19 Slow-Simmer Soups Perfect for a Cold December Weekend

Chilly weather brings out the best in slow-simmer soups, and 19 recipe ideas are ready for any laid-back December weekend. Time at home can be spent catching up on things while dinner takes care of itself. Big batches often mean leftovers for busy work weeks. Simple meals built on simmering soups are always a welcome addition during colder months.

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with minced meat, spinach, sliced scallions, half a soft-boiled egg, and noodles in broth, garnished with sesame seeds and pepper.
Hearty Chicken Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chunky Vegetable Soup

Close-up of a bowl of vegetable soup with spinach, peas, carrots, celery, and large beans, topped with grated cheese. A spoon rests in the bowl.
Chunky Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

After a long day spent out in the cold, nothing beats coming home to this Chunky Vegetable Soup. Each spoonful brims with hearty vegetables that fill you up and warm you through. I keep leftovers handy for quick lunches all weekend. Bowls seem to empty fast with a soup this comforting on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Vegetable Soup

Rich Coconut Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with noodles, bok choy, mushrooms, half a boiled egg, sesame seeds, and lime, garnished with chili slices. Black chopsticks hold some noodles above the bowl.
Rich Coconut Ramen. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Winter blues melt away thanks to this Rich Coconut Ramen swirling with creamy broth and tender noodles. An inviting aroma fills every corner of the house as the soup simmers. I choose this when I want something cozy yet unique for dinner. Friends usually request another bowl before dessert ever comes up.
Get the Recipe: Rich Coconut Ramen

Ham and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup with potatoes, corn, carrots, and fresh parsley, served with a metal spoon.
Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Steam curls up from each bowl of this Ham and Potato Soup, delivering simple comfort as snow falls outside. Creamy spoonfuls bring a balanced blend of savory and subtle sweetness. I have found this soup makes the perfect addition for easy weekend meals. The pot always empties before the weekend finishes.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

Comforting Chicken Soup

A pot of soup with sliced carrots, potatoes, and herbs floating in a seasoned broth.
Comforting Chicken Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chilly days find relief in the warmth of this Comforting Chicken Soup, lifting spirits and appetites alike. Every bowl holds tender bites and rich broth, reminding you why classics stay loved. I reach for this whenever sniffles or cold toes make an appearance. Happy sighs echo around the table at the first sip.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken Soup

Creamy Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Creamy Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big, creamy flavors shine in this Creamy Corn Chowder that’s perfect for frosty evenings gathered indoors. Sweet kernels mix with a velvety texture you’ll remember long after the last spoonful. I’m always surprised by how quickly people ask for seconds. This soup brings smiles with every bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Corn Chowder

Hearty Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Hearty Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some weekends call for the filling warmth that only this Hearty Lentil Soup can provide. Earthy notes and soft vegetables keep hunger away on busy days. I heat up leftovers for simple, no-fuss lunches all week. People comment on how comforting the aroma smells from the first simmer.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lentil Soup

Spicy Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Spicy Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving a little extra heat? This Spicy Tom Yum Soup wakes up the senses with a punchy kick that stands out on chilly nights. Tangy and bold, it brings a little adventure to the dinner table. I make this for friends who love a soup with attitude, watching their faces light up with every spicy bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tom Yum Soup

Velvety Sweet Potato Soup

A bowl of sweet potato soup with bread next to it.
Velvety Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cozy blankets aren’t the only way to ward off winter chills—try a bowl of this Velvety Sweet Potato Soup. Each smooth, creamy spoonful feels like comfort in a cup. I serve this for dinner parties when I want something simple yet a bit special. Guests always return for another ladle.
Get the Recipe: Velvety Sweet Potato Soup

Comforting Cabbage Soup

A close-up of a steaming pot of hearty cabbage soup in a tomato-based broth, garnished with fresh herbs.
Comforting Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Even the fiercest December winds lose their sting beside a steaming pot of this Comforting Cabbage Soup. Warming bites and savory broth make it a mainstay throughout the winter months. I reach for this recipe when budgeting meets comfort cravings. Folks always ask how something so simple tastes so good.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Cabbage Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup

A bowl of chicken and rice soup with chunks of chicken, diced carrots, celery, and parsley garnish, served with a spoon.
Italian Penicillin Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Feeling run-down never lasts long with this Italian Penicillin Soup on the menu. Herby aromas fill the house and create a sense of calm and renewal. I keep this classic in my recipe box for times when only tried-and-true comfort will do. Friends especially appreciate the soothing broth when they need a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penicillin Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with pieces of ham, garnished with chopped parsley, and a spoon resting in the bowl.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Blustery weekends have a way of making this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup the highlight of the day. Creamy beans and smoky bites fill bowls with every ladle. I bring this out for potlucks since it pleases crowds and reheats well. People always ask if there’s enough for a second go-around.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Creamy Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Gentle flavors blend in this Creamy Leek and Potato Soup, perfect for indulging slowly on a winter evening. Each bowl offers delicate creaminess, paired with the subtle edge of fresh leeks. I ladle out extra for anyone who wants to linger at the table. Smiles appear after only the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of roasted tomato soup topped with toasted bread chunks, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snowy afternoons call for something bold, and this Roasted Tomato Soup delivers richness in every spoonful. Oven roasting brings out the depth that canned versions just can’t match. I serve this with a thick slice of bread for dunking. Requests for the recipe come shortly after the last drop.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Ham and Split Pea Soup

A bowl of split pea soup with chunks of ham, diced carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside.
Ham and Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cozy up after an outdoor adventure with a bowl of this Ham and Split Pea Soup. Rich, hearty, and perfectly filling, it offers the kind of comfort that lingers well after dinner. I make extra to store away for quick meals on cold days. The flavors always seem even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Hearty Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Hearty Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy pasta pockets swim in a pool of comfort with this Hearty Tortellini Soup. Every spoonful brings warmth and a pleasing mix of textures through the chilly winter weekend. I’ve found it’s one of those recipes everyone remembers. Empty bowls say all you need to know about their appeal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Tortellini Soup

Rich Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Rich Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Uniting two comfort food favorites, this Rich Birria Ramen kicks up excitement for anyone sitting down to dinner. Silky broth and tender noodles offer a fusion that’s perfect after a cold, long walk. I love surprising guests with this fun twist on traditional soup night. Requests for a second helping are almost guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Rich Birria Ramen

Savory Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Savory Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simplicity takes the spotlight in this Savory Miso Soup, ready to pick up your spirits on gray, freezing days. A clear, soothing broth brings subtle flavor and pure warmth. I pair this with light snacks for a gentle meal. Most guests agree it’s a welcome break from heavier winter fare.
Get the Recipe: Savory Miso Soup

Hearty White Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty white bean soup topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.
Hearty White Bean Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Weekend hunger disappears fast thanks to this Hearty White Bean Soup packed with filling goodness. Tender beans and savory broth keep things comforting and simple. I simmer a big pot for easy leftovers the next day. Even picky eaters give it a thumbs-up at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty White Bean Soup

Hearty Chicken Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with minced meat, spinach, sliced scallions, half a soft-boiled egg, and noodles in broth, garnished with sesame seeds and pepper.
Hearty Chicken Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warmth floods the kitchen as this Hearty Chicken Ramen leaves the pot, full of noodles and savory chicken. Every serving promises comfort on even the coldest weekend. I count on this meal to bring everyone together around the table. The smiles and empty bowls always speak for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Chicken Ramen

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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