’Tis the season, friends! But not the season for light salads. This season, let’s get into some serious comfort food. Soups and stews are just so good. They go straight to the heart.
When it’s chilly out, I am 120% sure that all I want is a cozy, crazy-delicious meal to get through the night.
And these winter soups and stews are as comforting and satisfying as it gets. Every single one is like a warm blanket for your tummy.
1. Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Think about cabbage rolls, but all broken down, with every part swimming in a savory tomato base. That is this soup.
This is my absolute go-to recipe when I’m just not in the mood to do all the work of rolling cabbage. It’s like, Monday-night easy.
In just 45 minutes, and with only one pot, you get this scrumptious, warming soup from ground beef, tomato rice, cabbage, and broth. Just so, so good.
2. Tortellini Soup
This is BOTH a quick weeknight meal and something I’m positive will be your new go-to winter dinner! It has cheesy tortellini, meaty sausage, and hearty kale. All the best stuff!
It’s basically everything you could ever want in a soup bowl. And if you’re still feeling a chill? Grab some crusty bread and a glass of wine. Be ready to curl up and into a warm bowl for a perfectly cozy Italian-style night.
3. Pork Pozole Verde
This is Mexican comfort food. It is the very essence of comfort food, really. It’s got smoky pork, spicy jalapenos, and fresh herbs. Big, beautiful, bossy flavors!
Every single spoonful is just so rich and chock full of flavor. It’s fantastic all by itself, but toppings just take it over the top. A little cotija cheese is perfect for balancing the heat and pulling all those incredible flavors together.
4. Moroccan Stew with Butternut Squash and Chickpeas
Got a Dutch oven or a big pot? Are you now?!. Then you can totally make this stew. This is where we’re at today: a vegetarian meal with butternut squash, chickpeas, kale, golden raisins, and tomatoes.
The whole thing is infused with warm curry and tangy cinnamon. But, you can also make it a choose-your-own adventure! Feel free to swap in cooked beef, lamb, or chicken if you want a meaty version.
5. Thai Coconut Soup
This soup is extremely versatile. It’s loaded with noodles and prawns just swimming around in coconut milk and classic Thai spices.
Basically, spicy Thai coconut curry in soup form. Yes, this is a thing. But if you’re worried about the heat, don’t be! Guys it’s not that spicy… or at least, it doesn’t have to be. You can cook this as mild as you like. No problem.
6. Roasted Cream of Cauliflower Parmesan Soup
Have some leftover cauliflower? Check this out! Creamy, cheesy, and healthy. This roasted cauliflower soup is a total cold-weather winner.
The roasted cauliflower gets blended with butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, and it creates a flavor that is so, so addicting. You are 100% going to want another bowl.
7. Roasted Tomato and Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup might not *actually* cure your cold. But it will 100% cure your wintertime blues. The roasted tomatoes give it a kick of smoky, slightly acidic flavor. Paired with those tender Parmesan matzo balls? It just melts in your mouth.
It’s light, savory, and just perfect with a slice of crusty bread. YUM.
8. Hearty Vegetable Stew
Who says you need pork or beef to make a stew? This hearty vegetable stew is 100% vegan and gluten-free.
Classic veggies get simmered in tomato paste and bullion, making this beefy, savory, and earthy dish all in one pot. You can even take it to the next level by adding beer or wine to deepen the flavor. It’s the best beefless stew. Ever.
9. Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup
Got a ton of carrots? Ummm hi, you need to make a batch of this roasted carrot ginger soup. The trick for the creamiest dish is to roast those carrots. You just can’t beat the sweet, caramel-like flavor they get.
Mix in some fresh ginger, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices for a soup that has *such* an excellent flavor combination.
10. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Your house is about to smell amazing! This aromatic gumbo just explodes with flavor. The sausage brings the heat, and the shrimp offers a little kiss of sweetness.
Paired with that robust gumbo base, it’s comfort food at its finest. And if you want a real treat, serve this over a bed of fluffy white rice.
11. Lamb Stew
One bite of this hearty stew and you will fall in love. We’re talking a flavor-packed sauce, soft lamb morsels, and nutritious veggies. It’s a complete meal all on its own!
But, I mean, serving it with some soft-crust bread is pretty ideal for soaking up all that goodness from the broth. YES.
12. Beef Bourguignon
If you have a slow cooker and want to make a French-style beef stew, this recipe is for you. All you need are the basics: carrots, mushrooms, beef stock, and onions.
The cooking steps are so easy. You can be devouring this delicious dish in no time, and you don’t even have to go to a French restaurant.
13. Thai Green Curry Soup
If you ask a bunch of chefs about the difference between soup and stew, you’ll get a bunch of different answers. Some say it’s how it’s cooked, others say it’s the texture. I think it’s kind of both.
So while this is called a soup, it’s so darn hearty. I think it’s more like a bright, lightly spiced Thai stew.
14. Italian Wedding Soup
Those canned soups in your pantry have *nothing* on this recipe. The trick to this hard-to-put-down soup is all in the meatballs. Homemade, perfectly seasoned meatballs make such a big difference.
Add those to a light chicken-based broth with plenty of veggies, and just *try* to stop at one bowl.
15. Stuffed Pepper Soup
Want something classic? This soup is humble and old-fashioned in all the right ways. It’s a total feel-good soup with its mix of lightly sweet and beefy flavors that will comfort everyone’s stomach.
It’s also extremely filling, so you don’t even need to think about making side dishes!
16. Tuscan Sausage and Vegetable Stew
Healthy vegetables and diced Tuscan sausage swimming in a well-seasoned broth. Give me some!. The sweet Italian sausage is just perfect with the earthy taste of carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, and baby spinach.
This meal also reheats so well, which makes it a fantastic choice for easy lunches.
17. Roasted Vegetable and Red Lentil Stew
Need a great soup for dipping grilled cheese? Put that canned tomato soup away! This roasted vegetable and red lentil stew is like tomato soup’s overachieving little brother.
It’s smoky, hearty, and oh-so-garlicky. I mean, can you ever go wrong with more garlic? Hint: no. This hearty winter stew is the perfect partner for a savory grilled cheese.
18. Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
If you want a unique Caribbean flavor, this stew is it. This recipe kicks off with chicken that has been marinated in aromatic spices. Then, it’s braised in a savory brown stew gravy.
That browning sauce is a key ingredient here. When you get it right, it adds this incredible, wonderful depth of flavor. It WORKS. It really works for this chicken dinner!
19. Easy Borscht
Have you ever tried classic Russian cuisine? If not, you should definitely try this! Borscht, also known as beet soup, is a healthy, purple-red soup with red beet as the main ingredient.
It looks so festive, you could add it to your holiday menu. But honestly, I could eat this all the time. It’s a new favorite.
20. Brunswick Stew
Let’s bring that taste of the south right into your kitchen. Here’s the deal: traditional Brunswick stew has a tomato base, but this version uses a barbeque broth that is perfect with smoked pork.
I am 120% sure this is my personal favorite. I’m obsessed! The meat is so well-seasoned and moist, and it requires almost no prep time. Maximum flavor, minimal dishes.
