Soup may just be the perfect meal. It's economical, easy to make, and tends to be naturally low in fat. Especially in winter—what's a better cold-weather meal than a steamy bowl of soup?

Following you'll find 18 savory stew, soup, and chili recipes that have proven to freeze well for up to two months. To prepare for the freezer, pour soup into an airtight container or heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags, leaving enough room for expansion (usually an inch or two at the top). Zip-top plastic bags are a good choice for individual or double servings because they take up minimal space in your freezer. To reheat, thaw completely in the refrigerator for 10-12 hours; then place contents in a saucepan over low heat, adding some liquid if necessary.

Stews
Basic Beef Stew with Carrots and Mushrooms
Beef Stew with Poblanos, Tomatillos, and Potatoes
Chicken Stew with Shallots, Cider, and Butternut Squash
Hearty Beef and Tomato Stew
Leek and Potato Stew
Pork Stew with Cipollini, Mushrooms, and Chestnuts
Provencal Pork Stew with Olives and Fennel
Vegetable-Beef Stew

Soups
Garden Minestrone
Lentil Soup with Chard
Mushroom Soup
Pressure Cooker Bean and Pasta Soup
Turkey Mole Soup
White Bean-Chard Soup with Rosemary Croutons

Chilis
Black Bean and Chorizo Chili
Chicken Chili with Pesto
Southwestern Chicken Chili
White Bean and Turkey Chili