23 Healthy Slow-Cooker Soup Recipes for Cozy, Nourishing Meals

Cozy up to healthy slow-cooker soup recipes loaded with legumes, fresh veggies and lean proteins. Each one brims with flavor, fiber and weeknight comfort.

There’s something especially comforting about coming home to soup that’s been slowly simmering all day. These healthy slow-cooker soup recipes bring that comfort to the table with minimal effort, transforming pantry staples like beans, sweet potatoes, cabbage and lean meats into satisfying meals. Whether you’re craving something creamy, brothy, chunky or silky, this collection shows just how versatile slow-cooker soup recipes can be.

When choosing healthy soup recipes, we looked for soups that focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients. Soups made with vegetables, legumes, lean proteins and plenty of herbs and spices are so naturally flavorful that you won’t need much added salt or fat to make them taste great. The slow cooker’s gentle heat also develops rich flavors and textures, bringing depth to homemade soup recipes.

In addition to flavor and texture, we also considered convenience. These recipes are easy to prep and will bubble away in the slow cooker while you go about your day. Some, like cabbage or sweet potato soup, rely on just a few ingredients to create simple yet delicious 5-ingredient soups. Other soups, like chicken noodle or black bean soup, transform pantry staples into nourishing meals. And all of them create a cozy bowl of soup that will feel truly satisfying.

1/23

Cabbage Soup

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: After doing yardwork on a windy day, we love to come in for a light but hearty soup like this one. It's brimming with cabbage, veggies and white beans. Pass the oven-warmed bread! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 111 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
2/23

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time 5 hours 50 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 199 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
3/23

Greek Lentil Soup

Total Time 5 hours 20 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This healthy, warming soup is a satisfying vegetarian recipe, but you can use chicken broth or add cooked meat if you like. —Mary E. Smith, Columbia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 134 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
4/23

Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Total Time 6 hours 30 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. The recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Once you’ve tried it, try mixing it up—add sage or savory with the thyme, or replace the thyme with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. —Jennifer Machado, Alta, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 124 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
5/23

Vegetable Barley Soup

Total Time 8 hours 30 min
Servings 12 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: You'll love this delicious meatless soup brimming with veggies and barley. The plus is it's good for you too! —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 135 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
6/23

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Total Time 4 hours 10 min
Servings 8 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator: Don't be shy about loading up the spices and chicken into your slow cooker. This fiery tortilla soup tastes amazing as leftovers the next day. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 176 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/23

Chorizo and Chickpea Soup

Total Time 8 hours 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Chorizo sausage adds its own spice to the broth of this soup, creating delicious flavor with no need for more seasonings. And while it's cooking, the whole house smells divine! —Jaclyn McKewan, Lancaster, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 180 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 high-fat meat.
8/23

Slow-Cooked Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

Total Time 5 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
9/23

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

Total Time 5 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 215 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
10/23

French Lentil and Carrot Soup

Total Time 6 hours 30 min
Servings 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
11/23

Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. In this healthier version, the soup's velvety texture makes it feel rich and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
12/23

Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Life can get really crazy with young children, but I never want to compromise when it comes to cooking. This recipe is healthy and so easy, thanks to the slow cooker! —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 117 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
13/23

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Total Time 8 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow-cooker, turn it on, and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 266 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 15g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
14/23

Pork Vegetable Soup

Total Time 7 hours 20 min
Servings 6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Chockfull of tender pork, veggies and savory flavor, this nutritious soup fills the house with a wonderful aroma as it cooks! Deb Hall - Huntington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 258 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
15/23

Beef Vegetable Soup

Total Time 9 hours 20 min
Servings 7 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This nicely seasoned soup tastes so good. It's convenient, too, since it simmers all day in the slow cooker. —Jean Hutzell, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
16/23

Texas Black Bean Soup

Total Time 4 hours 5 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
17/23

Fresh Pumpkin Soup

Total Time 8 hours 50 min
Servings 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This appealing soup harvests the fall flavors of just-picked pumpkins and tart apples and is sure to warm you up on a crisp autumn day. I top the creamy puree with a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds. —Jane Shapton, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 102 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
18/23

Cioppino

Total Time 4 hours 40 min
Servings 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
19/23

Beef and Black Bean Soup

Total Time 6 hours 10 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I lead a busy life, so I'm always trying to come up with timesaving recipes. This zippy and colorful soup is one of my husband's favorites. It has been a hit at family gatherings, too. —Vickie Gibson, Gardendale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 203 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
20/23

Curried Ham & Split Pea Soup

Total Time 7 hours 10 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This soup is great for stocking in the freezer and the curry gives it a warmer flavor, which goes so nicely with the salty ham. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 288 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 16g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
21/23

Turkey Sausage Soup with Fresh Vegetables

Total Time 6 hours 30 min
Servings 10 servings (about 3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 167 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
22/23

Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this soup, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! You can serve with cornbread instead of corn chips to make it an even more filling meal. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 218 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
23/23

Red Bean Vegetable Soup

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 158 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.

Healthy Slow-Cooker Soup FAQ

What is the healthiest soup you can make?

Healthy soup recipes are made with whole, minimally processed ingredients that suit your dietary needs. For you, “healthy” might mean low-sodium, low-calorie, high-fiber or high-protein. Look for soups made with heart-healthy foods, like whole grains (brown rice, quinoa or wild rice), legumes (lentils, beans or chickpeas), fresh vegetables and herbs. If adding meat to soup, opt for lean meats like chicken breast or turkey. It’s OK to use canned ingredients, but look for low-sodium or no-sodium options with no added preservatives.

Is it healthy to eat soup every day?

Yes, soup can be a healthy everyday meal, especially when it’s homemade with fresh vegetables, legumes and lean proteins. Store-bought soups are OK now and then, but they often contain more sodium and preservatives than homemade versions. Vegetable-forward options like slow-cooker vegetable soup are naturally nutritious and easy to rotate throughout the week. And if time is tight, 30-minute soup recipes can make it easy to put a homemade meal on the table.

What are the best healthy slow-cooker soup recipes?

The best healthy slow-cooker soups are hearty, full of fiber and easy to prep. We love hearty options like vegetable lentil soup or creamy vegetable soups like slow-cooker Thai butternut squash soup. For something a bit more classic and grain-forward, slow-cooked vegetable wild rice soup brings together earthy wild rice and colorful vegetables in a comforting broth.