The cooking time for soup in a crockpot (slow cooker) can vary depending on the specific recipe, ingredients used, and the desired level of tenderness. In general, most soup recipes prepared in a crockpot will take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to cook.
Here's a rough guideline for cooking times based on the setting used in the crockpot:
High Setting: Cooking on the high setting will generally take around 4 to 6 hours. This setting cooks the food at a higher temperature and is suitable for when you want your soup to be ready relatively quickly.
Low Setting: Cooking on the low setting will take approximately 6 to 8 hours. This setting cooks the food more slowly, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender over time.
Keep in mind that the size and type of ingredients used can also affect the cooking time. Larger chunks of vegetables or meat may take longer to cook than smaller pieces. Additionally, some ingredients, such as potatoes or tough cuts of meat, may require more cooking time to become fully tender.
To ensure your soup is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of any meat components. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while beef, pork, and other meats should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remember that slow cooking allows flavors to develop, resulting in rich and delicious soups. However, for safety reasons, it's best not to leave a crockpot unattended for an extended period. If you plan to be away from home while your soup cooks, consider using a programmable crockpot with an auto shut-off feature or adjust the cooking time accordingly to match your schedule.