and stewed tomatoes (with their juices) into the simmering vegetables.
6. Simmer and Taste:
Let the mixture simmer for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve:
Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls and enjoy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
3. Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
This soup is a blend of earthy wild rice, tender mushrooms, and creamy broth, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening. Its rich texture and savory flavors create a satisfying and hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the rinsed wild rice and reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mushroom mixture and stir. Let the flour cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
4. Add the Liquids:
Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Stir in thyme, rosemary, and black pepper, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked wild rice to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
4. Hamburger Noodle Soup
A simple and flavorful soup that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, vegetables, and pasta. This is the perfect soup for a quick yet filling meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups egg noodles (or any sturdy pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with oregano, basil, and seasoned salt. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Soup Mix:
Stir in the dry onion soup mix and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer:
Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve:
Stir in the cooked noodles and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
5. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting classic, this creamy chicken noodle soup is made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy base enriched with ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 2 cups uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 8 slices turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (32 oz) package low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 package (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in ranch seasoning for about 1 minute.
2. Add Liquids:
Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the Chicken and Bacon:
Add uncooked noodles, chopped chicken, and crumbled turkey bacon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in half-and-half and grated cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
5. Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra bacon bits if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
6. Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This creamy potato soup made in a crock pot is rich and hearty, with the addition of ranch seasoning and cheese adding flavor to the mix. It’s a hands-off, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces.
2. Layer in the Crock Pot:
Layer the diced potatoes in the crock pot. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over them and top with shredded cheese. Pour in vegetable broth.
3. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add Cream:
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, blend with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
5. Serve:
Serve the soup with additional cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Conclusion
From the rich, savory flavors of braised short rib French onion soup to the creamy, comforting bowls of chicken noodle and crack potato soup, each of these recipes offers something unique to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a luxurious meal or a quick weeknight dinner, these soups are sure to deliver both flavor and comfort, making them perfect additions to any recipe collection.