Comfort Foods: Slow Cooker Soups, Stews & Chowders From The Food Network

Ina Garten and Bobby FlayPhoto byFood Network

It's soup and stew season! Time to get out your slow cookers for all your favorite comfort foods recipes. The best thing about slow cooker (or crockpot) recipes is you can prepare them early in the morning before work or even better, the night before, especially if you will be busy running around getting things going for your day. Here are some great ideas for your Slow Cooker from the Food Network.

With most soup recipes you can do this quickly and easily when it's convenient for you, especially in the cooler weather months. ''Nothing chases away the chill like a cozy bowl of soup or stew. From meaty chili and hearty beef stew to creamy corn soup and New England clam chowder—you'll find all the recipes you need to stay nice and warm,'' according to the Food Network.

Whether you’re a fan of easy recipes or just the comforting, warming feeling of a bowl of soup, like potato soup, or a creamy tomato soup, or maybe your family loves an old-fashioned chicken noodle soup. Some are even halthier soups packed with vegetables. I can't think of any other way to warm up on a chilly afternoon or evening, than with a BIG bowl of stew or soup.

Most of these can be made with very little fuss in your slow-cooker or even your Instant Pot. They can also be stored in your freezer, to grab whenever you want some for a quick lunch or dinner as well. You may also love the heartiness of a beef stew with potatoes and carrots as well as bean soups or some delicious old-fashioned Fall and winter time favorites, such as chowders.