Soup is consistently popular for good reason: It’s cozy, it’s easy to throw together in one pot and it’s adaptable for a weeknight meal or a dish to impress when lots of folks are converging in your home. We dug through our soup recipes and came up with the most popular, the soups you’re cooking again and again. From take-out standbys to diner fare to family recipes, here are crowd-pleasers to try tonight.
27 – Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger Soup is everything you love about a diner cheeseburger but in a cozy, comforting bowl. Tender diced potatoes, shredded carrots, and onions plus seasoned ground beef in a cheesy, savory broth is a meal in itself. A guaranteed crowd- and kid-pleaser, Cheeseburger Soup will leave everyone coming back for seconds (and it’s totally okay to pile on the toppings, including crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, even some diced pickles).
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown beef in a large pot. Drain and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Cook onion, carrots, celery, and basil 5 minutes.
- Add broth, potatoes, and beef. Simmer 15 minutes.
- In a small pan, melt remaining butter. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.
- Stir flour mixture into soup. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Lower heat. Stir in milk, cheese, salt, and pepper until melted.
- Stir in sour cream. Top with bacon and pickles.
26 – Matzo Ball Soup
Also known as Jewish penicillin, Matzo Ball Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially during the cold winter months. Chewy matzo meal dumplings in a pot of golden chicken broth along with carrots, celery, and a flurry of fresh dill is an absolute dream. There’s also a heated debate as to whether matzo balls should be fluffy and light (the floaters) or more compact and heavy (the sinkers). Regardless of your matzo ball opinion, this is a soup that begs to be spooned with crusty bread alongside.
Matzo Ball Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk eggs, oil, matzo meal, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and seltzer.
- Cover and chill 30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Roll mixture into 1 inch balls. Drop into water.
- Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
- In another pot, simmer broth, carrots, celery, and onion 15 minutes.
- Add chicken, matzo balls, remaining salt, and dill.
25 – Chicken and Dumplings
Somewhere between a soup and a stew, Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved, hearty dish from the South. Tender, shredded chicken along with veggies simmered in a creamy, savory broth is already incredible, and then you have pillowy soft dumplings to scoop up every last bit of that delicious broth. You can make rolled dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings, but we’re partial to drop biscuits. No matter how you choose to make your dumplings, they’re going to be steeped in flavor.
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes. Add garlic.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Stir in chicken.
- Mix dumpling flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto simmering soup.
- Cover and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
24 – Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup is a takeout menu staple. Fragrant and complex, this soup is a study of contrasts with the kick of white pepper balanced out with the bite of vinegar. Egg ribbons, tofu, bamboo shoots and mushrooms swirl around in a thickened savory broth. Best of all, you can recreate this take-out staple at home in a flash, customizing it to be spicier or more sour depending on your preference. Soups like these are perfect in any season, especially when served with a hunk of crusty bread.
Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Bring broth to a simmer.
- Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and chili garlic sauce.
- Mix cornstarch and water. Stir into soup until thickened.
- Slowly drizzle in eggs while stirring.
- Stir in sesame oil. Top with green onions.
23 – Cream of Mushroom Soup
Nothing compares to homemade cream of mushroom soup. By browning the mushrooms, garlic and fresh thyme, this recipe achieves an earthy, savory depth of flavor that’s light-years ahead of the can. A splash of cream creates a silky-smooth broth that isn’t too rich. Serve it as a comforting lunch or light dinner with crusty bread. You can also use it in casseroles that call for prepared cream of mushroom soup, although you may need to adjust the liquid because this version isn’t condensed.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Cook mushrooms until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add onion, garlic, and thyme. Cook 3 minutes.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Blend about half the soup.
- Stir in cream, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
22 – Pho
Pho is a staple in Vietnam. This famous soup features an aromatic broth that’s simmered for hours using charred onion and ginger, as well as star anise and cinnamon. Topped with rice noodles and thinly-sliced beef, the final product is a symphony of flavors. Adding a few slices of jalapeño, some fresh basil, bean sprouts and a wedge of lime provides some much-needed crunch and brightness while drizzles of hoisin and sriracha sauces offer some sweetness and heat.
Pho
Ingredients
Method
- Broil onions and ginger 10 minutes until charred.
- Boil bones 5 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- Add bones, chuck, onions, ginger, and water to a large pot.
- Toast spices in a dry pan 2 minutes. Add to pot.
- Simmer 3 hours, skimming as needed.
- Remove chuck and slice or shred. Strain broth. Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Cook noodles per package.
- Add noodles, cooked chuck, and thinly sliced sirloin to bowls. Pour boiling-hot broth over top. Cook sirloin thoroughly before serving.
- Serve with toppings.
21 – Black Bean Soup
Simmered with cumin, chili, onion and garlic, the black beans in this recipe become supremely savory and fall-apart tender. Partially puréed, the soup achieves a hearty, thick consistency while retaining some of the beans for a chunkier texture. Using vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian, though it’s not required. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese or crushed tortilla chips. Canned beans make this recipe ridiculously easy and affordable.
Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil. Cook onion and bell pepper 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook 1 minute.
- Add beans, broth, tomatoes, and salt. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Blend half the soup. Return to pot.
- Stir in lime juice. Serve with toppings.
20 – Split Pea with Ham
Nothing goes together better than split peas and a smoky ham. Leftover holiday ham makes a great addition to this recipe that will have you requesting a meaty ham bone or diced leftover ham to simmer with split peas, carrots, celery, and onion. The split peas simmered slowly, falling apart into the broth until it was creamy. This recipe is hearty and flavorful and makes use of leftovers to create an inexpensive meal. Regardless of the soup you prepare, be sure to grab a loaf of crusty bread to go with it. You won’t regret it!
Split Pea with Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes. Add garlic.
- Add peas, ham bone or diced ham, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
- Simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring often.
- If using a ham bone, remove it, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
- Remove bay leaves. Season with salt.
19 – Wonton Soup
The perfectly seasoned meaty dumplings floating in a light gingered chicken broth is what wonton soup is all about. Made with pork and shrimp meat fillings, green onions, and bok choy wonton soup is light flavorful Asian inspired meal you can make right at home. Get the whole family involved with wonton making and have a good time with it! TIP: wontons can be made ahead and frozen. Drop the frozen wontons directly into simmering broth.
Wonton Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Mix pork, shrimp, green onions, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
- Add 1 teaspoon filling to each wrapper.
- Wet edges, fold, and seal.
- Simmer broth, sliced ginger, and remaining soy sauce 10 minutes.
- Add wontons. Cook 4 minutes until they float.
- Add bok choy. Cook 2 minutes.
- Top with green onions.
18 – Stuffed Pepper Soup
All of the flavors of your favorite stuffed peppers minus all of the extra work! Seasoned ground beef, diced bell peppers, and onions simmer in a tomato-based broth with garlic and Italian herbs. Cooked white rice is stirred in near the end, giving the soup a hearty texture without making the rice mushy. Finish each bowl with shredded mozzarella and let it melt into the hot soup. With such simple instructions this recipe is a perfect weeknight meal!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown beef with onion. Drain.
- Add peppers and garlic. Cook 3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, sauce, broth, and seasonings.
- Simmer 25 minutes.
- Stir in rice.
- Top bowls with cheese.
17 – Lentil Soup
Made for hundreds of years now lentil soup is made with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, lentils, tomatoes, cumin, lemon juice and more! Packed with flavor, protein and cheap to make lentil soup is a dense filling soup everyone will love! This recipe tastes even better the next day. Make a big pot on Sunday to last through the week for an easy grab and go lunch!
Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook 1 minute.
- Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and salt.
- Simmer 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in spinach and lemon juice.
16 – Egg Drop Soup
Thin ribbons of eggs swirls around in a lightly thickened seasoned chicken broth. Easy to make from start to finish in about 15 minutes egg drop soup is the easiest recipe you’ll make all week. This is the perfect make at home takeout meal or great light lunch idea! A drizzle of sesame oil, little ginger, and a handful green onions sliced thin will give this recipe all the flavor it needs with little to prep. Try this recipe as a starter or main dish.
Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer broth, ginger, soy sauce, and white pepper.
- Mix cornstarch and water. Stir into broth until thickened.
- Slowly drizzle in eggs while stirring.
- Turn off heat. Stir in sesame oil.
- Top with green onions.
15 – Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy and delicious, this chicken wild rice soup is a true Midwestern favorite. Tender chicken and nutty wild rice are combined with carrots, celery, mushrooms, garlic and thyme simmered in a savory, creamy broth. The chewy wild rice is perfect complement to the creamy, delicious broth. Made easy with rotisserie (or leftover!) chicken, this creamy, satisfying chicken soup makes for the perfect lunch or dinner.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Cook onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms 6 minutes.
- Add garlic. Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth. Add rice, thyme, and salt.
- Cover and simmer 45 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in chicken and cream. Heat through.
14 – Taco Soup
All of the delicious flavors of a taco combined into one soup! This hearty soup is loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and of course taco seasoning! Ready on the stovetop in about 40 minutes, including preparation, this soup is an easy choice for busy weeknights. Load them bowls with sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips and all of your favorite taco toppings, this recipe is perfect for the next family dinner or a busy week night (and we know that it’ll also be a hit for your next pot luck or game day recipe!)
Taco Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown beef with onion. Drain.
- Stir in taco and ranch seasonings.
- Add beans, corn, tomatoes, chiles, and broth.
- Simmer 20 minutes.
- Serve with toppings.
13 – Lasagna Soup
All the flavors of a traditional lasagna minus all the work! This flavorful soup is ready in about half of the time it takes to make traditional lasagna. Savory Italian sausage, garlic and onion are simmered in a delicious, rich tomato based broth then combined with lasagna noodles right in the soup. Served with a ladle of ricotta on top and showered with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that melts right into the rich broth and tender pasta, your family will be begging for seconds after one spoonful!
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown sausage with onion. Add garlic.
- Stir in tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add noodles. Cook 12 minutes until tender.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Top bowls with cheese mixture and basil.
12 – Italian Wedding Soup
Despite the name this soup has nothing to do with nuptials, and everything to do with a delicious combination of meat and greens, a union considered so perfect in Italy they titled it marriage! Bite sized meatballs simmered in a savory chicken broth combined with leafy greens, tiny pasta (such as orzo or acini de pepe) and a sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese makes for the perfect light lunch or dinner. Kids (and grown ups!) love the tiny meatballs and pasta swimming around in a light chicken broth.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Roll into 3/4 inch meatballs.
- Heat oil. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes.
- Add broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add meatballs and pasta. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Stir in greens and remaining salt. Cook 2 minutes.
- Top with Parmesan.
11 – Vegetable Beef Soup
Big tender pieces of beef slowly simmer in a savory tomato based broth with an abundance of veggies (think potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, peas, etc…). Veggie beef soup recipes are different from family to family, but this classic is super satisfying and also a good way to use up any random veggies in your fridge. Serve steaming hot (on a cold day) with buttered bread or dinner rolls or maybe even some crackers.
Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown in oil. Remove.
- Cook onion 4 minutes. Add garlic.
- Return beef. Add broth, tomatoes, sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Simmer 30 minutes.
- Add corn and peas. Cook 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves.
10 – Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This restaurant fave (made famous from Olive Garden) quickly made its way as one of our fave copy cat recipes. There isn’t a ton of complicated cooking that goes into this one… Simply add cooked, shredded chicken and potato gnocchi to a creamy broth, some carrots, celery, fresh spinach in a super savory, creamy broth. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser. The potato gnocchi add a soft, pillowy component to the soup and make it extra filling. Essentially you’ll be recreating a popular restaurant soup… Only there will be NO waiting for this one.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes. Add garlic.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth and half and half. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add gnocchi, chicken, thyme, and salt. Cook 4 minutes.
- Stir in spinach until wilted.
9 – Minestrone
One of the classic Italian soups, minestrone is a hearty vegetable soup typically made with beans, pasta, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, leafy greens and simmered in a savory, well herbed tomato based broth. You can be flexible on the type of veggies you use and simply use what you have in your fridge. Minestrone is filling enough (thanks to the pasta and beans) to serve for lunch or dinner. Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Of course you’ll need some crusty bread to serve alongside!
Minestrone
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini and garlic. Cook 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, broth, kidney beans, green beans, and seasonings. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Add pasta. Cook 10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach.
- Top with Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
8 – Clam Chowder
Creamy, briny New England Clam Chowder is always a win. Tender clams, potatoes, onions and even some smoky bacon simmer in a super creamy, thick broth. Clam chowder is always a popular item on the menu in coastal towns… It may look intimidating but it’s easier to make then you think! Shorten your cook time by using canned clams but rest assured that the broth will be no short lacking in that clammy flavor. Serve steaming hot… Either ladle the chowder into a bread bowl or top with oyster crackers!
Clam Chowder
Ingredients
Method
- Cook bacon until crisp. Remove, leaving drippings.
- Cook onion and celery 5 minutes. Add garlic.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in reserved clam juice and bottled clam juice. Add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in clams, cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat through without boiling.
- Remove bay leaf. Top with bacon and crackers.
7 – Zuppa Toscana
One of our favorite Olive Garden recipes, this Tuscan-inspired soup is absolutely delicious! The spicy italian sausage and perfectly cooked, sliced potatoes are swimming in a garlicky, creamy broth with fresh kale and crispy bacon sprinkled on top. The potatoes make this dish filling and the kale cuts through some of the ingredients and adds some color and freshness. This copycat Olive Garden recipe comes together in about 40 minutes and would be perfect served with some crusty bread or breadsticks!
Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
Method
- Brown sausage. Remove.
- Cook bacon until crisp. Remove.
- Cook onion in drippings 4 minutes. Add garlic.
- Add broth, potatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in sausage, cream, kale, and salt. Cook 5 minutes.
- Top with bacon.
6 – Chicken Tortilla Soup
All of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors come together in this delicious recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup. Shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles simmer in a smoky cumin and chili powder spiced broth. Serve your bowls of soup with an array of toppings, like crispy tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime, because the sky’s the limit! This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, your next game day party, or anytime you have a hankering for tortilla soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil. Cook onion and jalapeño 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes, chiles, broth, beans, and corn. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in chicken, salt, and lime juice.
- Toss tortilla strips with remaining oil. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Top bowls with tortilla strips and toppings.
5 – Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Everything we love about a classic, loaded baked potato comes together in this thick and creamy soup. Start with perfectly tender potatoes and stir cheddar cheese and sour cream right in the pot. Ladle soup into bowls, add a heap of toppings, like crispy bacon, more cheese, and sliced green onions, and dig in! An easy recipe and a creative, inexpensive way to work through an entire bag of potatoes. Serve with your favorite bread or crackers!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Cook bacon until crisp. Remove.
- Melt butter. Cook onion 4 minutes. Add garlic.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth and milk. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some potatoes to thicken.
- Stir in cheese and sour cream.
- Top with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
4 – French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is well-known for its caramelized onions. The recipe does take its time (almost an hour) cooking down the onions until they’re perfectly golden, soft and sweet. Then the onions are simmered with beef broth (for a rich flavor) and a splash of wine. Top each bowl with a slice of bread and some gruyere cheese and pop under the broiler until golden and bubbly.
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Add onions, salt, and sugar.
- Cook 45 to 60 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.
- Add garlic. Cook 1 minute.
- Add wine. Scrape up browned bits.
- Add broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Remove thyme and bay leaf.
- Ladle into oven-safe bowls. Top with bread and cheese.
- Broil 3 minutes until bubbly.
3 – Broccoli Cheddar Soup
With Panera partially to thank for it’s popularity, one thing is certain, broccoli cheddar soup is here to stay! Tender broccoli and shredded carrots simmer in a thick and tasty broth and then get showered with sharp shredded cheddar. The veggies help round out the cheesiness and add lots of tasty texture to each spoonful. Not only is broccoli cheddar soup a takeout classic, it’s also super simple to make at home! Get this creamy soup on the table in just about 30 minutes and serve in a bread bowl (or with crusty bread on the side for dipping). Yum!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Cook onion 4 minutes. Add garlic.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in half and half and broth.
- Add broccoli, carrots, and seasonings. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Blend a little of the soup, if desired.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
2 – Tomato Soup
Nothing beats whole San Marzano tomatoes simmered with garlic, onion, and basil until the flavors come together. Blend everything until smooth, then stir in a splash of heavy cream for a silky finish. This easy tomato soup is tangy, creamy, and comforting, which is just the ticket for a simple lunch or even on those cool evenings that call for a warm, comforting dinner. Grab yourself a slice of gooey grilled cheese for dipping…we dare you not to!
Tomato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter and oil. Cook onion 5 minutes. Add garlic.
- Add tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 20 minutes.
- Add basil. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in cream.
1 – Chicken Noodle Soup
Tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, onions…simmered with lots of savory seasoning and herbs, this chicken noodle soup recipe is everything you hope for being golden colored and brimming with flavor, it will be a hit with the whole family (and trust us, you’ll be happy to have extra to enjoy the next day too). Perfect on cold days when you want something cozy…simply serve steaming hot bowls of soup alongside some crackers or crusty bread on those hectic weeknights.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter. Cook onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes. Add garlic.
- Add broth, chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 20 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Remove chicken and shred.
- Add noodles. Cook 7 minutes.
- Return chicken. Remove bay leaf.
- Stir in parsley.
Soups make such an easy weeknight dinner or meal for the crowd and there are so many options to choose from. Plus soups are so easy to make ahead and reheat for another night, making it a win/win in our book. We love how soups can be made with simple ingredients but the results are anything but! We’d love to know which is your family’s fave, or which of these most popular soups you’ll be making first!
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