What Are Aromatics, Anyway? (2024)

Grandma’s Chicken ‘n’ Dumpling SoupTotal Time: 3 hours 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Broiler/fryer chicken, canned condensed cream of chicken soup, carrots, potatoesLevel: Advanced

When crisp fall days become cold winter nights, hearty homemade soups will warm you up. This healthy soup makes 12 servings, so it’s ideal for sharing or for enjoying leftovers all week.I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Recipe contributor Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois

Easy Beef SoupTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, canned tomato sauce, onion soup mixLevel: Intermediate

In 25 minutes, you can have a protein-filled colorful beef soup to brighten up a gloomy day. Don’t forget to add a fun soup topper, like chips or mini grilled cheese.This colorful, easy beef soup comes together in minutes. Even my husband, who admits he's no cook, makes it on occasion. —Recipe contributor Agnes Bierbaum, Gainesville, Florida

French Onion SoupTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Onions, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, French bread, Swiss cheeseLevel: Intermediate

Before making French onion soup, be sure you have oven-safe soup bowls. The first part of the recipe calls for cooking in a saucepan, but then it’s broiled in the oven so the cheesy topping can melt and crisp to perfection.My daughter and I enjoy spending time together cooking, but our days are busy, so we appreciate quick and tasty recipes like this one. Hot and delicious, this soup hits the spot for lunch or dinner. —Recipe contributor Sandra Chambers, Carthage, Mississippi

Homemade Pasta fa*gioli SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Italian turkey sausage links, elbow macaroni, canned great northern beans, canned diced tomatoes, chicken brothLevel: Intermediate

You won't need to visit an Italian restaurant to enjoy pasta fa*gioli! With its hearty mix of sausage, vegetables, beans and noodles, this soup is filling enough to be a meal all by itself. If Italian is your go-to cuisine, you must try Ina Garten’s wedding soup!My husband enjoys my version of this dish so much that he doesn’t order it at restaurants anymore. With fresh spinach, pasta and seasoned sausage, this fast-to-fix soup is a meal on its own. —Recipe contributor Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri

Fennel Carrot SoupTotal Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Fennel seed, carrots, sweet potato, apple, riceLevel: Intermediate

Talk about bright, cheery, velvety soups! If you’re looking for something to serve with grilled cheese instead of tomato soup, try this fennel carrot version. Also, discover how to make the Panera autumn squash soup. Another brilliant option for yummy soups is Ina Garten’s butternut squash soupthat you must try!This soup is perfect as a first course for a special occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Recipe contributor Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia

Creamy Chicken Rice SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Rice, chicken broth, evaporated milk, cooked chicken breastLevel: Intermediate

Looking for a creamy soup? This creamy chicken soup uses rice instead of noodles, so it won't need more than a quick side salad to become a hearty meal. The recipe only calls for half an onion, so use a handy onion storage containerto stash the other half.I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Recipe contributor Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

English Pub Split Pea SoupTotal Time: 5 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Ham bone, dried green split peas, light beer, prepared English mustardLevel: Intermediate

Grab a slow cooker soup and whatever light beeris in your refrigerator! The English pub flair takes this classic soup recipe up a notch. If you’re not a fan of chunky soup, pour small batches into a food processor to puree the chunks.This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Recipe contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Beet BorschtTotal Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Beets, carrots, onion, beef broth, cabbageLevel: Intermediate

This borscht is packed with vibrant color—cook up this soup when you need a bright side for a hearty meat-and-potatoes dinner.My mother used to make this hearty soup from her garden's bountiful crop of beets and other vegetables. —Recipe contributor Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

Cheesy Cream of Asparagus SoupTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen cut asparagus, whole milk, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, hot pepper sauceLevel: Intermediate

This is the type of soup you would have looked at as a kid and thought, no way. Hopefully as an adult you’re willing to explore vegetable-based foods, because you won’t want to miss this cheesy cream of asparagus soup!Kids may not want to try a vegetable soup, but once they spoon up a mouthful of this cheesy variety, the flavor will keep them coming back for more. —Recipe contributor Muriel Lerdal, Humboldt, Iowa

Land of Enchantment PosoleTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork stew meat, canned hominy, beef broth, canned chopped green chilesLevel: Intermediate

Lots of ingredients go into the delicious posole, a traditional Mexican soup. The mix of flavors is outstanding, so if you like a hint of heat, add this to your must-cook list.My family named this spicy soup after our state moniker, “New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.” We usually make it around Christmas when we have lots of family over…and we never have leftovers. —Recipe contributor Suzanne Caldwell Artesia, New Mexico

Spanish Chicken SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Broiler/fryer chicken, adobo seasoning, sofrito tomato cooking base, Yukon gold potatoes, fideo noodles or angel hair pastaLevel: Intermediate

For a soup bursting with flavor, try this Spanish chicken soup seasoned with adobo. It's plenty fulfilling with hearty ingredients like carrots, celery, onion and potatoes.A hearty soup that's made from scratch is the perfect antidote for chilly weather. Save leftovers of this Spanish chicken soup for weekday lunches sent to work in a thermos or quickly reheated in the microwave. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Homemade Egg Drop SoupTotal Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken broth, cornstarch, eggLevel: Beginner

Cooking up a stir-fry? Add this egg drop soup as a quick appetizer. It takes 15 minutes to prep and make and only calls for five ingredients.We often start our stir-fry meals with this fast egg drop soup recipe— it cooks in just minutes flat. There are many versions of the recipe, but we like the easy addition of cornstarch to thicken the soup and give it a rich, golden color. I got the recipe from my grandma’s old cookbook. —Recipe contributor Amy Beth Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan

Beef Lentil SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground beef, canned tomato or V8 juice, dried lentils, chopped cabbage, frozen chopped spinachLevel: Intermediate

Lentils are super tasty in dishes like salads or tacos, but they’re also a great way to make soup more filling. This Beef Lentil Soup is packed with good ingredients, one bowl might be enough for dinner!You can prepare this soup as the main course in a hearty lunch or dinner. On cold winter evenings in New England, I've often enjoyed sipping a steaming mugful in front of our fireplace. —Recipe contributor Guy Turnbull, Arlington, Massachusetts

Quick Cream of Mushroom SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Mushrooms, flour, chicken broth, half-and-half creamLevel: Intermediate

Sure, canned cream of mushroom soup works when you’re in a pinch. But you can make a from-scratch version at home in 30 minutes. For a gluten-free option to thicken the sauce, try cornstarch or arrowroot.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. —Recipe contributor Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

Cheddar Potato ChowderTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Red potatoes, all-purpose flour, 2% milk, shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, fully cooked hamLevel: Intermediate

Two comfort foods in one pot? We’ll take it! This cheddar potato chowder may not last long once it hits the dinner table, but if you do have leftovers, simply freeze and reheat whenever you need a quick lunch or dinner.I only made this soup occasionally because the original recipe was quite high in fat. I doctored it up a bit, using healthier ingredients, and now we eat this rich flavorful chowder more often. —Recipe contributor Ellie Rausch, Goodsoil, Saskatchewan

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken SoupTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, jalapeno pepper, red curry powder, Sriracha chili sauce, canned light coconut milk, chicken brothLevel: Intermediate

Though this spicy Thai coconut chicken soup calls for light coconut milk, you can substitute whole coconut milk for an extra rich and creamy consistency.For National Soup Month in January, I came up with a new recipe every day. This one is my favorite! It’s so easy, with just a touch of special Thai flavors. For an even richer flavor, try using whole coconut milk. —Recipe contributor Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

Turkey and Wild Rice SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Wild rice, red potatoes, chicken broth, half-and-half cream, cooked turkeyLevel: Intermediate

This soup is tasty as-is, but if you're looking for something extra, melt in a cup of cheese at the end of the cook time.My dear friend Shirley shared this recipe with me several years ago. Every time I think of her, I make the soup. I sometimes add a cup of cheddar cheese at the end and melt it in for an extra measure of comfort. —Recipe contributor Carol Brault, Woodville, Wisconsin

Hearty Vegetable SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Green pepper, cabbage, frozen cut green beans, frozen peas, frozen corn, canned garbanzo beans, V8 juiceLevel: Intermediate

Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredient list for this vegetable soup recipe. The blend of seasonings will fool even the pickiest eaters in your family into thinking cabbage and green beans are delicious.A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Recipe contributor Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut

Chicken Barley SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Broiler/fryer chicken, pearl barley, chicken bouillonLevel: Intermediate

If you’re trying to add more whole grains to your weekly dinners, this is one of the soup recipes that you’ll keep coming back to. It's so good! The best part is that you don’t have to spend time waiting to cook while your barley presoaks. The barley will naturally cook and expand during the simmering process.No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Recipe contributor Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas

Italian Sausage and Zucchini SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Bulk Italian sausage, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, zucchini, orzo pastaLevel: Intermediate

This soup works as a quick, 30-minute stovetop recipe—or you can adapt it for the slow cooker. Either way, it'll have you reaching for seconds. Pair bowls of soup with soft homemade dinner rollsor garlic bread.Everyone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Recipe contributor Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida

Best Ever Potato SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Bacon, potatoes, chicken broth, flour, milk, VelveetaLevel: Intermediate

Is there anything better than creamy potato soup on a cold night? The recipe calls for Velveeta cheese, but if you don’t have that on hand, use cheddar or Colby Jack instead.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. —Recipe contributor Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

Stuffed Pepper SoupTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, green peppers, brown sugar, long grain riceLevel: Intermediate

Soup recipes are perfect weeknight dinners—you save so much time cooking and cleaning up. There are quite a few different ways to make stuffed peppers, but this stuffed pepper soup might be the simplest.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! —Recipe contributor Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania

Cheesy Ham ChowderTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Bacon, whole milk, potatoes, canned whole kernel corn, shredded cheddar cheese, fully cooked hamLevel: Intermediate

If you love homemade bread, you’re going to have to bake one of your favorite recipes to pair with this super cheesy, flavor-packed chowder. Have a little fun and serve your chowder in a bread bowl.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. —Recipe contributor Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska

Homemade Cheeseburger SoupTotal Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, Velveeta, sour creamLevel: Intermediate

We love a good comfort food mashup! If you love the taste of a delicious burger and the convenience of a soup, cheeseburger soup might become a staple in your dinner rotation.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. —Recipe contributor Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin

Cheesy Broccoli Soup in a Bread BowlTotal Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets, chicken stock, half-and-half cream, shredded cheddar cheese, round bread loavesLevel: Intermediate

Have extra yeast packets in your pantry? With a bit of time, you can be on your way to making our favorite Panera Bread copycat recipe: cheesy broccoli soup in a bread bowl.This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Recipe contributor Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan

Cream of Cauliflower SoupTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken broth, frozen cauliflower, 1% milk, shredded reduced-fat cheeseLevel: Beginner

Broccoli cheddar soup is always a hit, but if you want to switch up your vegetables and flavors, cream of cauliflower soup is a tasty, cheesy alternative. Bookmark this recipe for a busy night when you need a quick and comforting meal.This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good anytime. —Recipe contributor Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio

Veggie Meatball SoupTotal Time: 4 hours 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef broth, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, spiral pastaLevel: Intermediate

Pop the ingredients in a slow cooker, head to work and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. This soup recipe calls for simple ingredients, and you can dump them all in the slow cooker without browning any meat first.It's a snap to put together this hearty soup before I leave for work. I just add cooked pasta when I get home, and I have a few minutes to relax before supper is ready. —Recipe contributor Charla Tinney, Tyrone, Oklahoma

Quick Mushroom Barley SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Mushrooms, quick-cooking barley, flour, whole milkLevel: Intermediate

Aside from making the cutest home decor ever, mushrooms are also a great addition to soups because of their flavor and texture. With relatively few ingredients and a short cooking time, this quick mushroom barley soup will be great to try out when you want something cozy but light.I surprised my mother with a visit some years ago, and she was preparing this soup when I walked in. It was so wonderful that I asked for the recipe, and I’ve been fixing it ever since. —Recipe contributor Edie Irwin, Cornwall, New York

Tuscan Cauliflower SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh cauliflowerets, canned reduced-sodium chicken broth, bulk Italian sausage, whipping cream, baconLevel: Intermediate

Whether or not you're following a low-carb meal plan, cauliflower is a great alternative to potatoes in soup. This recipe calls for four cups of cauliflower, so stock up next time you're at the grocery store!A classic Tuscan soup has lots of potatoes, but I make mine the low-carb way with cauliflower. Turns out, it has a heartier flavor. —Recipe contributor Heather Bewley, Bemidji, Minnesota

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato SoupTotal Time: 5 hours 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, ground chipotle pepper, reduced-sodium chicken brothLevel: Intermediate

If you like simple soup recipes with lots of flavors, you’re going to have to try this slow cooker sweet potato soup. It’s light enough to be served as a side to a larger meal, or you can top it off with sour cream and pepitas and enjoy it on its own.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. —Recipe contributor Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Carolina Shrimp SoupTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Uncooked shrimp, kale, sweet red pepper, canned black-eyed peasLevel: Intermediate

For a change of pace, Carolina shrimp soup might be just the thing you need. It’s light, nutrient-dense and adaptable to tastes of all kinds. Not a fan of kale or sweet peppers? Use spinach and sun-dried tomatoes instead.Fresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Recipe contributor Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Ground Turkey Vegetable SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground turkey, tomato juice, canned diced tomatoes, mushrooms, celery, frozen French-style green beansLevel: Intermediate

The turkey gives this soup plenty of lean protein, while the celery, carrots, green beans, mushrooms and tomatoes give your dinner a wholesome burst of flavor.Low-sodium ingredients don't diminish the full flavor of this brothy ground turkey vegetable soup. The turkey lends a heartiness everyone will welcome on a cold, blustery evening. —Recipe contributor Bonnie LeBarron, Forestville, New York

Chicken Tortilla SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Anaheim peppers, corn tortillas, jalapeno peppers, boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded cheddar cheese, avocadoLevel: Advanced

Spice things up with this Anaheim and jalapeno pepper dish. Be sure to reserve half of the tortilla strips so you have a crispy topper for each bowl.Put a little spice in your menu with my favorite Anaheim pepper recipe. The peppers, jalapenos and cayenne heat up this full-flavored tortilla soup. —Recipe contributor Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Italian turkey sausage links, Swiss chard, reduced-sodium chicken broth, canned no-salt-added cannellini beansLevel: Intermediate

The Swiss chard adds a nice pop of green and the beans and sausage make this soup hearty enough to enjoy as a standalone dinner. Bonus: This soup recipe is a one-dish meal.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! —Recipe contributor Angie Pitts, Charleston, South Carolina.

Hearty Beef Barley SoupTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef top sirloin steak, beef broth, quick-cooking barley, mushroomsLevel: Intermediate

Though the ingredient list for this hearty beef barley soup is pretty typical, it does call for fresh mushrooms, so pick up your favorite types of mushroomsto add to the pot.My entire family just loves this delicious and comforting soup. Loaded with chunks of tender beef, the rich broth also includes plenty of fresh mushrooms, sliced carrots and quick-cooking barley. —Recipe contributor Barbara Beattie, Glen Allen, Virginia

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, chicken broth, canned black beans, riceLevel: Intermediate

Would soup season feel the same if there weren’t slow cooker recipes to make life easier? This one simmers in a slow cooker for six hours. The only work you really have to do is brown the beef before placing it in your slow cooker.I lead a busy life, so I'm always trying to come up with time-saving recipes. This zippy and colorful soup is one of my husband's favorites. It has been a hit at family gatherings, too. —Recipe contributor Vickie Gibson, Gardendale, Alabama

Chicken Potpie SoupTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, canned chicken broth, shredded cooked chicken, frozen petite peas, frozen cornLevel: Advanced

This soup is a fun way to switch up a traditional chicken potpie recipe. We topped ours with a heart-shaped crust, but use a cookie cutter to make any shape you like! The crust needs time to chill, so keep that in mind when you're getting ready to prep this recipe.My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Recipe contributor Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas

Total Time: 2 hoursMain Ingredients: Bacon, dried green split peas, smoked ham hocks, crabmeatLevel: Intermediate

If you’re a big fan of soup, chances are you’ve tried a split pea recipe. To change things up a bit, this version calls for bacon and crab. For any leftovers you have, freeze the soup separately from the add-ons so the bacon and crab don’t get too soggy.Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for a good, smoky flavor. Take it one amazing step further—add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat the soup in a saucepan. Feel free to add more chicken stock or broth when reheating if you need it. Sprinkle bacon and fresh crab on top of bowls of hot soup. —Recipe contributor Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Illinois

Potato Clam ChowderTotal Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned minced clams, potatoes, bacon, 2% milkLevel: Intermediate

This is one of the best and most nourishing soup recipes to warm you up after a long day. Keep the ingredients handy for a busy day when you want cold-weather comfort food.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. —Recipe contributor Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto SoupTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Jar roasted garlic Alfredo sauce, rotisserie chicken, potato gnocchi, fresh spinachLevel: Intermediate

Soup or pasta? Why not both! Combine Alfredo sauce with pesto for a creamy, earthy flavor. This soup stars potato gnocchi for a hit meal.After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. It’s rich and creamy and couldn’t be easier to make! —Recipe contributor Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa

Instant Pot Corn ChowderTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Red potatoes, canned chicken broth, fresh or frozen corn, half-and-half cream, shredded cheddar cheese, baconLevel: Intermediate

Create your favorite soup in half the time with this pressure cooker soup recipe. With fresh ingredients like potatoes, corn, onion and cheese, you'll never settle for the store-bought version again.Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Potato and Leek SoupTotal Time: 8 hours 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, chicken broth, leek, sour cream, baconLevel: Intermediate

Savory bacon meets tangy sour cream for a great flavor combination. Toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker and leave alone for 8 to 10 hours. The smell alone will make you excited to grab a ladle and fill up your bowl come dinner time.Full of veggies and smoky bacon, with just a little tanginess from sour cream, bowls of this comforting soup taste just as terrific with sandwiches as they do with crackers. —Recipe contributor Melanie Wooden, Reno, Nevada

Hearty Italian White Bean SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, zucchini, canned navy beans, vegetable or chicken brothLevel: Intermediate

Full of nutrients and good-for-you ingredients, this soup is perfect for those nights when you want something healthy but fulfilling. To bulk it up, add ground beef or Italian sausage, or pair it with a side of warm, crusty bread.A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Recipe contributor Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas

Easy Moroccan Chickpea StewTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Butternut squash, canned chickpeas, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cuminLevel: Intermediate

If you want to expand on your typical go-to soup recipes, try adding this Moroccan-inspired soup to your rotation. Butternut squash is seasoned with enticing flavors from cinnamon, ginger and cumin.When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Recipe contributor Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona

Contest-Winning Easy Minestrone SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken broth, kidney beans, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, whole wheat elbow macaroni, Parmesan cheeseLevel: Intermediate

This soup combines carrots, onion, celery, chickpeas, cabbage and kidney beans with flavorful seasonings for a healthy and delicious dinner. There's a reason why it's a contest-winning recipe!This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Recipe contributor Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon

Rustic Italian Tortellini SoupTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Italian turkey sausage links, cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinachLevel: Intermediate

For a night when you want something quick, easy and that uses as minimal dishes as possible, this soup is the answer! You can even switch out the Italian turkey sausage links for spicy ones if you're looking for an extra kick.This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Recipe contributor Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania

Best Lasagna SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, spiral pasta, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauceLevel: Intermediate

This lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best.This delicious soup recipe was shared by a friend and instantly became a hit with my husband. Its big cheese flavor blends wonderfully with the flavor of the vegetables. I first served this creamy soup as part of a holiday meal, but now we enjoy it throughout the year. —Recipe contributor Dee Falk, Stromsburg, Nebraska

Holiday Tortellini SoupTotal Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Pancetta or bacon, chicken broth, cheese tortellini, spinachLevel: Intermediate

While the name may say "holiday," we like to eat this soup any time of the year! Vibrant colors from crushed red tomatoes and fresh green spinach contrast against the tortellini for a bowl that's pretty and delicious.Hearty and full of flavor, this holiday tortellini soup freezes well if you want to make it ahead or have leftovers to save for another day. —Recipe contributor Michelle Goggins, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Traditional Italian Wedding SoupTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Dry bread crumbs, raisins, lean ground beef, bulk spicy pork sausage, rotisserie chicken, acini di pepe pastaLevel: Intermediate

This recipe features made-from-scratch meatballs and tiny pasta for a stick-to-your-ribs meal. Save this recipe for those freezing cold nights when you want your stomach full and warm!You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Recipe contributor Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana