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Home » Recipe Collections

21 cozy soups and stews for the first really cold nights

Published: Oct 13, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

The first really cold nights of the season are a good reason to bring out the soup pot. These cozy soups and stews feature hearty ingredients, rich broths, and satisfying combinations that make dinner feel comforting. From old-fashioned favorites to easy one-pot meals, there are options for all kinds of fall evenings. Serve up a bowl with some crusty bread, and you have a simple meal worth looking forward to.

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

An overhead image of slow cooker tortellini soup in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This soup freezes well and tastes just as good the next time around. It’s the kind of easy dinner that hits the spot when you’re winding down after work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

A bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this hearty soup worth repeating. It’s great for evenings when comfort food should take zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Black Bean Soup

An image of slow cooker black bean soup in a bowl with toppings.
Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Simple to make and easy on the budget, this soup is a go-to for busy nights. It brings that relaxed, end-of-day comfort you want when work’s finally done.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Soup

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Goulash inside white casserole.
Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Beef stew with rich flavor and tender meat cooks up faster than you’d expect. It’s perfect for nights when you want something that feels like real comfort after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Mushroom Barley Soup

An image of mushroom barley soup in a bowl.
Mushroom Barley Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Light but filling, this soup fits right in when you want dinner to feel easy and calm. It’s a simple way to settle in after a long day without overthinking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Barley Soup

Acorn Squash Soup

An image of acorn squash soup in a bowl garnished with thyme.
Acorn Squash Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Smooth and creamy without much effort, this soup makes any night feel handled. It’s a great choice for when you want quick comfort that doesn’t ask for much back.
Get the Recipe: Acorn Squash Soup

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Close-up image of vegan mushroom lentil stew in a bowl.
Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Earthy mushrooms and hearty lentils come together for a simple, wholesome meal. It’s exactly the kind of dish that warms you up after a full day.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Chicken Potato Stew

A bowl of soup with chicken and green onions.
Chicken Potato Stew. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This stew comes together quickly and uses easy ingredients for a filling result. It’s made for nights when you want comfort that doesn’t take much thinking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Quick And Easy Cowboy Stew

A bowl of cowboy stew.
Quick And Easy Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Beef, sausage, and bacon make this stew rich and hearty without much prep. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Quick And Easy Cowboy Stew

Easy Chili Colorado

Close-up image of chili colorado in a bowl.
Easy Chili Colorado. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Braised beef in chili sauce makes this stew rich and full of character. It’s great when you want something bold that still feels familiar and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chili Colorado

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A touch of sweetness from apple cider rounds out this beef stew’s flavor. It’s a simple, cozy dinner when the day’s been too long for complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Split Pea Soup

An image of split pea soup divided into two bowls.
Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This big-batch soup feeds a crowd and stays good for days. It’s perfect for when you need something easy that’ll be ready to go after work all week.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup

Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup

Chicken corn noodle soup in bowl with spoon.
Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Quick prep and hearty texture make this soup easy to love. It’s great for evenings when you want dinner handled without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Corn Noodle Soup

Tomato Soup

Close up of Instant Pot Tomato soup in a white bowl, with grilled cheese next to it.
Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made from pantry staples, this soup comes together in no time. It’s the kind of simple dinner that brings calm after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Poor Man’s Stew

A bowl of slow cooker poor man's stew.
Poor Man’s Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This hearty stew cooks slowly while you’re busy elsewhere. It’s made for those nights when you want to walk in the door and have comfort waiting.
Get the Recipe: Poor Man’s Stew

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

A bowl of Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew.
Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

A tender beef stew with a twist on classic ingredients, this dish comes out rich and filling. It’s a good pick for nights that call for something grounding.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

Nigerian Chicken Stew

Bowl of Nigerian Chicken Stew.
Nigerian Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

A bold and rich chicken stew that keeps things simple and warming. It’s a strong choice for chilly nights when comfort matters most.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Chicken Stew

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Creamy and filling, this soup takes almost no time to pull together. It’s perfect for when you just need something easy and comforting after work.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Stew sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a red linen on a white marble counter.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken, vegetables, and thyme make this stew cozy and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Birria de Res

Top view of 2 bowls of slow cooker birria de res on a wooden table.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This beef stew brings chili flavor with almost no prep work. It’s exactly the kind of meal that takes the edge off a long evening.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Pinto Bean Soup

An overhead image of pinto bean soup in a green bowl with a spoon on the side.
Pinto Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made in one pot, this soup keeps dinner simple and the cleanup minimal. It’s a great choice for when you want something that feels easy after work.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Bean Soup

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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