50 Soups and Stews You Can Make in an Hour (or Less!)
Updated: Jan. 14, 2022These soups and stews only taste like they've been simmering all day.
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Turkey Biscuit Stew
This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It’s also a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North DakotaTotal Time: 35 minutes
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Hearty Quinoa & Corn Chowder
My grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, KentuckyTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, WisconsinTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder
This is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, WashingtonTotal Time: 55 minutes
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The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, ColoradoTotal Time: 60 minutes
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Ground Beef Veggie Stew
This is a wonderful, hearty stew to help use up all the late-summer veggies in your garden. I like that it's filling enough to make a meal, and it's good for you too! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, KansasTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Creamy Sweet Potato and Veggie Soup
I tasted a delicious soup in a restaurant but couldn't persuade the chef to share the recipe, so I began to experiment on my own. Finally, I came up with this blend, which is very close to what I tasted—maybe even better! —Audrey Nemeth, Mount Vernon, MaineTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Ham, Potato and Pepper Chowder
I have been serving this chowder for years now. When I’m feeding family members who don’t eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! —Eileen Stefanski, Wales, WisconsinTotal Time: 50 minutes
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Sausage & Greens Soup
I always have an abundance of fresh vegetables on hand, so I wanted to create a delicious soup to enjoy during the colder months. I think I found a winner! —Angie Pitts, Charleston, South Carolina.Total Time: 40 minutes
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Shrimp Pad Thai Soup
Pad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington.Total Time: 45 minutes
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Cheeseburger Soup
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, WisconsinTotal Time: 55 minutes
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White Chicken Chili
Folks will enjoy a change from traditional chili when they dip their spoons into this flavorful blend of tender chicken, white beans and just enough zip. This is our favorite white chicken chili recipe. —Taste of Home Test KitchenTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New JerseyTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Hearty Butternut Squash Soup
The comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It's full of freshness. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, MichiganTotal Time: 60 minutes
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Sausage Bean Soup
You’re moments away from a flavor-packed soup that keeps you warm on even the chilliest nights. It's just the kind of recipe we Minnesotans love. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, MinnesotaTotal Time: 25 minutes
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Skillet Chicken Stew
It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating. — Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West VirginiaTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Garlic Tortellini Soup
I like to top bowls of this tasty soup with a little grated Parmesan cheese, and serve it with crusty bread to round out the meal. —Donna Morgan, Hend, TennesseeTotal Time: 25 minutes
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Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, IndianaTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Seafood Bisque
We live on the Gulf Coast, where fresh seafood is plentiful. I adapted several recipes to come up with this rich bisque. It's great as a first course or an entree, and it can be made with just shrimp or crabmeat. —Pat Edwards, Dauphin Island, AlabamaTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Hearty Vegetarian Chili
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, NebraskaTotal Time: 30 minutes
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White Bean & Chicken Enchilada Soup
I made this soup to please my daughters’ craving for creaminess, my husband’s for spice and mine for white beans. Garnish with jalapenos, sour cream and green onions. —Darcy Gonzalez, Palmdale, CaliforniaTotal Time: 35 minutes
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Cazuela
I learned to make this dish while we were living in Chile for a few months. We grow extra butternut squash in our garden just for this recipe. —Louise Schmid, Marshall, MinnesotaTotal Time: 35 minutes
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Chicken & Broccoli Rabe Soup with Tortellini
With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, FloridaTotal Time: 60 minutes
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Southwest-Style Wedding Soup
I turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, PennsylvaniaTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Bratwurst Soup
I came up with this recipe one day when I had some leftover bratwurst. It has been a favorite of my husband's ever since and is requested whenever the guys are hanging out. —Anna Miller, Churdan, IowaTotal Time: 35 minutes
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Shrimp & Cod Stew in Tomato-Saffron Broth
I love coming inside on a cold day and smelling this comforting seafood stew simmering in the kitchen. —Lydia Becker, Kansas City, MissouriTotal Time: 45 minutes
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Potato Clam Chowder
I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, MarylandTotal Time: 45 minutes
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Turkey Sausage, Butternut Squash & Kale Soup
Kale and butternut squash are two of my favorite fall veggies. This low-fat soup combines them. If you love sweet potatoes, sub them for the squash. —Laura Koch, Lincoln, NebraskaTotal Time: 50 minutes
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Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup
My mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.Total Time: 60 minutes
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Barbara's Italian Wedding Soup
In a little Italian restaurant in Santa Cruz, my husband and I had an amazing soup with orzo. I tweaked it at home to make it healthier but kept the warm, comforting flavor. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, CaliforniaTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Butternut Squash Chili
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, CaliforniaTotal Time: 50 minutes
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One-Pot Beef & Pepper Stew
I love most things made with green peppers, tomatoes or green chiles. I wanted to prepare a quick and satisfying dish one evening and came up with this recipe with things I had on hand. —Sandra Clark, Sierra Vista, BCTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Turkey Dumpling Soup
Simmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, CaliforniaTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Cream of Lentil Soup
Lentil lovers will want a second bowl of this nourishing soup with a subtle touch of curry. It looks particularly appealing thanks to the color added by the fresh spinach. —Kim Russell, North Wales, PennsylvaniaTotal Time: 55 minutes
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Cheesy Chili
My six grandchildren enjoy feasting on big bowls of this zesty chili. It's so creamy and tasty, you can even serve it as a dip at parties. —Codie Ray, Tallulah, LouisianaTotal Time: 25 minutes
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Italian Sausage Kale Soup
My mom dehydrates the last pick of tomatoes from her garden each fall—perfect for quick soups like this one. When I have time to prepare dried beans, I do—but don't worry if you don't. Canned beans are just as good. —Lori Terry, Chicago, IllinoisTotal Time: 35 minutes
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Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda
I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, FloridaTotal Time: 60 minutes
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, CaliforniaTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, KansasTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Cheddar Ham Chowder
I often freeze this soup and thaw it for a fast easy meal. Since it's hearty, all I need to add are rolls or bread and a salad. —Ann Heine, Mission Hill, South DakotaTotal Time: 45 minutes
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Quick Chicken and Dumplings
Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New YorkTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup
My hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, CaliforniaTotal Time: 55 minutes
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Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
A good friend made us this rich, comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, UtahTotal Time: 25 minutes
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Best Ever Potato Soup
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, PennsylvaniaTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Stuffed Pepper Soup
I was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, PennsylvaniaTotal Time: 60 minutes
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Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, TexasTotal Time: 30 minutes
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Chicken Potpie Soup
My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, TexasTotal Time: 40 minutes
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Cheesy Ham Chowder
My five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, NebraskaTotal Time: 60 minutes
Originally Published: August 08, 2018
