17 Big-Pot Soups and Stews for the First Real Cold Snap

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By Gina Matsoukas

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The first real cold snap calls for a big pot on the stove and something that cooks low and slow. These soups and stews build rich flavor while they simmer and leave the house smelling amazing. Each recipe is hearty enough to stand alone for dinner and makes plenty to stash for another meal. From vegetable-packed bowls to meatier classics, there’s something here to keep everyone happy.

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Leftover brisket simmers with beans, peppers and corn in a rich tomato base until thick and hearty. The long simmer builds deep flavor that tastes even better after a night in the fridge, making it perfect for the first real cold snap.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender chicken cooks with lime juice, vegetables and a mild spice blend for a soup that feels both fresh and hearty. The citrus keeps the broth bright while the protein makes it filling enough to stand alone as a main meal on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A mix of 13 beans and lentils pressure cooks in a tomato base with garlic and herbs until every bean is tender. A handful of Tuscan kale stirred in at the end adds color and texture, creating a nutrient-packed soup that’s ideal for cold-weather nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew served in a bowl over polenta.
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef chunks and earthy mushrooms cook together under pressure until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The rich broth soaks into every bite, giving you a stew that’s comforting and robust enough to be the centerpiece of a winter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cabbage, carrots and tomatoes cook quickly in a seasoned broth, releasing flavor as they soften. The result is a hearty vegetable soup that warms you from the inside and makes plenty for next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot lentil vegetable soup in two white bowls with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lentils, mushrooms, spinach and green beans come together in a tomato-based broth that pressure cooks in minutes. The vegetables hold their texture while the lentils thicken the soup, making it a hearty and nutrient-rich choice for cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shredded chicken, orzo, and a creamy buffalo sauce build layers of spicy, cheesy flavor. It’s a bold, filling soup that doubles as a great leftover lunch when the temperatures drop.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheese-filled tortellini simmer in a creamy tomato base with fresh basil until everything is infused with rich flavor. Pressure cooking keeps the pasta perfectly tender while delivering a soup that feels hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and sausage simmer with mushrooms, escarole and pasta in a tomato broth until thick and fragrant. This one-pot dinner feeds a crowd and holds its flavor beautifully for another meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Buttercup Squash Soup

Two bowls of Thai buttercup squash soup with lime and cilantro.
Buttercup Squash Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted buttercup squash purees with coconut milk and a touch of lime for a silky soup with a mellow sweetness. It’s a lesser-known squash that brings something new to the table while still delivering the depth you want on a cold evening.
Get the Recipe: Buttercup Squash Soup

Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup

A bowl of delicata squash soup with a spoon on a wooden table.
Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Delicata squash blends with coconut milk and light spices into a smooth, rich soup. The subtle sweetness pairs well with the creamy base, creating a bowl that tastes even deeper after sitting overnight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup

Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup

A bowl of kabocha squash soup with cherries and pecans.
Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha squash cooks with cinnamon and ginger until tender, then purees into a creamy soup topped with a cherry drizzle and pecan crumble. The mix of spice and natural sweetness creates a complex flavor perfect for cold-snap comfort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup

Leek Apple Cheddar Soup

A bowl of apple cheddar leek soup with chopped nuts.
Leek Apple Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Leeks, apples and sharp cheddar cook together into a velvety soup topped with walnuts and cranberries. The sweet and savory balance makes it an inviting centerpiece for a crisp October dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leek Apple Cheddar Soup

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

A bowl of black rice and vegetables with a spoon.
Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lentils simmer with turmeric, garlic and vegetables until the broth thickens into a hearty stew. Serve it over your favorite grain for a simple, filling dinner that stores well for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Creamy Broccoli Soup

A bowl of green soup garnished with caramelized onions, next to another bowl and a wooden container with sea salt. A hand is seen holding a spoon over the soup.
Creamy Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Broccoli purees with stock and a touch of cream for a rich soup that keeps a bright green color and fresh flavor. Crispy shallots on top add texture, and the soup reheats beautifully for lunches later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup

A bowl of green soup garnished with lettuce leaves, fried garlic slices, and crumbled bits.
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brussels sprouts blend with garlic and stock in a quick stovetop soup that turns creamy in minutes. The mild flavor and silky finish make it an easy pick for a cold evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup

Thai red curry noodle soup with chickpeas in a pot with a wooden serving spoon.
Thai Red Curry Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A coconut milk base infused with red curry paste and fresh vegetables creates a fragrant soup with a gentle kick of spice. Ready in under half an hour, it brings vibrant flavor and steady heat to the first chilly days of the season.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup

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