13 Dutch Oven Soup Recipes

There’s nothing better than a big pot of soup simmering away, filling the kitchen with cozy, mouthwatering aromas. That’s why I love Dutch oven soup recipes—they’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any season. Whether it’s a hearty beef stew or a light vegetable broth, my Dutch oven recipes never disappoint. The thick walls of a Dutch oven help lock in all the rich flavors, making every spoonful taste like home.

One of my favorites? Dutch oven chicken recipes that turn simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Toss in fresh veggies, tender chicken, and warm spices, and you’ll have a soup that’s both nourishing and delicious. Ready to grab your Dutch oven and start cooking? Let’s make something amazing together!

Why Use a Dutch Oven for Soup?

A Dutch oven is a versatile, heavy-duty pot that is great for simmering soups. It’s designed to heat evenly, so your soup will cook properly without burning. Plus, the thick lid helps to lock in flavors, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. Many of the best soup recipes can be easily made in a Dutch oven, so you can enjoy a perfect soup every time.

Now, let’s dive into some amazing Dutch oven soup recipes!

1. Classic French Onion Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Serves: 4-6

French onion soup is a timeless classic. The rich, deep flavor of caramelized onions paired with savory broth and melted cheese is simply irresistible. This recipe is super easy to make, and the Dutch oven is the perfect tool for the job.

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 loaf French bread, sliced
• 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they become soft and caramelized, about 40 minutes. Be patient, this slow cooking brings out the sweetness of the onions.
2. Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic and thyme and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the beef broth and wine (if using), and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. While the soup is simmering, toast the French bread slices in the oven until crispy.
6. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a slice of toasted bread, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
7. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, and enjoy!

2. Beef and Barley Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Serves: 6-8

Beef and barley soup is hearty and filling, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. The barley gives the soup a nice texture, and the beef adds depth and richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barley
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the barley, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

3. Chicken Noodle Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food. It’s light, warm, and soothing, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. This recipe is super easy to make, and you’ll love the homemade touch.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Shred the cooked chicken and add it back into the pot. Stir in the egg noodles and cook until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

4. Creamy Tomato Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

Tomato soup is a childhood favorite, and it’s even better when made from scratch. This creamy tomato soup is rich, smooth, and perfect for dipping grilled cheese sandwiches!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a regular blender in batches.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat for another 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh basil.

5. Potato Leek Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 6

Potato leek soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. The combination of leeks and potatoes creates a rich, hearty soup that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully blend in batches.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and heat for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

6. Butternut Squash Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Butternut squash soup is a wonderfully creamy, slightly sweet soup that’s perfect for fall and winter. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural flavors of squash, and it’s easy to make in your Dutch oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the roasted squash to the Dutch oven, along with the vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a regular blender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

7. Split Pea Soup with Ham

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Serves: 6-8

Split pea soup with ham is a hearty and satisfying soup that combines the earthiness of split peas with the savory flavor of ham. It’s easy to make and perfect for a filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
5. Remove the ham bone (if using), shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

8. New England Clam Chowder

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 4-6

New England clam chowder is a creamy, comforting soup full of tender clams and potatoes. It’s a classic that’s rich in flavor, and it’s easy to make at home using a Dutch oven.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (6.5 oz) clams, drained, with the juice reserved
• 4 cups clam juice or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the potatoes and clam juice (or chicken broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the clams and their reserved juice, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 6-8

Chicken tortilla soup is a zesty, flavorful soup that’s loaded with chicken, tomatoes, and topped with crunchy tortilla strips. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup crispy tortilla strips
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese (if using), and fresh cilantro.

10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, cheesy soup filled with tender broccoli. It’s comforting, rich, and perfect for those who love cheese!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the broccoli and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

11. Tuscan White Bean Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Serves: 6-8

Tuscan white bean soup is a warm and comforting Italian-inspired dish. It combines hearty beans with aromatic vegetables and a hint of rosemary, making it a delicious and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and rosemary, and cook for another minute.
3. Add the white beans and vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a greener soup, stir in spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot, and enjoy the warm, earthy flavors!

12. Minestrone Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Serves: 6-8

Minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup that’s both healthy and satisfying. Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s perfect for a nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup pasta (small shells or elbow)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in the zucchini, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the pasta and cook for another 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Serve hot, and enjoy the hearty, veggie-packed goodness!

13. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Sweet potato and black bean soup is a deliciously hearty and nutritious dish. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the earthiness of black beans, making for a flavorful and satisfying soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend it in batches.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, Dutch oven soups are the perfect way to create hearty, flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a classic like French onion soup, a hearty beef and barley soup, or a light but flavorful sweet potato and black bean soup, the Dutch oven makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity, as most ingredients are readily available, and the instructions are easy to follow. These soups allow you to take your time and let the flavors develop, creating a comforting meal that will warm your heart and belly.

So next time you’re craving a bowl of delicious soup, reach for your Dutch oven and try one of these recipes. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones, and they are guaranteed to be a hit at any family dinner or gathering. Enjoy!