MomSkoop
When the temperature drops and busy weeknights call for something cozy, nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade soup, stew, or chili.
These award-winning recipes have earned their reputation through countless cooking competitions and satisfied families across the country.
Whether you crave something spicy, creamy, hearty, or light, this collection offers delicious options that transform ordinary evenings into memorable meals.
1. White Chicken Chili
Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional red chili.
This creamy, crowd-pleasing version swaps tomatoes for white beans and tender chicken in a rich, flavorful broth.
Great Northern beans provide protein and fiber while green chiles add just the right kick of heat.
Cumin, oregano, and garlic create layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the chili simmers.
Top each serving with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Many competition winners credit their success to letting this chili rest overnight, which allows the flavors to marry perfectly before reheating and serving the next day.
2. Beef and Barley Stew
Picture your grandmother’s kitchen on a cold winter afternoon—that’s the kind of warmth this classic stew delivers.
Chunks of beef chuck become melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking with pearl barley and root vegetables.
Barley adds a wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture while thickening the broth naturally.
Carrots, celery, and onions form the aromatic base that makes your whole house smell amazing.
Red wine and beef stock create a deeply savory foundation that wins over judges and families alike.
The secret many award winners share is browning the meat properly first to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasting the squash first transforms this simple vegetable into something magical.
The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating deep, sweet flavors that make this soup taste like autumn in a bowl.
Blending the roasted squash with vegetable broth, onions, and a hint of warming spices produces a velvety texture.
Some recipes include apple or pear for extra sweetness, while others add ginger for a subtle zing.
A drizzle of heavy cream and toasted pepitas make perfect finishing touches.
This elegant soup impresses dinner guests but remains simple enough for busy Tuesday nights when you need something nourishing and satisfying.
4. Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili
Meat lovers often can’t believe this hearty chili contains zero animal products.
Three types of beans—kidney, black, and pinto—create different textures and flavors in every spoonful.
Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes form the vegetable base while chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring bold, smoky depth.
The secret ingredient many champions use is unsweetened cocoa powder, which adds richness without sweetness.
Corn kernels contribute pops of sweetness that balance the heat perfectly.
Let this chili simmer for at least an hour to allow the beans to absorb all those wonderful spices and develop maximum flavor throughout.
5. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Every spoonful of this Tex-Mex favorite delivers a fiesta of flavors and textures.
Tender shredded chicken swims in a tomato-based broth seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and plenty of garlic.
Black beans and corn add substance while diced tomatoes with green chiles bring authentic southwestern flair.
The crispy tortilla strips on top provide the perfect crunchy contrast to the warm, savory broth below.
Don’t skip the toppings—fresh avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime juice transform this from good to absolutely incredible.
Rotisserie chicken makes this weeknight wonder come together in under thirty minutes flat.
6. Slow-Cooked Brunswick Stew
Born in the American South, this legendary stew has sparked friendly debates about its true origins for generations.
Traditional versions combine chicken and pork with a medley of vegetables in a thick, tomato-based sauce.
Lima beans, corn, and potatoes make this stew incredibly filling and satisfying.
The long, slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to break down and meld into one harmonious dish.
A touch of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce adds tanginess that brightens the rich flavors.
Some award-winning recipes include a secret splash of bourbon or a spoonful of barbecue sauce for extra depth and complexity.
7. Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Known as Tom Kha Gai in Thailand, this aromatic soup balances spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors perfectly.
Creamy coconut milk forms the luxurious base while lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves add authentic Thai fragrance.
Tender chicken pieces and sliced mushrooms provide substance without weighing down the delicate broth.
Fish sauce and lime juice create the characteristic tangy punch that makes this soup so addictive.
Fresh Thai basil and cilantro finish each bowl with bright, herbal notes.
Many competition winners recommend using full-fat coconut milk for the richest, most authentic flavor and texture.
8. Green Chile Pork Stew
New Mexico’s state dish brings serious flavor with roasted green chiles and tender pork shoulder.
Cubes of pork become incredibly tender after braising slowly in a sauce made from fire-roasted Hatch chiles.
Potatoes absorb the spicy, smoky broth while adding heartiness to every bowl.
Garlic, cumin, and oregano enhance the chile flavor without overpowering its distinctive taste.
The heat level varies depending on which chiles you choose, from mild to seriously spicy.
Serve this southwestern classic with warm flour tortillas for sopping up every last drop of that incredible green sauce that makes this stew truly unforgettable.
9. Tomato Basil Bisque
Sometimes simple ingredients create the most sophisticated results.
This velvety soup elevates ordinary canned tomatoes into restaurant-quality elegance with the addition of fresh basil and cream.
Sautéed onions and garlic build a flavorful foundation while a touch of butter adds richness.
Blending everything until silky smooth creates that luxurious texture that defines a true bisque.
Heavy cream stirred in at the end makes the soup incredibly luscious and satisfying.
Pair this classic with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination that brings childhood memories flooding back with every delicious bite.
10. Lamb and Lentil Stew
Lamb shoulder brings incredible depth and richness to this protein-packed stew.
Brown lentils cook right in the pot, absorbing all the savory lamb flavors while adding fiber and plant-based protein.
Carrots, celery, and tomatoes create a balanced vegetable base that complements the meat beautifully.
Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon add Middle Eastern flair that makes this stew truly special.
The lentils naturally thicken the broth as they break down during cooking.
Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the finished dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh, vibrant note to each serving.
11. Hungarian Goulash Soup
Sweet Hungarian paprika gives this iconic soup its distinctive deep red color and complex flavor.
Beef chuck simmers with onions, peppers, and tomatoes until everything becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Caraway seeds add an authentic touch that transports your taste buds straight to Budapest.
Potatoes make the soup hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on chilly evenings.
A dollop of sour cream on top provides cooling contrast to the warm spices.
Many award-winning versions include a splash of red wine for extra depth, and the best cooks know that goulash always tastes better the next day after the flavors have mingled overnight.
12. Crab and Corn Chowder
Sweet lump crab meat and fresh corn create a luxurious chowder that tastes like summer by the sea.
Potatoes and corn provide natural sweetness while making the soup satisfyingly filling.
A roux-based cream sauce gives this chowder its characteristic thick, velvety texture.
Old Bay seasoning adds the perfect blend of spices that complement seafood without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor.
Crispy bacon bits on top add a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
While fresh crab tastes best, quality canned crab makes this special-occasion soup doable any night of the week when you need something impressive.
13. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Inspired by a popular restaurant chain, this copycat recipe delivers the same comfort at home.
Pillowy potato gnocchi dumplings make this soup incredibly satisfying and unique compared to ordinary chicken soups.
Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time while still providing plenty of protein.
Fresh spinach wilts into the creamy broth, adding color and nutrition without changing the flavor.
Carrots and celery contribute classic chicken soup vegetables that everyone loves.
The cream-based broth becomes naturally thick as the gnocchi release their starch during cooking, creating a luxurious texture that makes this soup feel like a special treat even on the busiest weeknights.
14. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Sharp cheddar cheese transforms ordinary broccoli into something kids and adults both devour happily.
Fresh broccoli florets maintain some texture while the stems blend into the creamy base, creating interesting variation in every spoonful.
A roux made with butter and flour thickens the soup while keeping it smooth and velvety.
Chicken or vegetable broth provides savory depth that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Garlic and onion powder add subtle flavor without overpowering the star ingredients.
Serve this crowd-pleaser in bread bowls for extra wow factor, or simply pair with crusty rolls for soaking up every cheesy drop.
15. Fish Stew with Chorizo
Spanish and Portuguese influences shine in this bold, flavorful seafood stew.
Spicy chorizo sausage releases its paprika-infused oils into the broth, creating an incredibly flavorful base for delicate fish fillets.
White fish like cod or halibut works perfectly because it stays firm during cooking.
Tomatoes, peppers, and saffron add Mediterranean flair and gorgeous color to the finished dish.
Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten everything up beautifully.
This impressive stew comes together quickly since fish cooks fast, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner.