15 no-fuss winter soup and stew recipes for your busiest days

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When winter hits and life gets hectic, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup or stew to keep things simple and comforting. These recipes are easy to throw together, making them perfect for busy days when you need a hearty meal without all the effort. I love having a few go-to options like these to keep dinner stress-free while still feeling cozy and satisfying.

A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, with the bowl in the background.
Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Corn Chowder

A bowl of creamy chicken corn chowder with potatoes and garnished with shredded cheese.
Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty chowder is packed with tender chicken and sweet corn, making it the perfect bowl for cold winter days when you need a meal without any fuss. It’s thick, creamy, and full of flavor, warming you up from the inside out. The straightforward ingredients come together quickly, making it a practical go-to for busy schedules. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a comforting dinner in no time. A reliable choice when you want something hearty but easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Loaded with vibrant vegetables and savory sausage, this minestrone is a simple but filling way to beat winter’s chill. The mix of flavors and textures makes each bite satisfying without requiring a long list of ingredients. It’s a fantastic choice for those hectic days when you want dinner with minimal effort. Serve it with a sprinkle of cheese or a slice of bread for an easy win. Great for keeping warm while staying on schedule.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Easy Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with rosemary and thyme, served on a wooden table.
Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This potato soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for chilly winter evenings. It requires just a handful of pantry staples, making it a convenient option when you’re short on time. The rich, hearty texture fills you up without overcomplicating dinner prep. Serve with a simple salad or some crackers for a well-rounded meal. It’s a dependable recipe for when life gets hectic but dinner still matters.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon chicken soup in a white bowl with lemon slices.
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This light yet hearty soup brings bright flavors and wholesome comfort to your table. The tangy lemon and tender chicken create a fresh combination that stands out on cold days. It’s simple to prepare and just the thing for a meal that feels satisfying without being heavy. Serve it with warm pita or a side of veggies. Perfect for keeping things fresh on even the busiest evenings.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

A pot of Italian vegetable stew with a spoon, garnished with chopped green herbs, on a white tablecloth with a small bowl of parsley on the side.
Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Packed with seasonal vegetables and hearty flavors, this Italian stew is a great option for a healthy, warming meal. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require much hands-on effort, which is ideal for a packed winter schedule. The robust flavors develop beautifully, creating a bowl that feels comforting and satisfying. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Perfect for a cozy night at home.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

A bowl of hearty tomato-based soup with cabbage.
Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow-cooked cabbage soup offers a simple way to enjoy a warm, wholesome meal with minimal effort. Loaded with vegetables and a light broth, it’s hearty enough to keep you going during a busy winter day. Just set it and forget it for an easy dinner solution. Serve with a side of cornbread or crackers. Great for staying warm without complicating your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl.
Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and rich, this bisque combines tender shrimp and sweet corn for a comforting winter meal. It’s surprisingly easy to make, coming together quickly without sacrificing flavor. The velvety broth pairs beautifully with a piece of crusty bread. Great for evenings when you need a quick but satisfying dinner. A solid pick for warming up your winter routine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This small-batch chili is perfect for when you need a cozy dinner without leftovers piling up. Slow cooking allows the rich flavors to develop without needing much effort. It’s hearty, filling, and pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple salad. Ideal for keeping dinner warm and stress-free. A dependable option when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Hearty and comforting, this soup combines tender navy beans and smoky ham for a winter meal that hits the spot. It’s easy to throw together and benefits from a simple ingredient list. The slow-cooked flavors make it worth the wait, providing a satisfying bowl on chilly days. Serve with a slice of buttered bread for a simple but complete meal. Great for busy days when warmth matters.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and hearty, this chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect way to warm up during the winter months. The pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken come together beautifully in a velvety broth. It’s simple to prepare and feels like comfort in a bowl. Serve with a side of garlic bread for an easy dinner. A solid pick for those packed evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Fish Stew with Chorizo

A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.
Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty stew features flaky fish and smoky chorizo for a bold, warming meal. It’s a quick but satisfying way to beat the winter chill without overcomplicating your dinner routine. The vibrant flavors pair wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread. Great for keeping things flavorful and practical. Perfect for busy nights when you want something special but easy.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

Broccoli Cheese Soup

A bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup beside fresh broccoli and shredded cheese, with a slow cooker in the background.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and rich, this broccoli cheese soup is just what you need for a cozy winter meal. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it ideal for those hectic days. The cheesy goodness pairs wonderfully with a piece of warm bread. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but versatile enough for pairing. A reliable option when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This slow cooker vegetable soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and requires minimal effort. Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work, making it perfect for those nonstop winter days. The end result is a warm, hearty bowl that pairs well with crackers or bread. It’s simple, comforting, and stress-free. Great for when life gets busy but dinner still matters.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side.
Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Smooth and comforting, this tomato soup is the perfect way to enjoy a winter evening with minimal prep. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, giving you time to focus on everything else. Pair it with a classic grilled cheese for a timeless combo. Ideal for hectic days when you need warmth in a bowl. A simple but effective dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls.
Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty beef stew is loaded with tender chunks of meat and vegetables, making it a great choice for a no-fuss winter dinner. It simmers to perfection without requiring much attention, which is perfect for busy schedules. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s warm, and comforting, and keeps dinner simple. A dependable pick for cold evenings when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

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