Slow-Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup
Editor’s Tip: If you’ve been wondering: “how can you thicken soup?”—we have a few tips. The easiest fix is to remove the slow-cooker lid near the end of cooking. This will allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. You could also whisk together a slurry of equal parts water and thickener (such as cornstarch or flour), then stir it into your soup.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This satisfying Crockpot chicken noodle soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe is from my father-in-law, but I tweaked it to make it my own. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, KansasHoly Moly Potato Soup
This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it'd be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, IllinoisEditor’s Tip: Can you overcook soup in a slow cooker? It’s a common question—and the short answer is yes. Ingredients like veggies, pasta and rice can get very mushy if left in the slow cooker too long. Many meats will toughen, too. Play it safe by following your recipe’s cooking instructions closely.
Spaghetti & Meatball Soup
A couple of nights a week our family ends up eating in shifts because everyone is going every which way, all at the same time. Having a hearty soup simmering in the slow cooker is an easy way to give them all a warm meal. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New YorkIn need of some new gear? Check out our Test Kitchen’s favorite slow-cooker brands.
Spicy Montana Chili
This thick and chunky chili has some kick to it. I like to top it with shredded cheddar and then serve it with a side of cornbread. —Donna Evaro, Casper, WyomingHave a great slow-cooker recipe you’d like to share? Submit it here.
Slow-Cooker Spinach Bean Soup
This navy bean soup is heartwarming comfort food at its best. It's my signature soup that I make for my family and friends. The bright red and green of the peppers and spinach give it a suitably seasonal look. —Barbara Shay, Pasadena, CaliforniaMexican-Inspired Chicken Soup
This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I'm always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, MichiganThese quick soup recipes are on the table in just half an hour.
French Onion Soup with Meatballs
I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it's comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, ArizonaFor more tasty ideas, check out our most-shared slow-cooker recipes.
Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup
I modified one of my favorite soup recipes so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. Slow-cooker lasagna soup makes a welcome contribution to work parties. My colleagues love it! —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, IowaSausage Sauerkraut Soup
I've taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives wonderful compliments. Everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, IdahoNow check out the best slow-cooker accessories every cook should have.
Steakhouse Soup
Enjoy a steak dinner in a bowl with this super simple, hearty steak soup. Because of the chili powder and cayenne pepper, it packs a little heat, but the recipe can easily be adjusted if you’re cooking for young ones. —Erica Schmidt, Kansas City, KansasButternut Squash and Barley Soup
I love to use my garden produce in this veggie-packed soup. Serve it with oatmeal dinner rolls and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. —Julie Sloan, Osceola, IndianaItalian Beef Vegetable Soup
This hearty vegetable beef soup features a ton of fresh veggies, making it the perfect dish to use up all that summer produce. It's also fantastic during cooler weather! Make sure you serve this Italian soup with some breadsticks, rolls or flaky biscuits. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, KansasPsst! Grandma just shared her best soup tips.