Paleo-Friendly Slow Cooker Soups Made from Scratch
When the weather gets cooler, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. If you follow a Paleo lifestyle, you might think your soup options are limited, but that’s far from the truth! With the right ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create hearty, nourishing, and delicious soups that align perfectly with your Paleo goals.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Paleo Soups?
A slow cooker is a Paleo lover’s best friend. It allows you to simmer soups for hours, extracting deep flavors from meats, vegetables, and herbs. Plus, it’s a convenient way to prepare meals in advance—just set it and forget it! Here are a few benefits:
Enhances flavor – Slow cooking allows ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Preserves nutrients – Low and slow heat helps retain more vitamins and minerals.
Convenient & time-saving – Toss in the ingredients in the morning and come home to a ready meal.
Essential Paleo Soup Ingredients
When making Paleo soups from scratch, always opt for whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. Here’s what to include:
- Protein: Grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, turkey, or wild-caught fish
- Healthy Fats: Coconut milk, ghee, avocado oil, or bone broth
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, and kale
- Herbs & Spices: Garlic, turmeric, ginger, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves
- Broths: Homemade bone broth or vegetable stock (without additives or preservatives)
Now, let’s dive into some delicious Paleo-friendly slow cooker soup recipes you can try at home.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Soup
This classic soup is packed with protein, fiber, and healing nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs free-range chicken (thighs or breast)
- 4 cups homemade bone broth
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
- Stir well and serve warm.
2. Hearty Beef & Sweet Potato Stew
This protein-rich stew is a great meal for post-workout recovery or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs grass-fed beef stew meat
- 4 cups beef bone broth
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add all other ingredients and mix well.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Stir and serve warm.
3. Creamy Coconut & Butternut Squash Soup
A rich and creamy soup with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh herbs or toasted coconut flakes.
Tips for Perfect Paleo Slow Cooker Soups
- Use homemade bone broth for added collagen and gut-healing benefits.
- Layer your flavors by sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Thicken soups naturally with blended veggies like cauliflower or sweet potatoes instead of flour.
- Store leftovers in glass containers for easy reheating throughout the week.