Soup is one of those meals that can do just about anything, warm you up, use up leftovers, stretch simple ingredients, or sit bubbling on the stove all afternoon. This list brings together a wide mix of classics, quick fixes, and bold flavors. You’ve got rich and cheesy, light and brothy, veggie-packed, and meat-forward options. Some come together fast with pantry staples, while others build flavor slowly with simmered bones or seared meat. Whether you’re after something comforting and familiar or looking to try something new, there’s a soup here for whatever you’re craving.

Easy Potato Soup

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

This creamy, simple soup starts with potatoes simmered until soft, then blended or mashed for a thick, hearty base. Butter, milk, and a bit of seasoning bring everything together. Top with bacon, cheese, or scallions if you want to dress it up. A cold-weather go-to that doesn’t take much work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

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

Smooth and slightly sweet, this soup blends roasted squash and apple into a silky puree. A little spice or ginger adds warmth without overpowering. It’s light but rich, with a bright finish. Serve with crusty bread or a swirl of cream on top.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup

Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Technically not a soup, but this dish uses canned mushroom soup as a creamy cooking base for tender baked pork chops. The sauce thickens into a savory gravy as it cooks. Best served with mashed potatoes or rice. Great for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Cream of Mushroom Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans

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

Using canned beans cuts down the cook time while still delivering a rich, smoky broth from the ham. The soup is hearty, simple, and loaded with flavor. Add carrots and onions for depth. A smart way to use up leftover ham.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup with Canned Beans

Easy Black Bean Soup

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

Canned black beans and spices simmer quickly into a thick, flavorful soup. It’s smooth with a little texture left behind. Top with sour cream, avocado, or chips. Comes together fast with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Black Bean Soup

Easy Tomato Soup Recipe

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

This version skips the long simmer and goes straight for bold tomato flavor using canned or fresh tomatoes. It’s smooth, classic, and great with a grilled cheese. Add cream or herbs if you want to build on it. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Soup Recipe

Chicken Vegetable Soup

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

This light broth is filled with chunks of chicken and whatever vegetables you have on hand. The flavor builds quickly with a little seasoning and garlic. A great clean-out-the-fridge dinner. Serve with rolls or crackers on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

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

This soup combines chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes in a spicy broth. Top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese for crunch and contrast. It’s hearty without being too heavy. Best served hot with all the toppings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

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

A true classic, this soup features tender chicken, soft noodles, and a flavorful broth. Carrots and celery add sweetness and body. It’s comforting, simple, and easy to scale up. Best made with leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

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

Tiny meatballs, greens, and pasta come together in a light, savory broth. The meatballs stay tender and soak up all the flavor. Add a sprinkle of parmesan just before serving. It’s satisfying but not too rich.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

All the flavors of a burger, ground beef, cheese, potatoes, and seasoning, in a creamy, scoopable form. It’s thick, cheesy, and just a little indulgent. Top with pickles or bacon bits if you’re feeling bold. Serve with bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Grandma’s Chicken Soup

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

This one relies on slow simmering and simple ingredients, chicken, onion, carrot, and broth. The flavor builds gently, creating a soup that’s light but comforting. Serve over rice or with matzo balls for a fuller meal. A timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup

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

Spiced with chili powder, cumin, and loaded with corn, black beans, and chicken, this soup is bold and hearty. Lime juice at the end brightens it up. Add avocado or cheese to finish. It’s filling but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Soup

Beef Taco Soup

Beef Taco Soup. Photo credit: Joyfully Mad.

Ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning simmer into a thick, scoopable soup. It’s quick to make and great with chips or cornbread on the side. Add toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese. A hit for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef Taco Soup

Beer Cheese Soup

Beer cheese soup with wooden spoon in a bowl.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This rich soup starts with a cheesy base and gets depth from beer and spices. It’s smooth and bold with a little tang. Serve with soft pretzels or a toasted roll. Best warm but not too hot to keep the cheese from separating.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Italian Minestrone Soup

Italian Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is filling without being too heavy. The tomato-based broth is lightly seasoned and flexible. Add pesto or parmesan just before serving for a flavor boost. Great with bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Italian Minestrone Soup

Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This bold soup mixes pumpkin with warming spices, coconut milk, and often dumplings or vegetables. It’s smooth with bursts of heat and a rich, creamy finish. Best made with Caribbean pumpkin varieties if you can find them. A standout option for cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican-Style Pumpkin Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup topped with bread pieces next to sliced bread on a wooden board.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Blended or chunky, this soup mixes broccoli and cheddar in a creamy base. It’s rich without being too heavy and perfect with crusty bread. Add a little garlic or onion to boost the flavor. Great for cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Lentils simmer with vegetables and spices into a hearty, plant-based soup. The texture is thick and filling, with a deep, savory broth. Serve with lemon wedges or fresh herbs. Works well for batch cooking and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Lentil 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, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *