The 15 Soup Recipes I Pull Out When Cooking Feels Like Too Much
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When cooking feels impossible and takeout sounds tempting, these are the soup recipes that save me every time. They’re easy to make, low on effort, and somehow still taste like a hug in a bowl. If your energy’s gone and your patience is thin, these soups make life easier without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup

On days when I’ve got zero motivation, this broccoli cheddar soup is the cozy fix I depend on. I toss everything into the slow cooker and come back to a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that tastes like it took actual effort. It’s warm, hearty, and hands down one of the easiest ways to trick myself into feeling like I’ve cooked something real.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
When cooking feels like a mountain I just can’t climb, this slow cooker taco soup is the first thing I reach for. I dump in some chicken, meatballs, cabbage, and spices, then let the slow cooker do its magic while I zone out. With a handful of toppings like avocado and sour cream, it becomes a no-effort dinner that tastes like I actually cared.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is one of those recipes I pull out when I’m totally wiped but still want something that feels special. It takes barely any prep, yet between the caramelized onions, crusty bread, and gooey melted cheese, the final result tastes like I spent hours. It’s rich, savory, and ridiculously filling for something so low-effort.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Potato and Leek Soup
This potato and leek soup has rescued me more than once on nights when I could barely stand the idea of cooking. I just chop a few basics, let them simmer, and suddenly there’s a velvety, flavor-packed bowl of comfort waiting for me. It’s simple to make but always hits like something much fancier.
Get the Recipe: Potato and Leek Soup
Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
I pull out this egg roll soup when I’m craving takeout but too drained to deal with it. One pot, a few simple ingredients, and I get all the comforting flavors of my favorite egg roll in a steamy, slurpable bowl. It’s easy and simple to make, flexible, and gives me that done-and-dusted feeling without a big mess.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Outback Potato Soup
This copycat Outback potato soup is what I make when the idea of cooking dinner feels like way too much. It comes together fast, with just enough richness and crispy bacon goodness to taste like comfort in a bowl. Somehow, it always feels like a treat, even though I barely had to lift a finger.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup
Tom Kha Gai Soup
Tom kha soup is what I reach for when I want something that tastes restaurant-level amazing but I’m absolutely not up for a long night in the kitchen. It’s just one pot, under 30 minutes, and packed with bold, cozy flavors like lemongrass, coconut milk, and chicken. Every spoonful feels warm and soothing, like a meal that takes care of me when I can’t.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Gai Soup
Avocado Bone Broth Soup
When I’m feeling wiped and just want something soothing without standing at the stove, this avocado bone broth soup is what I make. It takes less than 20 minutes and somehow still tastes rich, creamy, and deeply nourishing. With turmeric, shiitake mushrooms, and a silky texture, it’s a healing comfort I crave when cooking feels like way too much.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Bone Broth Soup
Beer Cheese Soup
I make beer cheese soup when I want comfort food but have no bandwidth to think past one pot. It’s creamy, rich, and feels indulgent enough to impress, even though it’s basically a toss-and-stir situation. Whether I serve it solo or with dinner, it’s my go-to when everything else feels like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Chicken Miso Soup
When I’m running on fumes but still want something nourishing, this chicken miso soup never lets me down. It’s easy to throw together and delivers a rich, umami-packed broth with minimal fuss. Swapping in cooked chicken makes it feel more filling, but the simplicity keeps it firmly in my low-effort meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup
Fish Stock
When I don’t have the energy for full-on cooking but still want to set myself up for easy meals later, I make this fish stock. It’s simple, hands-off, and builds a delicate, fragrant base I can use all week. Even when I’m dragging, it makes future soup nights a thousand times easier.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stock
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is my go-to when I want something warm and filling but can’t deal with making a real meal. It’s ready in 10 minutes, made in one pot, and doesn’t even require cornstarch or any fancy ingredients. It’s low effort, super comforting, and always hits the spot when I’m stretched too thin to think about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Baked Potato Soup (Chili’s Copycat)
On those nights when cooking feels impossible but I still want something that feels like a treat, this baked potato soup is my solution. It’s just like the Chili’s version, creamy, cheesy, and topped with all the good stuff like bacon and chives, but way easier than you’d think. It comes together fast and feels like comfort food made with actual effort, even though it’s anything but hard.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup (Chili’s Copycat)
Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Coconut pumpkin soup is the warm hug I reach for when I can’t be bothered to make dinner but still want something cozy. Bone broth and coconut milk make it creamy without the dairy, and spices like ginger and cayenne give it just the right kick. It’s incredibly simple to make and tastes like fall in a bowl without any of the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup
When noodles sound like too much and time is running short, I throw together this chicken zoodle soup in the slow cooker. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a broth that tastes way more effortful than it really is. I barely do anything, but by dinnertime, I’ve got a feel-good soup that checks every box.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Zoodle Soup