Slow Cooker Soups to Warm Up Your Week: 7 Delicious Recipes for the Homestead

There’s nothing like the aroma of a hearty soup simmering away in the slow cooker to make your homestead feel warm and inviting. Whether you’re looking for a creamy corn chowder, a rich beef barley soup, or a zesty taco soup, this roundup has something for everyone. These recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days when you want to serve up comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let’s warm up your week with these delicious and wholesome soups!

Daniel’s Homestead Slow Cooker Taco Soup

This hearty taco soup is like a warm embrace on a chilly day. It’s packed with bold flavors, pantry staples, and a hint of ranchy goodness. The best part? It simmers away in your slow cooker, leaving you free to tend the garden, wrangle the chickens, or just kick back with a cup of coffee.

Daniel’s Homestead Taco Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours

Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 2 15 1/2-ounce cans pinto beans
  • 1 15 1/2-ounce can red kidney beans
  • 1 15 1/4-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 2 4 1/2-ounce cans diced green chiles
  • 1 1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 1-ounce package ranch salad dressing mix
  • 4 cups water, you can use more or less depending on how thick you like it

Homestead Tips:

  • Homemade Pantry Magic: Swap in home-canned tomatoes or your own taco seasoning mix if you’ve got them.
  • Extra Veggie Goodness: Stir in a handful of chopped zucchini or bell peppers if you want to sneak in some garden veggies.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into mason jars or freezer bags for quick lunches on busy days.

This soup will surely become a family favorite, perfect for gathering around the table after a long day on the homestead. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear faster than a plate of fresh-baked cookies!

Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Slow Cooker Soup

This hearty and wholesome minestrone is a homestead favorite—perfect for chilly days or when your veggie harvest is in full swing. Packed with nourishing ingredients and slow-cooked for maximum flavor, it’s a soup that brings some of that classic restaurant flair to your cozy kitchen.

Olive Garden Copycat Minestrone

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes


Ingredients

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock (or homemade broth)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
  • 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 carrots)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion (1 small onion)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/3 cups diced zucchini (1 small zucchini)
  • 1 1/3 cups shell pasta (or any small pasta)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can white navy beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups packed chopped fresh spinach
  • Finely shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Homestead Tips:

  • Homemade Touch: Use your own garden veggies, homemade broth, or home-canned tomatoes for even more homestead flair.
  • Customize Your Beans: Swap the kidney beans for black beans or use a mix of whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables the night before, so assembly is a breeze in the morning.
  • Freezer Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully. Leave out the pasta before freezing and cook it fresh when reheating for the best texture.

This copycat Olive Garden minestrone will have your whole homestead smelling divine and your family asking for seconds. With a bowl of this warming soup, even the busiest homestead day feels a little cozier. What’s your favorite way to make this classic? Share your ideas below!

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

When the weather turns brisk, nothing beats the aroma of a hearty beef barley soup simmering away in your slow cooker. This recipe skips canned vegetables in favor of fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a heart-healthy diet. Pair it with a slice of homemade bread, and you’ve got yourself a soul-warming meal straight from the homestead kitchen.

Beef and Barley Soup

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4–6 hours

Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or rendered tallow if you’re feeling traditional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups kale, washed and roughly chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 pounds beef (stew meat, chuck, or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 2 (32-ounce) cartons beef broth (or homemade broth for extra homestead flavor)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Homestead Tips:

  • Beef Choice Matters: If you have access to fresh cuts from your homestead-raised cattle, this is the perfect recipe to showcase their flavor.
  • Veggie Variations: Swap out the kale for spinach or Swiss chard, or add diced potatoes or turnips for a twist.
  • Barley Bonus: Pearl barley is the traditional choice, but you can use hulled barley for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
  • Instant Pot Option: Use the sauté setting for the onions and garlic, then switch to the slow cook setting to prepare as directed.

This beef barley soup is hearty enough to satisfy after a long day of homestead chores, yet simple enough to prepare while you’re busy tending to the garden or barnyard. It’s a true one-pot wonder that’ll have your family asking for seconds!

Homestead Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy and comforting butternut squash soup is a fall favorite on the homestead. It’s hearty enough to warm you up after a brisk morning outside but light enough to enjoy for lunch. Packed with simple, wholesome ingredients, this soup can easily be made meatless to suit your family’s needs. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy a day in the garden or barn!

Butternut Squash Soup

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6–8 hours

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: About 6 hours 20 minutes


Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped butternut squash (about 3 pounds or 1 medium squash)
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a meatless option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup almond milk or coconut milk

Optional Toppings:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Dried parsley or fresh thyme sprigs

Homestead Tips:

  • Squash Prep Made Easy: If peeling and chopping squash feels daunting, roast it whole at 400°F for 30–40 minutes to soften before peeling.
  • Stock Up: Use your homemade chicken or veggie stock to make this dish even more satisfying.
  • Double Duty: This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into mason jars or freezer bags for cozy, ready-made meals later in the season.
  • Apple Substitutes: No apples? Pears or a splash of apple cider will also work beautifully.

This slow cooker butternut squash soup is a bowl of autumn comfort, perfect for family meals or impressing friends at a harvest gathering. Whether you enjoy it as-is or dressed up with toppings, this recipe is sure to become a homestead staple!

Homestead Slow Cooker Green Chile Pork Posole

This slow-cooked Green Chile Pork Posole is the perfect way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your homestead table. With tender pork, hominy, and a zesty mix of spices, it’s a dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy after a day of working outside but full of vibrant flavors to keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Slow cooker Green Chile Pork Posole

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes


Ingredients

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 5 cups low-salt chicken broth (or homemade broth)
  • 3 (15-ounce) cans golden hominy, drained
  • 2 (7-ounce) cans diced mild green chilies, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
  • 12 ounces fresh tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and coarsely chopped
  • 4 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2–3 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced radishes

Homestead Tips:

  • Hominy Alternatives: If you can’t find hominy, dried hominy can be rehydrated, or you could use corn kernels, but the texture will be different.
  • Customize the Heat: For extra heat, use a hotter variety of green chilies or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Pork Options: If pork tenderloin isn’t available, pork shoulder or even a combination of pork and chicken would work well in this dish.
  • Leftovers: This posole makes great leftovers, and the flavors only get better the next day!

This Green Chile Pork Posole is a homestead favorite that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. Full of tender pork, hominy, and spices, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy after a long day of farm work or as a cozy weekend meal with family and friends.

Homestead Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

This hearty Slow Cooker Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting dish that makes a fantastic alternative to chili or traditional soup. With the sweetness of corn, the heartiness of black beans, and a touch of smoky bacon, it’s the perfect meal for cozy nights in. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or your favorite chips, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes


Ingredients

  • 3 slices bacon
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (or 3 cups fresh) corn kernels
  • 2 cans (or 3 cups) cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a meatless option)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh lime juice, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Optional Toppings:

  • Tortilla chips or strips
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Hot sauce, for extra kick

Homestead Tips:

  • Fresh Corn Tip: If you’re using fresh corn, cook the kernels on the cob and then slice them off. The sweetness of fresh corn adds a special touch to this chowder.
  • Vegan Option: Skip the bacon and cream cheese, and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Leftovers: This chowder reheats wonderfully, so make extra to enjoy for lunch the next day or freeze for a future cozy meal.

This Slow Cooker Corn Chowder is perfect for cool evenings on the homestead, bringing comfort and flavor to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s an ideal dish for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal fuss!

Homestead Slow Cooker Tuscan Tortellini Soup

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a flavorful, grown-up twist on the classic comfort food noodle soups you remember. With savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and plenty of fresh spinach, it’s the perfect bowl of warmth to gather around on chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and cooks to perfection while you focus on other tasks!

Homestead Slow Cooker Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes


Ingredients

  • 1 lb cooked Italian sausage links, cut into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 (9 oz) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 can white beans, drained
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a meatless option)
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, for garnish

Homestead Tips:

  • Make it Spicy: If you like a bit more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
  • Meatless Option: Skip the sausage and add extra beans or a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian version.
  • Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or a second-round dinner.

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Tortellini Soup is the kind of cozy meal that makes the whole house smell amazing. With rich flavors, tender tortellini, and a savory broth, it’s a soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Wrap Up Your Week with Cozy Bowls of Comfort

With these seven slow cooker soups, your homestead kitchen is ready to serve up warmth and comfort all week long. Each recipe is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones. From creamy to hearty, there’s a soup here to satisfy every craving. So, embrace the ease of your slow cooker and enjoy the cozy, homemade goodness these soups bring to your days. Happy cooking, and here’s to a week of full bowls and happy hearts!

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