When the weather turns colder or when comfort food is needed to soothe the soul, a bowl of homemade soup is the ultimate remedy. This article dives into six satisfying soup recipes that span a variety of tastes, from rich and creamy to spicy and hearty. Whether you’re craving something hearty and filling like the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, or seeking the warming flavors of Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese Soup with a Reuben Twist, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience as we explore these delicious soup recipes.
1. Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
There’s nothing quite like a slow-cooked soup that’s as comforting as it is filling. The Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect example of a warm, hearty meal that can be prepared without much fuss. With potatoes, ground beef, and a rich blend of cream, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 pound)
- Potatoes (5 cups, peeled and diced)
- Onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Beef broth (4 cups)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- Sour cream (1/2 cup)
- Flour (2 tablespoons, optional)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked bacon bits (1/4 cup, optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish)
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and transfer it to your Crockpot.
- Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and beef broth to the Crockpot, along with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. If you prefer a thicker soup, create a slurry by mixing the flour with water and adding it to the soup.
- After the cheese has melted and the soup thickens, serve hot with garnishes like bacon bits and sliced green onions.
This soup serves 6 and provides a comforting, calorie-packed bowl of warmth with 480 calories per serving. The hearty texture of the potatoes combined with the richness of the beef and creamy elements makes this an ideal dish for cold winter nights.
2. Shepherd’s Pie Soup
For those who love the classic comfort food of shepherd’s pie, the Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings all the flavors of the dish into a delightful, slurpable form. With ground beef or lamb, potatoes, carrots, peas, and a creamy broth base, this soup is a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or lamb (1 pound)
- Onion (1 small, chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Beef broth (4 cups)
- Potatoes (1 1/2 cups, diced)
- Carrots (1 cup, diced)
- Frozen peas (1 cup)
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potato Topping (optional):
- Mashed potatoes (1 1/2 cups)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, optional)
Directions:
- Brown the ground meat and drain excess fat before adding it to a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Add diced potatoes, carrots, and beef broth, then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- To thicken, make a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, then add this mixture to the soup.
- Add frozen peas and cook for another few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- For the mashed potato topping, spoon the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with mashed potatoes and cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
This dish serves 4-6, offering 400 calories per serving, and brings the nostalgia of shepherd’s pie to the dinner table in a new, comforting way.
3. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
For those who love the classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this recipe is a creamy, satisfying option that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with the freshness of broccoli. It’s perfect for pairing with a warm loaf of bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets (4 cups)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Onion (1 small, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
- Vegetable or chicken broth (2 cups)
- Whole milk (2 cups)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutmeg (optional, pinch)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Sauté the onion in olive oil until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Sprinkle in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add broth, milk, and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add the broccoli and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, and garnish with fresh parsley.
This rich and creamy soup, which serves 4, is an ideal dish for chilly evenings and is packed with 380 calories per serving.
4. Creamy Potato Soup
Another variation of comforting potato-based soups, the Creamy Potato Soup is a deliciously creamy option made with russet potatoes, sour cream, and bacon. It’s the perfect dish for anyone who enjoys rich, hearty meals with a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes (4 large, peeled and diced)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Sour cream (1/2 cup)
- Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, for topping)
- Chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
Directions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened. Add diced potatoes and broth, bringing to a boil and simmering until tender.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and sour cream, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
- Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives or green onions.
With a serving size of 6 and 350 calories per serving, this potato soup offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal any time.
5. Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese Soup with a Reuben Twist
The Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese Soup with a Reuben Twist is a creative fusion of spicy and cheesy flavors, featuring a creamy soup paired with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches. The added twist of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing makes this a unique and delightful meal.
Ingredients:
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Onion (1 small, diced)
- Jalapeños (1-2, minced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- Rye bread (8 slices)
- Swiss cheese (8 slices)
- Corned beef (1/2 lb, sliced)
- Sauerkraut (1/2 cup, drained)
- Thousand Island dressing (optional, 4 tablespoons)
Directions:
- Cook onions and jalapeños in butter until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add broth, simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in cream and cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Reuben grilled cheese by layering rye bread with Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.
- Grill the sandwiches until golden and crisp. Cut them into cubes and serve alongside or floating on top of the soup.
This rich, 650-calorie soup and grilled cheese combo is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying combination.
6. Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup
For a final touch of comfort, the Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate choice. With a rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Carrots (2, diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Chicken broth (6 cups)
- Cooked shredded chicken (1 lb)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
For the Dumplings:
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Whole milk (1/2 cup)
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted)
Directions:
- Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add chicken broth and shredded chicken, then simmer with seasonings.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add milk and melted butter to form the dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
This hearty soup, with 320 calories per serving, offers a fulfilling and warming experience, perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a bit of extra comfort.
In conclusion, these six soup recipes showcase a variety of flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or hearty, each of these dishes offers the warmth and comfort you need to make any meal special. From the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup to the Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup, these dishes prove that soup is truly the ultimate comfort food.