If you have a crock-pot, these 14 High-Protein Soups Will Be Perfect for Thanksgiving
Serve these soups alongside crusty bread, dinner rolls, or cornbread for a complete meal. For Thanksgiving, consider offering one or two soup options as starters before the main course. Set up a soup bar with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, croutons, and hot sauce so guests can customize their bowls.
Turkey and White Bean Soup
Start with leftover turkey or use turkey breast for a lean protein base. White beans add extra protein and fiber, while carrots, celery, and herbs create a classic, comforting flavor. This soup is light yet filling, making it an ideal starter for your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cooked turkey, shredded
- 3 cans white beans, drained
- 4 carrots, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Add all ingredients to crock-pot. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
Chicken and Quinoa Soup
Quinoa is a complete protein, and when combined with chicken, this soup becomes a nutritional powerhouse. Add onions, garlic, spinach, and a hint of lemon for brightness. It’s wholesome and satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Place chicken, quinoa, onion, garlic, and broth in crock-pot. Cook on low 6 hours. Shred chicken, add spinach and lemon juice, cook 15 more minutes.
Lentil and Sausage Soup
Lentils are packed with protein and cook beautifully in a crock-pot. Pair them with turkey or chicken sausage, diced tomatoes, and warming spices like cumin and paprika. This soup has a rich, hearty texture that’s perfect for a cool November day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried lentils
- 1 lb turkey or chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 6 cups broth
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in crock-pot. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4 hours.
Beef and Barley Soup
Tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables make this soup a classic. Beef provides ample protein, while barley adds a satisfying texture and additional nutrients. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish that guests will appreciate.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp thyme
Instructions: Add all ingredients to crock-pot. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
Split Pea and Ham Soup
A traditional favorite, split pea soup gets its protein from both peas and ham. The crock-pot allows the peas to break down into a creamy consistency without any added cream. It’s simple, nostalgic, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried split peas
- 2 cups ham, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 6 cups broth
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in crock-pot. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4-5 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
For a Southwestern twist, try chicken tortilla soup. Shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes come together with cumin and chili powder for bold flavor. Top with avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Toppings: avocado, cheese, tortilla strips
Instructions: Add chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, spices, and broth to crock-pot. Cook on low 6 hours. Shred chicken and serve with toppings.
Italian Wedding Soup
This soup features protein-rich meatballs made from ground turkey or chicken, along with orzo pasta and fresh greens like spinach or escarole. A hint of Parmesan and lemon juice makes it bright and satisfying. It’s elegant enough for a holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups spinach or escarole
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions: Mix meat, egg, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan; form small meatballs. Add meatballs and broth to crock-pot. Cook on low 5-6 hours. Add orzo and greens in last 30 minutes. Add lemon juice before serving.
Chili with Beans and Ground Turkey
Chili is a protein-packed option that’s endlessly customizable. Use ground turkey for a leaner version, and load it up with kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Add tomatoes, peppers, and your favorite chili spices for a warming, robust dish.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1 can each: kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups broth
Instructions: Brown turkey in skillet, then add to crock-pot with remaining ingredients. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
Thai Peanut Chicken Soup
For something a little different, try a Thai-inspired soup with chicken, coconut milk, peanut butter, and ginger. The combination creates a creamy, flavorful broth that’s high in protein and rich in taste. Add lime juice and cilantro for freshness.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions: Add chicken, coconut milk, peanut butter, ginger, and broth to crock-pot. Cook on low 5-6 hours. Shred chicken, add lime juice and cilantro before serving.
Sausage and Kale Soup
Italian sausage, white beans, and hearty kale make this soup both nutritious and delicious. The sausage provides plenty of protein and flavor, while the kale adds vitamins and a pleasant texture. It’s rustic and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 cans white beans, drained
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups broth
Instructions: Brown sausage in skillet. Add to crock-pot with beans, onion, garlic, and broth. Cook on low 6 hours. Add kale in last 30 minutes.
Moroccan Chickpea and Lamb Soup
For an adventurous option, try lamb with chickpeas, tomatoes, and warming Moroccan spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. The combination is aromatic and deeply flavorful, offering a unique addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs lamb, cubed
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp each: cinnamon, cumin, coriander
- 6 cups broth
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in crock-pot. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
Tuscan White Bean and Chicken Soup
This Italian-inspired soup combines tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, tomatoes, and fresh rosemary. It’s simple yet elegant, with a comforting flavor profile that feels both homey and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 6 cups chicken broth
Instructions: Add all ingredients to crock-pot. Cook on low 6 hours. Shred chicken before serving.
Black Bean and Chorizo Soup
Chorizo adds a smoky, spicy kick to this protein-rich black bean soup. Add bell peppers, onions, and cumin for depth. It’s bold and flavorful, perfect for guests who enjoy a little heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chorizo, sliced
- 3 cans black beans, drained
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 5 cups broth
Instructions: Brown chorizo in skillet. Add to crock-pot with remaining ingredients. Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours.
Minestrone with White Beans and Pasta
A classic minestrone loaded with vegetables, white beans, and pasta is both hearty and healthy. The beans provide protein, while the vegetables add color and nutrition. Finish with fresh basil and Parmesan for an authentic Italian touch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans white beans, drained
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup small pasta
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh basil and Parmesan
Instructions: Add vegetables, beans, tomatoes, and broth to crock-pot. Cook on low 6 hours. Add pasta in last 30 minutes. Top with basil and Parmesan.
