Print

Cozy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Soup: The Best Easy Fall Recipe

5-ingredient crockpot soup - featured image

This cozy 5-ingredient crockpot soup for fall is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated techniques to create something deeply satisfying. Five simple things, a slow cooker, and a little patience—that’s all it takes to fill your home with the smell of autumn and your belly with warmth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots into 1/2-inch rounds. Peel and dice the onion. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Try to keep everything roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  2. Prep the meat. If your stew meat isn’t already cut, cube it into 1-inch pieces. Pat it dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Optional: Sear the meat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the meat in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Layer the ingredients in the crockpot. Start with the carrots and onions on the bottom. Add the potatoes on top. Place the meat (seared or raw) on top of the vegetables. Pour the beef broth over everything. The liquid should almost cover the ingredients—if it doesn’t, add a little water.
  5. Season and cook. Add the minced garlic (if using) and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The soup is ready when the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
  6. Taste and adjust. About 30 minutes before serving, give the soup a stir and taste it. Add more salt and pepper if needed. This is also the time to add any fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if you want a pop of color.
  7. Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during the first few hours of cooking. For a thicker broth, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot before serving. If your soup tastes flat, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. For a creamier texture, blend about a cup of the soup and stir it back in.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot soup, fall soup, easy soup, 5-ingredient soup, beef stew soup, slow cooker soup, cozy soup