When the weather turns chilly—or life gets a little too hectic—nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of something homemade. Whether you’re craving a creamy chowder, a hearty stew, or simple soups that soothe the soul, these meals are as nourishing as they are time-saving.
Perfect for make-ahead meals, freezer stash saviors, or using up leftovers with love, these recipes are the coziest companions for busy nights.
Soups, Stews, or Chowders: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break it down into bite-sized descriptions:
- Soup: Brothy, light or creamy. Quick to cook, flexible, and great for using up veggies or leftovers.
- Stew: Thick and hearty. Slow-cooked, rich, and packed with chunky ingredients like meat and root veggies.
- Chowder: Creamy and chunky. Often seafood- or potato-based with a rich, velvety finish.
No matter your mood or pantry situation, there’s a bowl with your name on it.
Tips for Perfect Soups, Stews, and Chowders Every Time
- Build flavor with aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, celery, or carrots first to lay a tasty foundation.
- Layer spices gradually: Add in stages so you can taste and adjust as you go.
- Thicken naturally: Purée a portion of the soup or use starchy ingredients like potatoes, beans, or rice.
- Finish with freshness: Add fresh herbs, lemon juice, or a splash of cream just before serving for that extra oomph.
Spicy Kimchi Stew Recipe (Kimchi Jjigae Recipe)
This spicy Kimchi Stew Recipe is made with umami packed ingredients like gochujang, fish sauce, seafood & spicy kimchi-and it’s ready in 30 minutes!
Instant Pot Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup
All the flavor in about half the time! Our Moroccan Pot Sweet Potato Soup is made in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight meal. We’ve topped it with a minty herb mix and harissa for bold, low calorie flavor.
Easy Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe
This easy vegan peanut stew is packed with flavour and ready in just 25 minutes. The vegetables and beans are livened up with cumin, turmeric and chilli in a creamy peanut butter and tomato sauce.
Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup
Step into Spring with this light & healthy Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup. I’ve included both Instant Pot & stovetop instructions.
Slow Cooker Pepperpot Stew
This Slow Cooker Pepperpot Stew contains a dreamy combo of beef, coconut milk & various veggies, beans and light spices. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Creamy Chicken Stew (Stove Top, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot!)
This Creamy Chicken Stew recipe is simple to make and tastes great with biscuits or dumplings. Make it on the Stove Top, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot!
Split Pea Soup
This BEST Pea Soup recipe is made with a ham bone and is easy to make on the Stove Top, Instant Pot, or Crock Pot! It’s super thick and full of flavor!
Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
This chorizo and chickpea stew is deliciously herby and spicy. Try and cook it as long as you can, the chorizo will melt in your mouth and taste amazing!
Thai Red Curry Chicken Soup
Warm creamy comforting Thai Red curry soup with a touch of sweetness and a bit of a spicy kick.
The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup
An easy and delicious creamy potato soup recipe that can be made in just one pot! Loaded with bacon and creamy potato goodness, this is a favorite comfort food in my household.
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup is a dump and start one-pot meal. A zesty soup made with tender chicken. Pressure Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Soup – Savory Tooth
Crockpot Beef Stew
The concentrated flavors in this simple slow cooker beef stew recipe are irresistible! It’s easy to make this family-friendly meal with everyday ingredients to warm you up.
Vegan Corn Chowder (GF) – Rhian’s Recipes
This Vegan Corn Chowder is sweet and creamy, super easy to make and nutritious and filling! Also gluten-free and nut-free optional.
Vegan Pea Pasta Minestrone Soup (GF) – Rhian’s Recipes
This Vegan Pea Pasta Minestrone Soup is comforting yet light, full of flavour, and super easy to make. Veggie-packed and gluten-free.
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup With Zucchini
Instant Pot Detox Soup is full of healthy ingredients, great color and big flavour! You will love this making this nourishing Instant Pot Vegetable Soup.
Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup (Mexican)
This Mexican Cream Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is easy, comforting & made form pantry staples and is great for weeknight dinners.
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Chowder – Low Carb, Gluten Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Chowder – Low Carb, Gluten Free | Peace Love and Low Carb
Vegetarian Taco Soup
This easy vegetarian taco soup is a weeknight winner! All your favorite taco flavors come together in this recipe that is gluten-free and can be easily made vegan!
The BEST Smoked Salmon Chowder Recipe – House of Nash Eats
This Smoked Salmon Chowder recipe is creamy and indulgent. With soft potatoes, savory smoky salmon, and flavorful capers, it’s so delicious!
Instant Pot Chickpea Stew
This healthy and Hearty Instant Pot Chickpea Stew is a warming vegetarian recipe simply made using few ingredients.
One Pot Beef Stroganoff Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms and Egg Noodles
When you need something comforting and quick, this One Pot Beef Stroganoff Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms and Egg Noodles is the perfect easy dinner recipe. Low in calories but rich with flavor, this …
Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder | Vegan
Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder is a healthy and easy gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan soup recipe that is full of flavor!
Ham White Bean Soup (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Stove Top)
Hearty, starchy, and filling, this rustic Ham White Bean Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Great way to use leftover ham.
Healthy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup | Family Friendly Instant Pot Recipe
This easy and Healthy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is filled with extra vegetables! This healthy instant pot recipe takes less than an hour.
Hearty Tuscan White Bean, Kale, Pancetta, and Polenta Soup + Video
This hearty tuscan white bean, kale, pancetta, and polenta soup is so easy to make and is perfect to cozy up to on a cool fall day. Plus if you’re short on time, everything can just be dumped in a slow cooker!
Instant Pot Lamb Stew Provençal
The flavors of the southern France region of Provence sing in this hearty lamb stew with root vegetables… Instant Pot Lamb Stew Provençal is fragrant with fresh rosemary and Herbes de Provence, and ready in an hour with your pressure cooker!
Why These Bowls Are Busy-Mom Gold
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly – Make double batches now, thank yourself later.
- ⏱️ Time-Saving – Toss ingredients in a pot and let the magic happen.
- 🥕 Nutritious & Customizable – Load up on veggies, protein, or whatever your crew craves.
Kitchen Essentials for Simmering Success
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven | Your go-to for big batches and even heating |
| Ladle | Makes serving (and portioning into containers) easy |
| Immersion Blender | Smooths textures without transferring hot soup to a blender |
| Cutting Board & Knife | For prepping hearty veggies and proteins |
| Airtight Containers | Perfect for storing leftovers or freezing future servings |
A few key tools = smoother prep and easier cleanup.
These soups, stews, and chowders are more than meals—they’re a cozy hug in a bowl. Whether it’s Taco Soup on Tuesday or Creamy Corn Chowder on Sunday night, these dishes are built to warm hearts and satisfy hungry bellies.
Let’s get simmering—and don’t forget the crusty bread.
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