Crockpot Soup Recipes: The Best 9 Hearty Ideas to Try Now

Q: What’s the best size crockpot for soup recipes?

The ideal size depends on how much of your favorite crockpot soup recipes you plan to batch cook or freeze: Household Size Recommended Size 1–2 people 3–4 quart slow cooker 3–5 people 5–6 quart (standard size) 6+ or meal prepping 7–8 quart or larger If you're planning to make big batches or freeze leftovers, err on the larger side. A 6-quart model is a perfect middle ground for most families.

Question 1

Can you put raw meat in crockpot soup recipes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! One of the best things about using a crockpot is that it can safely cook raw meat right in the soup. Whether you're using chicken breasts, beef chunks, or ground turkey, the slow heat brings everything to a safe internal temperature and tenderizes it beautifully.
Tips for best results:
Trim visible fat for a cleaner broth
Brown ground meat first if you prefer less grease and deeper flavor
Bone-in cuts like chicken thighs add extra richness to the soup

Question 2

What’s the best size crockpot for soup recipes?

Accepted Answer

The ideal size depends on how much of your favorite crockpot soup recipes you plan to batch cook or freeze:
Household Size
Recommended Size
1–2 people
3–4 quart slow cooker
3–5 people
5–6 quart (standard size)
6+ or meal prepping
7–8 quart or larger
If you're planning to make big batches or freeze leftovers, err on the larger side. A 6-quart model is a perfect middle ground for most families.

Question 3

Can I cook frozen ingredients in a crockpot?

Accepted Answer

Technically, yes—but it's not ideal. The USDA recommends thawing frozen meat before slow cooking to prevent bacteria growth during the long time it takes to reach safe temperatures.
However, frozen vegetables are usually fine and safe to add, especially in the last couple of hours. If you're in a rush, use pre-cooked or thawed frozen meat for safety.

Question 4

How long should soup cook in a crockpot?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the ingredients, but here’s a general guideline:
Ingredients
Low Setting
High Setting
Meat + Raw Vegetables
7–9 hours
4–5 hours
Fully Cooked Meats + Veggies
4–5 hours
2–3 hours
Beans (unsoaked)
8–10 hours
Not recommended
Reminder: Keep the lid on! Lifting it can drop the temperature by 10–15°F and add up to 30 minutes to cook time.

Question 5

What are the best vegetables for slow cooker soups?

Accepted Answer

These veggies hold up beautifully during long cook times:
Carrots
Celery
Onions
Potatoes (russet, red, or Yukon gold)
Sweet potatoes
Squash
Corn
Cabbage
Avoid: Zucchini, spinach, and peas in the beginning—they’re best added during the last hour of cooking.

Question 6

Do flavors develop better in a crockpot than on stove?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Slow cooking gives time for ingredients to release natural sugars, deepen flavors, and create a rich, balanced broth. Aromatics like garlic and onion mellow out, while herbs and spices infuse more thoroughly.
Crockpot soup recipes benefit from low-and-slow magic that’s hard to replicate with fast stovetop simmering.

Crockpot Soup Recipes: Easy, Hearty & Delicious Meals for Every Season

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition