Soul-Warming Vegetarian Soups For the Chilliest of Days

Hearty, Cozy, and Meatless

It’s that time of year where our stove is permanently occupied by a large pot of soup, and we're not mad about it.

We 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 reliable 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.

Lighter Creamy Tomato Soup

When we want a soup that feels like a full, sturdy meal, this is our 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. View Recipe

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. View Recipe

Vegetarian Chili Recipe – Stovetop or Slow Cooker

This is the ultimate “we 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 our favorite part! View Recipe

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 just the magic of well-roasted squash. View Recipe

Creamy Carrot Soup

This beautifully-hued creamy carrot soup is so satisfying, nutritious, and absolutely rich. 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.) View Recipe

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. We LOVE topping it with chili crunch! View Recipe

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 “we're tired but we want something rich” solution. View Recipe

At-home 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). View Recipe

From-scratch 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. View Recipe

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

This is our “emergency” soup for those nights when the fridge looks empty and we 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! View Recipe

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 our favorite tomato soup yet. View Recipe

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 our favorite soups. It’s a “meatless-Monday” hero that feels much more indulgent than it actually is. View Recipe

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. View Recipe

Crockpot Minestrone Soup With Quinoa

This is our favorite “set it and forget it” meal for those days when we feel like we 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. View Recipe

Most of these freeze like a dream, too, so do your future self a favor and make a double batch of whatever looks best. We'd love to hear which one you’re planning to try first!