15 One-Pot Soup Recipes for Minimal Clean-up

You're looking for easy meal solutions that don't leave a trail of dirty dishes. One-pot soup recipes are a great option, offering minimal clean-up and delicious results. You'll find recipes like Chicken Noodle Soup and Beef Stew that fit the bill, but what makes them so efficient, and how can you get started with these simple meals?

1. Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Classic comfort food made easy with a simple chicken noodle soup recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 8 ounces of egg noodles

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until they're tender.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

2. Beef Stew One Pot

Hearty beef stew cooked to perfection in one pot.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.

3. Lentil Soup Delight

Hearty lentil soup packed with nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and drain well.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little water until tender.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

4. Vegetable Soup Mix

Delicious vegetable soup mix cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, chopped
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add chopped carrots and potatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add frozen mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, and dried thyme.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

5. Spicy Black Bean

Spicy Black Bean soup is a flavorful and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. Potato Corn Chowder

Creamy potato corn chowder made with potatoes, corn, and bacon.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, and flour, stirring to combine.
5. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until partially smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

7. Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy butternut squash soup made with roasted squash and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half and roast for 45 minutes.
3. Scoop the roasted squash into a pot and add olive oil, onion, and garlic.
4. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent.
5. Add cumin, paprika, and chicken broth to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

8. Minestrone Soup Bowl

Hearty Italian-inspired minestrone soup filled with vegetables and beans.

Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can cannellini beans
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 can vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little bit of oil until they're tender.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the minestrone soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Hearty and flavorful, this Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Mexican-inspired delight.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheese, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika to the pot, and stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Add the tortilla strips to the pot and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they're softened and the soup has thickened.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

10. Creamy Tomato Soup

A rich and flavorful soup made with fresh tomatoes and creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried basil to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

11. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic dish with caramelized onions in a rich broth.

Ingredients

• 3 large onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 slices baguette
• 1 cup grated cheese

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add beef broth, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Preheat broiler and slice baguette.
7. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls and top with baguette and cheese.
8. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Roasted Vegetable Soup

Roasted Vegetable Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with roasted vegetables and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 potatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf until they're evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly browned.
4. In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

13. Italian Sausage Soup

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup is a flavorful one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

14. Chicken Rice Casserole

Hearty chicken rice casserole made easy in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken breast and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and thyme to the pot.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, milk, salt, and pepper.
7. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

15. Spinach Orzo Soup

Creamy spinach orzo soup made with tender orzo and fresh spinach.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
8. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

Conclusion

You've survived the chaos of cooking with these 15 one-pot soup recipes - congratulations, your kitchen (and sanity) are still intact. Now, go forth and cook, knowing you'll only have one pot to clean, and not a mountain of dishes to haunt your dreams. Your future self will thank you, or not, depending on your cooking skills.