13 Slow Cooker Soup Recipes For Cozy Easy Weeknight Dinners

Tired of the 5 PM scramble, staring into the fridge and wondering how you’ll get a wholesome dinner on the table after a long day? The pressure to cook something delicious and satisfying can turn weeknights into a stressful race against the clock. You want a home-cooked meal, but you’re short on time and energy.

This daily challenge is something I know all too well. As a busy home cook, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of the stress-free weeknight dinner. The secret isn’t complicated recipes or expensive meal kits; it’s a simple, reliable appliance that does the hard work for you: the slow cooker. It’s my key to reclaiming evening time and enjoying a comforting meal my family loves, without the last-minute chaos.

Slow cooker soup recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. They are “dump and go” meals that allow you to add ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious, fully cooked dinner. The low-and-slow cooking method develops deep, rich flavors and makes every ingredient incredibly tender, turning simple components into a cozy, satisfying meal that practically made itself.

Tired of Hectic Weeknight Dinners?

Let’s be honest, the end of a busy day is often the most chaotic part. You’re tired, the family is hungry, and the thought of chopping, sautéing, and standing over a hot stove is overwhelming. This is where the magic of your slow cooker comes in. It’s not just an appliance; it’s your secret weapon for conquering weeknight dinner stress. Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of a perfectly cooked, comforting soup, ready to be served.

As a busy home cook, I know the 5 PM scramble all too well. That’s why I’ve relied on my slow cooker for years to serve up comforting meals my family loves, without the stress. This isn’t about complicated cooking; it’s about smart cooking. It’s about setting yourself up for success in the morning so you can relax in the evening.

This curated list of “dump and go” soup recipes is your answer to those hectic evenings. Each recipe is designed for minimal prep and maximum flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a warm, nourishing meal. Say goodbye to takeout menus and hello to effortless, delicious, homemade soup.

13 Slow Cooker Soup Recipes For Cozy, Easy Weeknight Dinners

Ready to transform your weeknight routine? Below you’ll find 13 of the absolute best slow cooker soup recipes, perfect for any craving or occasion. I’ve included everything from classic comfort foods like Chicken Noodle to hearty beef soups and vibrant vegetarian options. Each recipe has been selected for its simple instructions, accessible ingredients, and consistently delicious results, making your weeknight dinners something to look forward to. Updated for 2025.

Here are the best slow cooker soups for an easy dinner:
1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
2. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
3. Restaurant-Style Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
4. Deconstructed Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
5. Rich & Hearty Beef Barley Soup
6. Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
7. Classic Crockpot Split Pea Soup
8. Addictive Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
9. Nourishing Slow Cooker Lentil Soup (Vegan)
10. Dump-and-Go Crockpot Vegetable Soup
11. Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
12. Hearty Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup
13. Super Easy 4-Ingredient Potato Soup

1. The Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe delivers the ultimate classic comfort food with incredibly tender chicken and a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered for days.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 oz egg noodles, uncooked
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts, onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  4. Carefully remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, cover, and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly cooked noodles that don’t get mushy, cook them separately on the stovetop and add them to each individual bowl just before serving.

Pin this classic comfort soup for your next cozy night in!

2. Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe creates a zesty and flavorful soup that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for customizing with all your favorite toppings.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips
• Instructions:
  1. Add the chicken, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, chicken broth, and taco seasoning to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir everything together to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  4. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
  5. Stir well and serve hot, letting everyone add their favorite toppings.

Lesson Learned: Using fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes adds a subtle smoky depth that takes this soup to the next level. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in flavor.

Save this zesty soup recipe to your ‘Easy Dinners’ board!

3. Restaurant-Style Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

You can easily recreate that famous creamy and comforting restaurant soup at home with pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
• Instructions:
  1. Combine the diced chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth in your slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  3. Stir in the evaporated milk and the uncooked gnocchi.
  4. Cover again and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, until the gnocchi are plump and cooked through.
  5. Stir in the fresh spinach until it just wilts. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro-Tip: Using evaporated milk gives you that super creamy texture without the risk of curdling that heavy cream can have during long cooking times.

Want comfort in a bowl? Pin this Gnocchi Soup recipe now!

4. Deconstructed Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This soup delivers all the cozy flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a simple, creamy soup format, perfectly topped with a warm biscuit.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Warm baked biscuits, for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours.
  3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
  4. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the heavy cream.
  5. Cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
  6. Serve in bowls and top with a warm biscuit.

Lesson Learned: Don’t add the frozen veggies until the end. This keeps them from getting mushy and preserves their bright color and texture.

Get all the comfort of pot pie with half the work! Pin this recipe.

5. Rich & Hearty Beef Barley Soup

This is a classic, stick-to-your-ribs soup with fall-apart tender beef, chewy barley, and a deeply savory broth that’s perfect for a cold day.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Optional but highly recommended: Brown the beef cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds incredible depth of flavor.
  2. Add all ingredients—the browned beef, onion, carrots, celery, beef broth, barley, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf—to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and the barley is fully cooked.
  4. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Pro-Tip: Taking 10 minutes to brown the beef before it goes into the slow cooker is the single best thing you can do to elevate the flavor of this soup from good to incredible.

Pin this hearty beef soup for a chilly day!

6. Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

This recipe is a budget-friendly and kid-approved favorite that uses simple pantry staples to create a filling and delicious meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• Instructions:
  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker.
  3. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced potatoes. Stir to combine everything well.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  5. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay crisp-tender.

Lesson Learned: Always brown the ground beef and drain the fat before adding it to the slow cooker. This crucial step prevents the soup from becoming greasy and builds a much better flavor base.

The perfect weeknight family meal! Pin this Hamburger Soup recipe.

7. Classic Crockpot Split Pea Soup

This is a thick, smoky, and deeply comforting soup, making it the perfect way to use a leftover ham bone for a flavorful and frugal meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 package (16 oz) dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 meaty ham bone (or 2 cups diced cooked ham)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
• Instructions:
  1. Place all ingredients—split peas, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, water/broth, and bay leaf—into the slow cooker.
  2. Give everything a good stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. The soup is ready when the peas are very soft and have broken down to thicken the soup.
  4. Remove the ham bone and the bay leaf.
  5. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup. Stir well before serving.

Pro-Tip: There’s no need to pre-soak the split peas for this recipe! The long, slow cooking time will break them down perfectly into a thick, creamy consistency all on its own.

Save this classic recipe for your leftover holiday ham!

8. Addictive Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup

This is a rich, cheesy, and completely indulgent soup loaded with the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Instructions:
  1. Place the chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours.
  3. Remove the chicken and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  4. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until it is fully incorporated and the soup becomes creamy.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon until the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve hot, topped with the remaining crumbled bacon.

Lesson Learned: To avoid clumps, make sure your cream cheese is very soft before whisking it in. You can even mix it with a little of the hot broth in a separate bowl first to create a smooth slurry before adding it to the pot.

Indulge a little! Pin this cheesy Crack Chicken Soup recipe now.

9. Nourishing Slow Cooker Lentil Soup (Vegan)

This is a healthy, hearty, and satisfying plant-based soup that’s packed with fiber, protein, and incredible flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients—lentils, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth, and spices—in the slow cooker and stir well.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
  3. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end really brightens up all the flavors.

Pro-Tip: For a creamier texture without adding dairy, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the crockpot before serving.

Healthy and hearty! Pin this vegan lentil soup recipe for Meatless Monday.

10. Dump-and-Go Crockpot Vegetable Soup

This recipe is the easiest, most versatile, and healthy soup you can make—perfect for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen, like carrots, celery, green beans, corn)
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Instructions:
  1. Literally dump all ingredients into the slow cooker.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until all the vegetables are tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

Lesson Learned: This is the ultimate “clean out the fridge” recipe. Don’t be afraid to add other veggies you have on hand like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

The easiest healthy dinner ever! Save this vegetable soup idea.

11. Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

This creates a velvety, smooth, and flavorful soup that’s both deeply comforting and completely dairy-free, perfect for a crisp autumn day.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 1 apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Place the cubed butternut squash, chopped apple, and chopped onion in the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the vegetable broth over the top to cover.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the squash is very tender.
  4. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth, right in the slow cooker pot.
  5. Stir in the coconut milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Serve warm.

Pro-Tip: Using a tart apple, like a Granny Smith, adds a wonderful layer of complexity and brightness that balances the sweetness of the squash.

Pin this elegant and easy soup for your next fall gathering!

12. Hearty Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup

This is a rich, hearty, and quick-to-assemble soup that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the sausage with the onion and garlic in a skillet; drain off any excess fat. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  2. Add the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well.
  3. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  4. Stir in the refrigerated tortellini and heavy cream. Cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, just until the tortellini is cooked through.
  5. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.

Lesson Learned: Add the refrigerated tortellini and cream at the very end. If they cook for too long, the tortellini will get mushy and the cream can separate.

Save this restaurant-worthy soup recipe for an easy, impressive dinner!

13. Super Easy 4-Ingredient Potato Soup

This is the ultimate simple, budget-friendly, and creamy soup made with just a handful of ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 2.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz block cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (plus more for topping)
• Instructions:
  1. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to your slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
  3. Mash about half of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a large spoon to naturally thicken the soup.
  4. Stir in the softened cream cheese and cooked bacon until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
  5. Serve hot, topped with extra bacon, shredded cheese, and chives if desired.

Pro-Tip: For an ultra-smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender before adding the cream cheese. For a chunkier, more rustic soup, just mash a few potatoes as directed. It’s customizable!

The easiest soup you’ll ever make. Pin it for later!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Soups

To get the most out of your slow cooker and ensure every soup is a success, keep these simple tips in mind. This quick guide summarizes the best practices for making delicious soups with minimal effort.

• Brown Your Meat: For deeper, richer flavor, always brown ground meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Searing larger cuts of beef also makes a huge difference.
• Wait to Add Dairy & Pasta: To prevent curdling or mushiness, stir in ingredients like heavy cream, cream cheese, and uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place firm root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crockpot, closer to the direct heat source. Put more delicate ingredients, like chicken breasts, on top.
• Don’t Overfill: For the best and most even cooking results, make sure your slow cooker is filled between half and two-thirds full.
• Freeze for Later: Most broth-based soups freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. For the best texture upon reheating, freeze the soup before adding any dairy or pasta.

People Also Ask About slow cooker soup recipes

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making soup in a slow cooker.

Is a slow cooker good for making soup?

Yes, a slow cooker is excellent for making soup. The low, slow cooking process is ideal for melding flavors together, which results in a rich, deeply flavorful broth that tastes like it has been simmering all day. It also tenderizes tougher cuts of meat and dense vegetables beautifully. Most importantly, slow cookers make soup preparation incredibly convenient, allowing for “dump and go” meals with minimal active cooking time.

Can I put raw beef straight into a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can put raw beef, including stew meat, roasts, and other cuts, directly into a slow cooker. The appliance is specifically designed to cook raw meat safely over several hours at a low, consistent temperature. However, for the best possible flavor, it is highly recommended to sear or brown the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This caramelization process creates a much richer taste in the final soup.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?

While slow cookers are versatile, some foods don’t fare well with long cooking times. You should avoid cooking quick-cooking vegetables like peas, corn, or zucchini for the full duration, as they will become mushy; it’s best to add them at the end. Dairy products like milk, sour cream, and heavy cream can curdle or separate, so they should always be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Finally, uncooked pasta will absorb too much liquid and become gummy; it’s better to cook it separately or add it near the very end of the cook time.

Final Thoughts

With these simple and delicious recipes, you can finally say goodbye to stressful weeknights and hello to cozy, comforting dinners. A delicious, homemade meal is completely achievable even on your busiest days, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. It’s about working smarter, not harder, in the kitchen to create meals your whole family will love.

Which of these cozy soups will you be trying first? Let me know in the comments below