Hearty, Cozy, and Meatless
It’s that time of year where my stove is permanently occupied by a large pot of soup, and I’m not mad about it.
I know some people worry that meat-free soups won’t be “filling” enough, but honestly, these recipes are so hearty that you won’t even notice the lack of bacon or beef.
They’re thick, velvety, and perfect for when you want to feel like you’re being hugged by your dinner (and who doesn’t need any type of hug they can get these days?).
Grab a spoon (and maybe a big hunk of sourdough), pick your favorites, and soon you’ll feel that warm hug feeling that only a great bowl of soup can offer you.
Healthy Creamy Tomato Soup
When I want a soup that feels like a full, sturdy meal, this is my go-to. The white beans add a great creaminess, plus a punch of plant-based protein that keeps you full way past lunchtime. It’s creamy, rich, and feels like something a grandmother in Tuscany would make for you.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup
If your only experience with mushroom soup is the gelatinous “gray stuff” from a can, please let this recipe heal you. It’s incredibly luxurious thanks to a proper roux and a splash of heavy cream, but the real star is the mix of fresh mushrooms that gives it a deep, earthy “meatiness” without any actual meat.
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Vegetarian Chili Recipe – Stovetop or Slow Cooker
This is the ultimate “I can't believe it's not beef” meal. It’s loaded with three types of beans and so many veggies that it actually feels heavier and more satisfying than a standard meat chili. Don't forget the toppings, they're my favorite part!
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This is the “Little Black Dress” of the soup world. It's classic, elegant, and goes with everything. It’s so silkily smooth that you’d swear there’s a gallon of heavy cream in there, but it’s really just the magic of well-roasted squash.
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Creamy Carrot Soup
This beautifully-hued creamy carrot soup is so satisfying, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. With a pound and a half of carrots, it’s bursting with goodness and lots of Vitamin A. You may think a creamy soup like this would be high in calories but a one cup serving is only 137 calories. (And it’s gluten-free.)
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Roasted Cauliflower Soup
When you blend cauliflower, it takes on the most creamy consistency – you wouldn't believe this soup wasn't full of heavy cream. This soup is thick, rich, and a genius way to trick yourself into eating a whole bunch of cauliflower for dinner. I LOVE topping it with chili crunch!
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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup
The Instant Pot is the MVP here. This soup is thick, outrageously cheesy, and somehow tastes like it’s been simmering for hours even though it only took about a half hour. It’s the ultimate “I’m tired but I want something delicious” solution.
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Copycat Panera Squash Soup Recipe
If you’re the person who counts down the days until Panera brings back their autumn squash soup, you can officially stop waiting. This version hits all those signature sweet-and-spicy notes with hints of apple and curry. Plus, you don't even have to put on real pants or leave the house to get it (WIN).
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Homemade Vegetable Soup
If you feel like you need to eat a veggie (or 10), this is your solution. It’s light but deeply flavorful thanks to the fresh thyme, and the addition of cabbage and green beans gives it a great crunch that most mushy canned versions lack. It’s basically a detox in a bowl that actually tastes like a treat.
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Instant Pot Tomato Soup
This is my “emergency” soup for those nights when the fridge looks empty and I have zero motivation. It comes together so fast it almost feels like cheating. Just make sure you have some bread on hand for a grilled cheese!
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Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup
This isn’t the thin, metallic stuff you get out of a can. Roasting the tomatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic gives this soup a deep, charred sweetness, and the smokiness adds a layer of flavor that usually only comes from meat. It might be my favorite tomato soup yet.
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White Bean Soup
By using smoked paprika and blending a portion of the beans, you get a texture that is incredibly rich and velvety. It's one of my favorite soups. It’s a “meatless-Monday” hero that feels much more indulgent than it actually is.
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Lentil Soup Recipe with Pasta
Lentils are the unsung heroes of the vegetarian pantry. This version of lentil soup adds pasta to the mix, making it feel like a proper “stick-to-your-ribs” Italian dinner.
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Crockpot Minestrone Soup With Quinoa
This is my favorite “set it and forget it” meal for those days when I feel like I don't have a second to spare. Replacing the traditional pasta with quinoa adds a nice little bite and enough plant-based protein to keep you full for hours. It’s thick, hearty, and basically the overachiever of the vegetable soup world.
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Most of these freeze like a dream, too, so do your future self a favor and make a double batch of whatever looks best. I’d love to hear which one you’re planning to try first!
