25 Slow Cooker Soups For Winter Season

Cold day, low energy, zero desire to babysit a pot? Same. These 21 slow cooker soups do the whole set-it-and-forget-it thing while your house smells like you actually tried. You’ll toss simple ingredients into the crock, press a button, and come back to bowls of steamy comfort. Want meal prep wins, freezer-friendly options, and hearty flavors without drama? Grab your ladle—these soups deliver.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Why it’s awesome: Classic, cozy, and always hits. The slow cooker turns chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender and makes broth that tastes like a hug.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Onion, carrots, celery, garlic
• Bay leaf, thyme, salt, pepper
• Chicken broth
• Gluten-free or regular egg noodles
• Parsley and lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything except noodles and herbs to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours.
3. Shred chicken, add noodles, and cook 15–20 minutes.
4. Finish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s nostalgic but better. Lemon brightens the broth; fresh herbs make it feel homemade. Add a splash of broth concentrate if you like it richer.

2. Crockpot Minestrone

Why it’s awesome: Veggie-packed, bean-loaded, and weeknight-friendly. Add tortellini if you want “wow” with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Onion, carrot, celery, zucchini
• Diced tomatoes, vegetable broth
• Cannellini beans, green beans
• Italian seasoning, bay leaf
• Small pasta or GF pasta
• Spinach or kale

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except pasta and greens.
2. Cook on Low 7–8 hours or High 3–4 hours.
3. Stir in pasta and greens; cook 15–20 minutes.
4. Season and serve with basil or pesto.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like a big Italian hug. Pesto swirl on top takes it to restaurant level—trust.

3. Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Why it’s awesome: It’s chili’s fun cousin—spiced, bright, and ridiculously easy. Kids pile on toppings and call it a party.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion, garlic
• Taco seasoning
• Black beans, pinto beans, corn
• Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce
• Broth, lime

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown meat with onion and garlic (optional but flavorful).
2. Add everything to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours.
4. Finish with lime; top with avocado, chips, cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s pantry-based and always a hit. Add chipotle for smoky depth if you want grown-up vibes.

4. Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Why it’s awesome: Creamy, cozy, and extra comforting on icy days. You control the richness—light and brothy or thick and dreamy.

Ingredients

• Russet or Yukon potatoes, diced
• Onion, celery, garlic
• Chicken or veggie broth
• Thyme, bay, salt, pepper
• Coconut milk or cream (or a dairy splash)
• Optional bacon, chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything but milk/cream to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours until tender.
3. Partially blend for texture; stir in milk/cream.
4. Top with chives, bacon, cracked pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a choose-your-own-comfort bowl. A spoon of Dijon adds secret depth—try it.

5. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Why it’s awesome: Deeply caramelized onions without hovering over the stove. Toasty bread cap and gooey cheese? Optional but iconic.

Ingredients

• Yellow onions, thinly sliced
• Butter or olive oil
• Beef or veggie broth
• Dry white wine or sherry
• Thyme, bay, black pepper
• Baguette slices, Gruyère

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toss onions with oil/butter and a pinch of salt; slow cook 4–6 hours until jammy.
2. Add broth, wine, and herbs; cook 2–3 more hours.
3. Ladle into bowls; top with toast and cheese; broil to melt.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s restaurant flavor with zero babysitting. A splash of balsamic at the end makes it sing.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Why it’s awesome: Bright, zesty, and piled with crunchy strips. It’s basically a fiesta in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Onion, jalapeño, garlic
• Diced tomatoes, corn, black beans
• Chili powder, cumin, oregano
• Chicken broth, lime
• Tortilla strips, avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything except lime and toppings.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours; shred chicken.
3. Stir in lime; adjust seasoning.
4. Serve with strips, avocado, cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s lively and layered. Add smoked paprika for depth or extra jalapeño if you like heat.

7. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup (Ham Optional)

Why it’s awesome: Thick, velvety, and budget-friendly. It freezes like a dream.

Ingredients

• Split peas, rinsed
• Onion, carrot, celery, garlic
• Bay leaf, thyme
• Ham hock or smoked paprika (veg)
• Broth or water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low 8–9 hours until peas collapse.
3. Remove hock; blend partially if you like.
4. Finish with pepper and parsley.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s hearty with or without ham. A squeeze of lemon lifts the earthy peas beautifully.

8. Guinness Beef Stew (Slow Cooker)

Why it’s awesome: Fall-apart beef in a rich stout broth. Minimal hands-on time, max comfort.

Ingredients

• Stew beef, cubed
• Onion, carrots, potatoes
• Tomato paste, garlic
• Beef broth, Guinness stout
• Thyme, bay, Worcestershire

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown beef (optional but amazing).
2. Add everything to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low 8 hours until tender.
4. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired.

Why You’ll Love It

The stout adds incredible depth. Serve with crusty bread and call it a perfect winter night.

9. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Why it’s awesome: Creamy (without heavy cream), mild, and insanely comforting. Green chiles bring gentle heat.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• White beans (cannellini or great northern)
• Onion, garlic
• Green chiles, corn
• Cumin, coriander, oregano
• Chicken broth, lime
• Coconut milk or cashew cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Load everything but creamy add-ins.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours; shred chicken.
3. Stir in coconut milk/cashew cream if using.
4. Finish with lime and cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s lighter than classic chili but still filling. Top with radishes and scallions for crunch.

10. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup (Detox Vibes)

Why it’s awesome: Clean, hearty, and full of plants. It thickens itself—no flour needed.

Ingredients

• Green or brown lentils
• Onion, carrot, celery, garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Veggie broth
• Bay leaf, thyme, paprika
• Spinach or kale, lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all but greens and lemon.
2. Cook on Low 7–8 hours or High 3–4.
3. Stir in greens to wilt; finish with lemon.
4. Adjust salt generously.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s budget-friendly and deeply satisfying. A dash of vinegar adds magic at the end.

11. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Why it’s awesome: Silky, slightly sweet, and effortlessly elegant. Perfect for holiday starters.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash, cubed
• Onion, apple (optional), garlic
• Ginger, curry powder or nutmeg
• Veggie broth, coconut milk
• Salt, pepper, lime

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything except coconut milk and lime.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours.
3. Blend until smooth; stir in coconut milk and lime.
4. Swirl chili oil on top if you’re fancy.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s velvety and cozy. Apple adds a subtle lift; ginger brings warmth.

12. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Dairy-Free Option)

Why it’s awesome: All the nostalgia without the pie crust (unless you add crackers). Creamy without heavy cream if you prefer.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• Onion, celery, carrots, peas
• Chicken broth
• Thyme, bay, pepper
• Coconut milk or cashew cream
• GF crackers or puff pastry dippers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all but creamy component.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours.
3. Shred chicken; stir in coconut milk/cashew cream.
4. Season well and serve with crunchy toppers.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s kid-approved comfort. Rosemary adds a wonderful twist if you like it herbier.

13. Slow Cooker Green Chile Enchilada Soup

Why it’s awesome: Creamy, tangy, and loaded with shredded chicken. It tastes like your favorite enchiladas—minus the rolling.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Onion, garlic
• Green chiles, corn
• Enchilada sauce (green), broth
• Cumin, oregano
• Coconut milk (optional), lime

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours; shred chicken.
3. Stir in coconut milk and lime.
4. Top with cilantro and sliced jalapeño.

Why You’ll Love It

Bright flavors, zero effort. Tortilla strips on top seal the deal.

14. Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

Why it’s awesome: Italian bean-and-pasta comfort with rich tomato broth. It’s the coziest “bottom of the bowl” moment.

Ingredients

• Onion, carrot, celery, garlic
• Diced tomatoes, tomato paste
• Cannellini beans, red kidney beans
• Italian seasoning, bay leaf
• Small pasta (ditalini)
• Broth, parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything but pasta and herbs.
2. Cook on Low 7–8 hours.
3. Stir in pasta; cook 15 minutes.
4. Finish with parsley and pepper flakes.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s hearty without being heavy. A little balsamic at the end adds depth.

15. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup

Why it’s awesome: Creamy, spicy, and tailgate-level addictive. You’ll want to drizzle ranch (dairy-free if needed).

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Onion, celery, carrots, garlic
• Chicken broth
• Frank’s RedHot, paprika
• Coconut cream or DF cream cheese (optional)
• Green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all but creamy part.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours; shred chicken.
3. Stir in coconut cream; adjust heat with more hot sauce.
4. Top with green onions and crunchy celery.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like wings in soup form. Serve with baked potato wedges for the dream team.

16. Slow Cooker Salmon Chowder

Why it’s awesome: Yes, seafood in a slow cooker—done right. Add salmon at the end so it stays tender.

Ingredients

• Potatoes, onion, celery, corn
• Dill, bay, pepper
• Vegetable or seafood broth
• Coconut milk
• Salmon fillets, cubed
• Lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add all but salmon, coconut milk, lemon.
2. Cook on Low 5–6 hours.
3. Stir in coconut milk and salmon; cook 20–30 minutes.
4. Finish with lemon and fresh dill.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s rich but not heavy. The lemon-dill combo tastes fresh and bright.

17. Slow Cooker Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup

Why it’s awesome: Savory, herby, and so satisfying. Sear the sausage if you want that extra flavor pop.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), sliced
• Onion, carrot, celery, garlic
• Cannellini beans
• Diced tomatoes, broth
• Rosemary, thyme, bay leaf
• Kale

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear sausage (optional), then add everything else.
2. Cook on Low 7–8 hours.
3. Stir in chopped kale; cook 10–15 minutes.
4. Finish with red pepper flakes and olive oil.

Why You’ll Love It

It eats like a meal. A Parmesan rind (or dairy-free umami paste) adds depth while it simmers.

18. Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Why it’s awesome: Smoky, thick, and budget-friendly. The toppings bar makes it fun.

Ingredients

• Dry black beans (soaked) or canned
• Onion, bell pepper, garlic
• Chili powder, cumin, oregano
• Chipotle in adobo
• Broth, lime
• Cilantro, avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add beans, aromatics, spices, and broth.
2. Cook on Low 8–9 hours (less if using canned).
3. Blend part of the soup for body.
4. Finish with lime and cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s freezer-friendly and loaded with fiber. Add corn for sweetness if that’s your vibe.

19. Slow Cooker Cabbage & Sausage Soup

Why it’s awesome: Simple, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Minimal ingredients, maximum payoff.

Ingredients

• Cabbage, sliced
• Smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• Onion, garlic
• Carrots, potatoes (optional)
• Broth, paprika, pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add everything to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours.
3. Season and serve hot with mustard on the side (yep).

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like Eastern European comfort food. A teaspoon of vinegar perks it up at the end.

20. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

Why it’s awesome: Creamy-smooth without heavy cream, if you want it that way. Grilled cheese’s best friend.

Ingredients

• Crushed tomatoes
• Onion, garlic, carrot
• Basil, thyme, bay
• Broth
• Coconut milk or cashew cream (optional)
• Sugar or balsamic (pinch) to balance acid

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Load the slow cooker with all but creamy add-ins.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours.
3. Blend till silky; stir in coconut milk or cashew cream.
4. Shower with basil and cracked pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s elegant and simple. A drizzle of good olive oil on top feels fancy.

21. Slow Cooker “Loaded” Baked Potato Soup (Lightened)

Why it’s awesome: All the flavor, less heaviness. You get thick, creamy texture and your favorite “loaded” toppings.

Ingredients

• Potatoes, diced
• Onion, garlic
• Broth
• Coconut milk or a DF cream
• Turkey bacon (optional), chives
• DF cheddar-style shreds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth.
2. Cook on Low 6–8 hours.
3. Part-blend; stir in creamy component.
4. Top with chives, bacon, and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

It hits the comfort button without the nap. A little smoked paprika in the pot = “bacon-y” flavor even without bacon.

Slow Cooker Soup Pro Tips

• Brown first when you can: Searing meat or sautéing onions adds big flavor, but skip if you’re in a rush.
• Layer acids last: Lemon juice, vinegar, and fresh herbs should go in at the end so flavors stay bright.
• Don’t drown the pot: Fill to 2/3 full for best texture. Too much liquid = thin soup. You can always add broth later.
• Thicken smart: Use a cornstarch slurry, quick potato mash, or partial blending—no need for flour if you don’t want it.
• Salt to taste at the end: Slow cookers can mute salt. Adjust at the finish so you don’t overseason early.

Freezer & Prep Tips

• Portion in quart containers or freezer bags laid flat.
• Label with name and date (future-you forgets).
• Freeze up to 3 months for best flavor.
• Reheat gently; add a splash of broth if thick.

Personal Takes (Because you asked… you didn’t, but still)

• I once skipped the lemon in chicken soup and wondered why it tasted “meh.” Never again.
• Capers in tomato soup? Tried it. Loved it… but kids did not. Use basil, not brine, if you want fewer side-eyes.
• A Parmesan rind in Italian-style soups changes everything. If dairy-free, a spoon of white miso brings a similar umami glow.

Conclusion

Winter is a whole mood, and these slow cooker soups match it perfectly—cozy, hands-off, and loaded with flavor. Pick three for the week, prep once, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you live your best blanket life. Who doesn’t love coming home to a kitchen that smells like soup season victory? Grab a bowl, grab some bread, and get comfy.