Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter

      7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter

      Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Read More
    • Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. Another runs a microbakery from her home. Two own businesses with their spouses. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. The common thread? Absolutely delicious cakes. Read More
    • The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. We dare not mess with an icon—at least, not too much. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age

    Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age

    At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the traditions are well done. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    Tomatoey Parmesan Beans

    Tomatoey Parmesan Beans

    This sleeper hit of a weeknight dinner comes from Food Network star Molly Yeh's cookbook Home is Where the Eggs Are—and is basically a vehicle for Parmesan and garlic toast. No complaints! (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too.)
    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time

    Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time

    With visions of dinner parties and game nights dancing in their heads, a Chicago couple renovated their historic (and first) home, one DIY project at a time.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

    How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

    Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf shares how to make blooms last longer—and repeat.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter

    Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter

    Buses, trains and very few automobiles—check out these out-of-the-ordinary holiday lights displays.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Tamales are a project, but many hands—even tiny ones—make lighter work.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    About Us

    About Us

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
    • Fall 2022 Issue
    • Winter 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Soups & Stews
  4. Family-Favorite Soups & Stews

Family-Favorite Soups & Stews

By Midwest Living editors Updated December 03, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Buffalo Corn-Potato Chowder

Our recipes for warm-and-comforting soups include family favorites such as beef stew, corn chowder, chicken noodle soup and more.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buffalo Corn-Potato Chowder

Buffalo Corn-Potato Chowder
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Inspired by Buffalo chicken wings, this zesty twist on classic cheesy potato soup is perfect for dishing up on game day (or any weeknight). The recipe doesn't call for chicken, but you can add it if you like.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Italian Soup

Italian Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This flavorful soup from Mary Ann Van Wassenhove of Mitchell, South Dakota, is a breeze to make and is heartier than other, similar soups thanks to kidney beans and broccoli.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brats and Beer Cheddar Chowder

Brats and Beer Cheddar Chowder
Credit: Mark Thomas
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Midwest Living created this hearty chowder to salute the Badger State's German beer, bratwurst and cheese heritage. The tang of the beer and smokiness of the brats hold up to the bold cheddar and caraway.

Related: Soups Inspired by Each Midwest State

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow-Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This 170-calorie slow-cooker version of a classic comfort food takes just 25 minutes of prep and uses reduced-fat cream cheese in its creamy homemade broth.

Related: Slow-Cooker Soups, Stews and Chilies

4 of 26

5 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mexican Potato Soup

Mexican Potato Soup
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A favorite comfort food gets a bit of a kick with spicy chorizo sausage and chiles. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight.

Related: Fast-Fix Weeknight Recipes

5 of 26

6 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Three Sisters Corn-and-Chili Chowder

Three Sisters Corn-and-Chili Chowder
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This lively chowder uses the three sisters of Native American cooking: corn, beans and squash.

Related: Simmering Soups and Stews

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Miner's Beef Stew

Miner's Beef Stew
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In Branson, Missouri, guests dine on this stew at a Silver Dollar City restaurant. The meat slow-cooks for fork-tender results.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Macaroni and Cheese Chowder with Crispy Ham

Macaroni and Cheese Chowder with Crispy Ham
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A splash of hot sauce, a topper of pan-fried ham and a just-right secret ingredient for ultrasmooth creaminess. (Guilty pleasure, thy name is American cheese.)

Related: Try Our Veggie Cheese Chowder

8 of 26

9 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hearty Vegetable Soup with Meatballs

Hearty Meatball Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This version of a cold-weather staple, from author and cooking-school instructor Marilyn Harris of Cincinnati, features basil-flecked meatballs. "This is a quickie version of veggie-beef I created that's great to make when time is limited," Marilyn says. "But it still has all of the good flavors."

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Autumn Beef Stew

Autumn Beef Stew
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We riffed off Julia Child's legendary boeuf bourguignon, stealing her trick of flavoring a wine-rich beef stew with bacon drippings, but adding generous chunks of carrot, potato and butternut squash.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash, Lentil and Wild Rice Stew

Butternut Squash, Lentil and Wild Rice Stew
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a main-dish soup loaded with veggies. Need to reduce the sodium? Use only one can of French onion soup and replace the other with 1-1/2 cups water.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shortcut Dumpling Soup

Shortcut Dumpling Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You'll be amazed what a quick simmer with fresh ginger and scallions will do for boxed chicken broth. Throw in frozen pot stickers (Chinese dumplings), edamame and red cabbage for a nutritious dinner that's ready in 30 minutes.

Related: 6 Soul-Satisfying Asian-Style Soup Recipes

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato-Corn Chowder

Sweet Potato-Corn Chowder
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cincinnati Chef Paul Dagenbach upgraded the classic Midwest corn chowder. Sweet potatoes and andouille sausage made their way into the mix, along with cumin, chili powder and Cajun spice for a little zing.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Souper Spaghetti

Souper Spaghetti
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use classic spaghetti ingredients—sauce, diced tomatoes, ground beef, noodles and Italian seasoning—to create this easy soup. A salad and garlic bread complete the meal.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Diane Buller of Champaign, Illinois, shared this flavorful version of the classic tortilla soup. Garbanzo beans add extra texture and protein.

Related: Try Our  Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Brat and Sauerkraut Soup

Slow-Cooker Brat and Sauerkraut Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potatoes, onion, sauerkraut and brats pack in the German flavor in this homey slow-cooker soup. Try with Whole Wheat Pretzel Rolls; the soft pretzels' chewy, brown exterior comes from being boiled in an alkaline solution—the 1/4 cup baking soda in the water isn't a typo!

16 of 26

17 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Tomato Soup

Smoked Tomato Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Smoked tomatoes give all-American tomato soup a twist of Ozark flavor. Thyme, garlic and onion bring more depth to the taste.

17 of 26

18 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Surprise Chili

White Surprise Chili
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This high-protein main dish looks like navy bean soup but is actually a mild chicken chili.

Related: Warm-You-Up Chili Recipes

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Asian Beef Barley Soup

Asian Beef Barley Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love this contemporary global twist on classic Midwest beef-barley soup. Coconut milk adds creaminess, while a tiny bit of curry powder and hot chili oil add zip. The recipe comes from Beth Seuferer of West Des Moines, Iowa.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiced Pumpkin Bisque

Spiced Pumpkin Bisque
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The Inn at Irish Hollow in Galena, Illinois, created this creamy, curried soup. You can make your own crème fraîche for the garnish, or use purchased crème fraiche or sour cream.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potato, bacon and cheese—all the flavors you love in a bowl of soup! The American cheese keeps the soup from curdling while it slow cooks. Mashing cooked potatoes a bit gives it some body, while the bacon adds a smoky-salty taste to this soup.

Related: Smoky, Sizzling Bacon Recipes

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wild Rice and Chicken Soup

Wild Rice and Chicken Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mix a can of cream of chicken soup, mushrooms, veggies and rice mix for the soup base. Any boneless cooked chicken works in this recipe, but chicken thighs, with more moisture from fat, slow-cook the best.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Soup with Polenta Croutons

Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Soup with Polenta Croutons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Polenta squares crisp up in the oven, becoming croutons that soak up the soup's rich fall flavors. Caramelized onions and fresh chives add pops of flavor to the butternut squash.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lentil-Ham Soup

Lentil-Ham Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh spinach and sliced carrots add a vitamin-rich veggie punch to this easy slow-cooker soup. Top with shaved Parmesan, if you like.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Chipotle Black Bean Chili
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Inspired by traditional Mexican mole, this hearty vegetarian chili includes a touch of chocolate to add depth. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give a rich smokiness. If you like, you can save half the chili to make Stacked Black Bean Enchilada Pie.

Related: Top Vegetarian Recipes

25 of 26

26 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beef and Bulgur Soup with Chickpeas

Beef and Bulgur Soup with Chickpeas
Credit: Mark Thomas
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Several spices flavor this low-cal soup, including cumin, ginger and garam masala. 

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Midwest Living editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 26 Buffalo Corn-Potato Chowder
    2 of 26 Italian Soup
    3 of 26 Brats and Beer Cheddar Chowder
    4 of 26 Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
    5 of 26 Mexican Potato Soup
    6 of 26 Three Sisters Corn-and-Chili Chowder
    7 of 26 Miner's Beef Stew
    8 of 26 Macaroni and Cheese Chowder with Crispy Ham
    9 of 26 Hearty Vegetable Soup with Meatballs
    10 of 26 Autumn Beef Stew
    11 of 26 Butternut Squash, Lentil and Wild Rice Stew
    12 of 26 Shortcut Dumpling Soup
    13 of 26 Sweet Potato-Corn Chowder
    14 of 26 Souper Spaghetti
    15 of 26 Chicken Tortilla Soup
    16 of 26 Slow-Cooker Brat and Sauerkraut Soup
    17 of 26 Smoked Tomato Soup
    18 of 26 White Surprise Chili
    19 of 26 Asian Beef Barley Soup
    20 of 26 Spiced Pumpkin Bisque
    21 of 26 Cheesy Potato Soup
    22 of 26 Wild Rice and Chicken Soup
    23 of 26 Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Soup with Polenta Croutons
    24 of 26 Lentil-Ham Soup
    25 of 26 Chipotle Black Bean Chili
    26 of 26 Beef and Bulgur Soup with Chickpeas

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Family-Favorite Soups & Stews
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.