Soup is one of the most flexible dishes to make. Some recipes use just a few canned ingredients and still deliver deep flavor, while others rely on long simmers or roasted vegetables to build something rich and structured. From broth-based bowls to creamy blends and hearty add-ins like beans, pasta, or rice, there’s a lot of room to shift textures and taste. Soup can go light or thick, smooth or chunky, and the method matters just as much as what you put in. These recipes include fast stovetop versions, classic slow builds, and soups that cross over into stew territory. Every one holds its own in a bowl and brings flavor from the first bite to the last.

Easy Black Bean Soup

Easy Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Canned black beans, spices, and broth come together fast in this smooth or chunky soup. It simmers in one pot and thickens without needing cream or flour. The texture is clean with just enough bite from the beans. A squeeze of lime at the end sharpens the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Bean Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Shredded chicken, soft noodles, and chopped vegetables float in a clear, seasoned broth. The texture balances tender meat with soft pasta. It holds flavor without needing heavy ingredients. This one’s built on basics that work every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Easy Tomato Soup Recipe

Easy Tomato Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This soup uses canned tomatoes, broth, and a quick blend to make a smooth, rich base. The flavor holds without sugar or cream. It finishes with clean texture and color. Each spoonful brings steady depth.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Soup Recipe

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chicken, diced vegetables, and broth simmer together until everything softens and blends. The broth stays light but full of flavor. It holds a clean texture that doesn’t break down after sitting. Every bite carries even balance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Vegetable Soup

Easy Potato Soup

Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chopped potatoes simmer in broth with milk or cream until soft and thickened. The texture turns creamy without blending fully. It stays smooth with a little bite from the chunks. You can add cheese, but it doesn’t need much.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Grandma’s Chicken Soup

Grandma’s Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This version uses bone-in chicken for added depth, along with noodles, carrots, and herbs. The broth takes on richness from a long simmer. The vegetables hold their texture and the flavor stays clear. It brings everything together without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Chicken Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Mini meatballs, tiny pasta, and chopped greens simmer in a seasoned broth. The mix of meat and vegetables brings contrast in both flavor and texture. Each bite holds structure and balance. Nothing gets lost or overpowers the rest.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans

Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Canned beans and diced ham cook down with broth and vegetables for a thick, filling soup. The beans soften but hold their shape. The broth turns slightly creamy without blending. Each spoonful delivers salt, texture, and depth.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Shredded chicken, tomatoes, and broth simmer with spices before getting topped with crispy tortillas. The texture mixes soft and crunch in every bite. The broth stays thin but bold. Each bowl finishes clean with no extras needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and broth cook down into a thick, spoonable soup. The cheese melts fully without separating. It’s smooth with small chunks of meat and veg throughout. Each bowl finishes rich and full.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Roasted squash and apple blend into a smooth, velvety base with light seasoning. The apple adds just enough sharpness to cut the sweetness. It finishes thick and smooth. The flavor stays simple but full.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This soup layers shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and spices into a broth-based bowl with bold flavor. The vegetables keep bite, and the chicken holds together. The base finishes thin but strong. Each bite gives contrast without heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Soup

Roasted Pumpkin Apple Soup

Roasted Pumpkin Apple Soup. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Pumpkin and apples roast first to deepen flavor before blending into a smooth base. The texture stays velvety with a touch of spice. Nothing is too sweet or too sharp. The result is soft and even in each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Apple Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sliced mushrooms simmer with broth, sour cream, and paprika for a soup that’s earthy and smooth. The sour cream cuts through the broth and thickens it just enough. Mushrooms stay tender but don’t disappear. Every bite brings heat and depth.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Acorn Squash Soup

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

Roasted acorn squash blends into a thick base with light seasoning and broth. The texture finishes smooth and holds well after cooling. It slices clean off the spoon. The flavor runs mellow but full.
Get the Recipe: Acorn Squash Soup

Avgolemono Soup

a bowl of soup with lemon, rice, and fresh parsley with a spoon.
Avgolemono Soup. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

This Greek soup uses chicken broth, rice, lemon, and egg to make a thick, tangy bowl. The egg smooths out the broth without turning it heavy. Rice adds body without going soft. It stays bright and sharp in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Avgolemono Soup

Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup

A bowl of miso soup with a spoon in it.
Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Miso paste, mushrooms, and noodles cook into a bold broth with depth and salt. The mushrooms stay chewy, and the noodles soften without breaking down. The broth coats everything without turning thick. Each spoonful delivers umami straight through.
Get the Recipe: Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White beans simmer with herbs and broth until soft, then get blended or served as-is. The texture turns creamy even without dairy. The flavor stays clean and not too sharp. You can serve it thick or thin depending on how long it simmers.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of tomato soup with basil and tomatoes.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.


This cozy soup starts with oven-roasted tomatoes that caramelize into deep, rich flavor, then blends them with fresh basil, garlic, and a splash of cream for silky smoothness. It’s simple to make but tastes like something you’d get from a café—warm, vibrant, and totally comforting. Perfect on its own, with a grilled cheese, or as a make-ahead lunch that only gets better as the flavors meld.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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