From spicy broths to thick, creamy chowders, these contest-winning soups, stews and chilis are some of our very best, cozy recipes for tonight or any night.
40 Contest-Winning Soups, Stews and Chilis
1/40
Cheeseburger Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
2/40
Hearty Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 238 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/40
Chicken & Broccoli Rabe Soup with Tortellini
From the Recipe Creator:
With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 328 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1058mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
4/40
Mexican Corn Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 368 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
5/40
French Onion Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
6/40
Green Chicken Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 320 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein.
7/40
Butternut Squash Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
8/40
Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 135 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
9/40
Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
10/40
Asian Vegetable-Beef Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is Korean American, and I enjoy working Asian flavors into our menus. This tasty soup was something I put together one night with what we had in our fridge. Everyone loved it! —Mollie Lee, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 3/4 cup rice: 379 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
11/40
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
12/40
French Lentil and Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
13/40
Ham, Potato and Pepper Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been serving this chowder for years now. When I’m feeding family members who don’t eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! —Eileen Stefanski, Wales, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 226 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
14/40
Chorizo Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This filling soup is fantastic when you need to warm up on a blustery day! If you want a chowder consistency, use a potato masher to break down some of the spuds. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 269 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
15/40
Bratwurst Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe one day when I had some leftover bratwurst. It has been a favorite of my husband's ever since and is requested whenever the guys are hanging out. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 468 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1322mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
16/40
Deb’s Mushroom & Barley Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is more comforting than coming home to this rich soup! I prepare the ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker on my way out the door in the morning. —Debra Kamerman, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 967mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
17/40
Chicken Meatball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
In North Dakota, it's pretty common for winter temps to fall below zero. Hearty soups like this are a must. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 265 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 828mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 8g fiber), 20g protein.
18/40
Spicy Sweet Potato Kale Cannellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This cross between a soup and a stew fits the meatless Monday bill quite nicely. It warms you right up, and satisfies without leaving you overstuffed.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
19/40
Eggplant Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fragrant and flavorful dish that's packed with nutritious goodness. I like to enjoy it with sticky rice. —Marly Chaland, Maple, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 457 calories, 22g fat (16g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1364mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 14g fiber), 11g protein.
20/40
Southwest-Style Wedding Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 455 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1219mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
21/40
Hazelnut Asparagus Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 164 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
22/40
Moroccan Apple Beef Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the mix of sweet and savory flavors in this hearty stew. It's the perfect blend of adventurous and comforting, and makes a fun dish to share with guests. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 339 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
23/40
Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegetarian soup features a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
24/40
Cabbage Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
After doing yardwork on a windy day, we love to come in for a light but hearty soup like this one. It's brimming with cabbage, veggies and white beans. Pass the oven-warmed bread! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 111 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
25/40
Slow-Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
In our house, this recipe is a win-win. It's easy for me to whip up and easy for my family to devour...the crusty bread for dipping doesn't hurt, either. —Linda Haglund, Buffalo, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 257 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1053mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
26/40
African Peanut Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
27/40
Slow-Cooker Pork Pozole
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy often. It's a filling recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 223 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
28/40
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my go-to recipe for get-togethers with family and friends. Everyone asks for seconds, and they can't believe they are eating something so healthy and vegetarian! It's also a hearty dish for those with food allergies. —Sharon Verea, Thomasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 138 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
29/40
Italian White Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
30/40
Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this soup, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! You can serve with cornbread instead of corn chips to make it an even more filling meal. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 218 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
31/40
Hearty Quinoa & Corn Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
32/40
Chunky Sausage Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Lentils are an inexpensive but nutritious power food, and these days, a hot, filling and flavorful family meal at a great price is a real comfort. My husband just loves this soup and it freezes well. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without croutons): 314 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 17g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
33/40
Minestrone Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
34/40
Cream of Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Lentil lovers will want a second bowl of this nourishing soup with a subtle touch of curry. It looks particularly appealing thanks to the color added by the fresh spinach. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 20g fat (13g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
35/40
Italian Beef Tortellini Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my first completely original recipe—and it turned out to be awesome! It’s a hefty, rich stew, full of veggies, tender beef, a splash of red wine and simply wonderful flavors. —Tammy Munyon, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 416 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
36/40
Sweet Potato Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it's so easy and very flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 283 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 11g fiber), 9g protein.
37/40
Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
38/40
Cauliflower Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
39/40
Black Bean Chicken Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 236 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
40/40
Texican Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful, meaty chili is my favorite, and it's so easy to prepare in the slow cooker. It's a terrific way to serve a crowd without last-minute preparation. I got the idea from my mother, who used her slow cooker often for soups and stews. —Stacy Law, Cornish, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 163 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
Contest-Winning Soups FAQ
What award-winning soups are best to bring to work?
The best award-winning soups to bring to work are those that reheat well or can be packed in a thermos that keeps soup hot before leaving home. Choose a soup, stew or chili with sturdy ingredients like beans and root vegetables that won’t swell or fall apart as they sit. Pack crunchy toppings, like crackers or chips, separately to sprinkle over the soup before serving, and add a simple green salad or sandwich for an even heartier meal.
Can championship chili recipes be frozen?
Yes, chili freezes exceptionally well, making it a smart option for stashing in the freezer for future meals. Cool the chilli completely, then store in freezer containers or soup containers for the freezer, leaving some space at the top of the containers for expansion. Label and date each batch for easy identification in the future, and skip toppings like cheese or sour cream until it’s time to eat.
What creative soup recipes are best for a potluck?
For potlucks, creative soups with crowd-pleasing flavors that can be made in advance are the way to go, like creamy cheeseburger soup, corn chowder, veggie-packed minestrone or loaded chili. Bring toppings like homemade croutons, crispy tortilla strips or a jar of the best chili crisp for people to customize their bowl.
