The first day of fall is this Sunday, September 22nd, and it seems like the perfect time to share some of my favorite fall soups! Soups and stews are so versatile with many of the tasty options transitioning from fall, into winter and even into the spring season. These warm, comforting dishes can be served as a light, flavorful lunch, or in place of a salad with dinner. Some of the heartier recipes are a meal all in themselves.

Throughout the fall and winter, I’ll often make a large batch of soup on the weekend, which can then be a quick, on-the-go meal during the busy week. Or, many times I’ll make a big pot with the specific intention of packaging it up in smaller containers to freeze. Because soups and stews are mostly liquid based, they freeze, and subsequently thaw, very easy. Trust me, when you come down with that nasty cold, and you’ve got a container of chicken noodle soup in the freezer, you’re going to count your blessings!

Here are some of my seasonal favorites:

Butternut Squash Soup  (from Southern Living)

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup  (from Half Baked Harvest)

Stuffed Pepper Soup  (from Cooking Classy) 

Broccoli Cheddar Soup  (from Love & Lemons)

Simple Turkey Chili  (from Allrecipes)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew  (from The Cozy Cook)

I don’t know about you, but when it’s chilly and dark, and I’m hungry, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up!