As we head into fall, I’m changing over my meal plan menus from grilled chicken and salads into fall favorites like soups, casseroles and slow cooker meals. There’s nothing better than the smell of soup simmering on the stove or the slow cooker tenderizing your favorite foods. These are some of our family’s favorite dinners, and meals I’m thrilled to bring back in these next few weeks:
Ginger Chicken Soup
While we love our old fashioned chicken soup, this new version–with ginger, lime juice, shiitake mushrooms and red potatoes–was a nice twist on an old favorite. It smells and tastes wonderful, and it’s so healthy. This was a big favorite last year and we’ve already talked about making it this fall.
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup
My kids love our mild version of this soup, but it’s easy to spice it up for adults by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, tabasco, or hot sauce. We add some sour cream and crushed tortilla chips to the top for garnish. I’ve made it on the stovetop on days when I didn’t get the slow cooker set up in time.
Leftovers Soup
One of the reasons I enjoy cooking soup so often is that it’s a frugal way to get my family to eat healthy. I can stretch smaller servings of meat and get several servings of vegetables in everyone. If you find yourself with a few potatoes and vegetables on hand at the end of the week, it’s easy to add whatever leftover meat you have in the fridge (or keep it vegetarian) and make a big pot of Leftovers Soup.
Corn Potato Chowder
This is the soup my kids request when it’s cold and they just want comfort. Filled with cheddar cheese, potatoes, and corn, it’s like a big baked potato. It can made vegetarian, though I usually use chicken broth because it’s what I keep on hand.
Crockpot Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
For the past few years, I always make sure there’s leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, as I’ve been making this delicious soup the next day. I just love the addition of balasamic vinegar to the broth–such a robust flavor that pairs nicely with the turkey and spinach.
Sausage and Lentil Soup
We’ve really enjoyed adding chicken sausage to our menu, and this soup combines it with zucchini, tomatoes and lentils for a hearty, healthy stew-like soup.
Super Easy Chicken Soup
If you’re not cooking often, I hope you’ll start with this Super Easy chicken soup recipe. Anyone can make an enjoy it!
What are your family’s Favorite Fall Soups?
[...] everyone! Hope you’re gearing up for a wonderful October. I’m in the groove with fall soups, baking lots of yummy things, and easy dinners. It’s the lunches I’m struggling with! [...]