Set It & Forget It: 3 Must-Try Winter Crockpot Recipes

Written By Kristen Johnson

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Ah, fall—the season when leaves turn golden, sweaters come out, and the smell of something delicious simmering in the kitchen makes everything cozy. But let’s be real: even on chilly days, who has the time (or the energy) to babysit a pot of soup on the stove? Enter the humble crockpot, a truly magical device for busy people and lazy chefs alike. Just toss in your ingredients, press start, and return hours later to a steamy, flavorful meal. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it kitchen hero.

These recipes barely require any prep, and the crockpot handles all the work! Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or hearty, these soups bring the flavors of fall straight to your bowl with minimal effort. So, if you’re ready to embrace soup season without all the fuss, dust off that crockpot and let it work its magic.

So, grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into five soup recipes that practically make themselves. These soups are all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort—because the only thing better than a homemade soup is a homemade soup that doesn’t need you to be home. If you don’t have a slow cooker, check out some of these budget friendly options!

Creamy Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and leek soup is a classic for a reason: it’s comforting, velvety, and hearty, yet doesn’t require a ton of ingredients.

What you need:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 3 leeks, white parts only, sliced thin

  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Place potatoes, leeks, and broth in the crockpot. Set to cook on low for 6–8 hours. When the potatoes are tender, blend until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream. Season to taste and enjoy with some garlic bread or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you crave a little spice with your soup, this Tex-Mex inspired dish is for you. It’s flavorful, filling, and just the right amount of zesty.

What you need:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro

Instructions: Add chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, and spices to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Shred the chicken with a fork, then ladle into bowls and top with cheese, avocado slices, crumbled tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing says comfort quite like chicken noodle soup, especially when it's all homemade with no hassle.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

  • 3 large carrots, diced

  • 3 celery stalks, diced

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 6 oz egg noodles (add these 30 minutes before serving)

Instructions: Throw all ingredients except the noodles into your slow cooker. Set on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours). About 30 minutes before it’s done, toss in the noodles. Remove the bay leaf, shred the chicken, and enjoy!

These soups are soup-er easy (couldn’t resist), and they’re just the thing for making your home feel like a cozy haven. So grab your slow cooker, throw in the ingredients, and let your house fill with delicious autumn aromas. These soups practically make themselves—just a little prep, a lot of love, and minimal effort.

Kristen Johnson