Christopher Michel has been the Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine since March of 2021. Chris has over ten years of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
\nChris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/4ee90ba8-a422-457b-8971-34d2096febf7_1623953979.jpg"},"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":30,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Beef Stew","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-1","description":"Beef stew is my go-to meal when I want to make sure everyone is both happy and full! It's great for an energy-boost before (or recovery after) energetic after-school activities. Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-beef-stew-horiz-2-6529653d9d333.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-2","description":"When the weather is cold—or we're trying to avoid colds—this noodle-tastic soup is my standard. Why does this homemade chicken soup work so well at keeping everyone healthy? I have no idea. I try not to overthink it. Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/easter-soups-slow-cooker-chicken-noodle-65e21dd20b15a.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-3","description":"This hearty soup is a Mexican-inspired favorite made easy.Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-chicken-tortilla-64cd0137402f6.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-4","description":"This slow cooker chili is as filling as its meatier mainstay because of its hearty helping of high-protein wheat berries and kidney beans.Get the recipe for Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-vegetarian-chili-64cd01820425a.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-5","description":"If you're yearning for a real classic stick-to-your-ribs dinner, you can still have it on a weeknight! Mounds of fluffy dumplings simmer in this soup for just a bit at the end of the cooking process. You can prep everything, then toss them in and go do something else while they cook.Get the recipe for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/christmas-lunch-ideas-crock-pot-chicken-dumplings-65690508f198f.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Black Bean and Chile Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-6","description":"Fresh tomato and tomatillo salsa give this easy soup a boost of flavor!Get the recipe for Black Bean and Chile Soup. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-black-beans-64cd01d29523d.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Red-Eye Brisket Stew","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-7","description":"This hearty beef stew classic gets a zesty kick from coffee, Dijon mustard, and pickled red onions.Get the recipe for Red-Eye Brisket Stew. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-brisket-64cd035f5cc66.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-8","description":"You won't believe how tasty the broth for this soup is. We could eat it for days. Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-red-wine-beef-64cd03ce1c048.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":9,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-9","description":"This heart slow cooker soup is perfect for peak turkey-and-pumpkin season, though the pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can have it whenever you've got a hankering. Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes-chili-1630510513.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Chicken-and-Quinoa Minestrone","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-10","description":"You'll love this healthy update on classic chicken and rice soup.Get the recipe for Chicken-and-Quinoa Minestrone. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-quinoa-64cd0538e0c9b.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sweet Potato Soup with Peanuts and Ginger","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-11","description":"Heat up your evening with this rich, spicy soup.Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Soup with Peanuts and Ginger. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-sweet-potato-64cd0589a1714.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sausage-and-Tortellini Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-12","description":"Turn this excellent pasta into an even better soup with chicken stock.Get the recipe for Sausage-and-Tortellini Soup. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-tortellini-64cd06776bd2a.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Split Pea and Tomato Soup with Bacon","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-13","description":"Eat bacon without the guilt in this veggie-packed soup that is both hearty and healthy.Get the recipe for Split Pea and Tomato Soup with Bacon. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-split-pea-tomato-64cd06cc0f65d.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-14","description":"A hefty dose of paprika gives this beefy stew oodles and oodles of flavor. It's a hearty way to end a day!Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash from A Farmgirl's Dabbles.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hungarian-goulash-afarmgirlsdabb-666880753a69b.jpeg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Spicy Slow Cooker Pad Thai Chicken & Ramen Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-15","description":"Japanese and Thai flavors combine nicely in this spicy, warming winter soup.Get the recipe for Spicy Slow Cooker Pad Thai Chicken & Ramen Soup at Beautiful Eats & Things. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-pad-thai-chicken-ramen-soup-64cd090e877df.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker New Orleans Red Beans and Rice","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-16","description":"This easy, warming creole dish is typically made on Mondays, but it's worth making anytime!Get the recipe for New Orleans Red Beans and Rice at Cooks with Soul. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-red-beans-and-rice-64cd096a4ef1c.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Kale Lentil and Beef Stew","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-17","description":"Whip up a big pot of this hearty, filling stew and you'll have dinner and lunch options for days. Get the recipe for Kale Lentil and Beef Stew at Beautiful Eats & Things. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-kale-lentil-and-beef-64cd0a134541a.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cuban Ropa Vieja","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-18","description":"Looking to switch things up? Pack your Crock Pot with this rich beefy Cuban stew of spices, olives, tomatoes, and meat. It can also be piled into a sandwich!Get the recipe for Ropa Vieja at Food Fidelity. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-ropa-vieja-64cd0a570aece.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Crock Pot Beef Stew","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-19","description":"This is your no-fuss, no-muss, set-it-and-forget it guide to making an easy, hearty slow cooker stew. Get the recipe for Crock Pot Beef Stew at Simply LaKita. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-beef-stew-64cd0a9a9f1d4.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":20,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-20","description":"This flavorful stew gets a kick from scotch bonnet peppers, and tons of flavor from coconut milk, plenty of herbs, and spices like ginger, coriander, and cilantro.Get the recipe for Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken at That Girl Cooks Healthy. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-jamaican-coconut-curry-chicken-64cd0bca37bc6.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":21,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Crock Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-21","description":"Richly satisfying, warmly flavored, and incredibly comforting this go-to soup is also Whole30 approved!Get the recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup at Clean Foodie Cravings. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-zupa-64cd0c08b81f6.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":22,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-22","description":"This recipe calls for some smoked paprika, which gives a smoky, yet subtle, taste.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup at Carlsbad Cravings. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-hamburger-64cd0c412f3a3.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":23,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Creamy Potato and Beer Cheese Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-23","description":"Crusty bread is an absolute must for this soup recipe. If there's not lots of dipping and dunking going on, you're doing it wrong!Get the recipe for Creamy Potato and Beer Cheese Soup at Spicy Southern Kitchen. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-potato-beer-cheese-64cd0c92da494.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":24,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-24","description":"Fill up with this hearty soup that only requires 10 minutes of prep and lots of healthy veggies.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup at Damn Delicious. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-sausage-white-bean-64cd0cdeb92ff.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":25,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean and Lentil Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-25","description":"This light, yet protein-packed, soup is not only vegetarian-friendly, but also bursting with flavor.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean and Lentil Soup at Half Baked Harvest. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soup-recipes-tuscan-white-bean-lentil-64cd0d19bb58b.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":26,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-26","description":"Finish this easy recipe with pepper jack cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.Get the recipe for Crock Pot Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup at Chelsea's Messy Apron. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soups-green-chile-1535557997.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":27,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-27","description":"Ten minutes of prep is all you need for this super warming soup.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup at Gimme Some Oven. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soups-tortilla-1535558642.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":28,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker French Onion Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-28","description":"Finish this mouthwatering dish under the broiler for a perfectly melted cheese topping.Get the recipe for Slow Cooker French Onion Soup at Damn Delicious. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soups-french-onion-1535558886.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":29,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-29","description":"This creamy soup is guaranteed to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters of the house.Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken Chili at Creme de la Crumb. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soups-cream-cheese-1535559108.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":30,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Crock Pot Chipotle Chicken Veggie Quinoa Soup","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2663/slow-cooker-soup-recipes/#slide-30","description":"This hearty and healthy soup will warm you up and keep you full during the cold winter months.Get the recipe for Chipotle Chicken Veggie Quinoa Soup at Chelsea's Messy Apron. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/slow-cooker-soups-chicken-quinoa-1535561752.jpg"}}]}}
I've got school-aged kids, and this time of year, weeknights are busy. It feels like there's an after-school activity (music, dance, sports), a parent-teacher meeting, or some other kind of event every single night of the week. And the thing that gets squeezed out tends to be dinner prep.
But I'm also obstinate. I just can't let go of the idea that our family should be sitting down most nights and eating a meal together. It's healthier, it's relaxing, and it gives us a chance to talk—to catch up and learn how everyone's day was. Honestly, it's something I look forward to all day.
When I know I won't have time to actually make a meal before we all need to dash off, I like to lean on my (surprisingly versatile) slow cooker, and specifically on these slow-cooker soups. If I can get up just a little earlier to prep these in the morning, then they will simmer away all day, and instead of rushing to throw something together when we get home, I can just ladle a few bowls full, add some fresh bread, and voila! A home-cooked meal that cooked while no one was home. And as a bonus, you can just stuff some of the leftovers in a wide-mouth thermos for an easy ready-made lunch the next day!
Beef stew is my go-to meal when I want to make sure everyone is both happy and full! It's great for an energy-boost before (or recovery after) energetic after-school activities.
When the weather is cold—or we're trying to avoid colds—this noodle-tastic soup is my standard. Why does this homemade chicken soup work so well at keeping everyone healthy?
If you're yearning for a real classic stick-to-your-ribs dinner, you can still have it on a weeknight! Mounds of fluffy dumplings simmer in this soup for just a bit at the end of the cooking process. You can prep everything, then toss them in and go do something else while they cook.
This heart slow cooker soup is perfect for peak turkey-and-pumpkin season, though the pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can have it whenever you've got a hankering.
Looking to switch things up? Pack your Crock Pot with this rich beefy Cuban stew of spices, olives, tomatoes, and meat. It can also be piled into a sandwich!
This flavorful stew gets a kick from scotch bonnet peppers, and tons of flavor from coconut milk, plenty of herbs, and spices like ginger, coriander, and cilantro.
