If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting bowl that packs a flavorful punch, this Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe might just become your new go-to. The savory Italian sausage mingles perfectly with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, while the vibrant veggies add freshness and depth. Every spoonful delivers a cozy warmth that feels like a hug from the inside out, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you crave something both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. The sausage brings richness, sweet potatoes add a creamy sweetness, and the colorful vegetables brighten the bowl, making this soup as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Choose your favorite variety to infuse the soup with hearty, seasoned meatiness.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a sweet and aromatic base that melds perfectly with sausage.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings in subtle pungency that livens up every bite.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation full of comforting warmth.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth, keeping the soup from tasting too heavy.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Adds a burst of color and a touch of sweet crunch.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped): Offers gentle earthiness and a pleasant texture contrast.
- 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled & diced): The star ingredient that delivers natural sweetness and silky softness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a soup pot over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step builds the savory base and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will get everyone excited for what’s coming next.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Stir occasionally and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and everything smells fragrant. If you notice excess fat from the sausage, feel free to scoop most of it out to keep the soup from becoming too greasy while maintaining that rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Broth and Vegetables
Once the sausage and aromatics are ready, pour in the chicken broth and water. Toss in the chopped red bell pepper, celery, and diced sweet potatoes. These vibrant ingredients will give the soup layers of flavor and texture. Turn the heat up to high and bring everything to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
When the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This slow simmer melds all the tastes beautifully and softens the veggies to comforting perfection.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning your Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and ladle it into bowls while it’s hot. This is where all your hard work comes together in a steaming bowl of cozy goodness that’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro—they add a fresh bite and a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the orange sweet potatoes. A dash of chili flakes or a swirl of sour cream can also be fantastic for a little extra flavor and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a light side salad for a balanced meal. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaks up every last bit of the delicious broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey vibe, or jazz it up in mini soup mugs for a fun appetizer at a dinner party. You could also layer it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually tend to deepen and develop even more as it rests, making leftovers just as good, if not better, than the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags—just be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing to preserve both texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking and to warm it evenly. The soup may thicken upon standing—add a splash of water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage has a wonderful seasoning profile, feel free to experiment with breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute vegetable broth or even water with bouillon cubes. The key is to keep the liquid flavorful to complement the sausage and sweet potatoes well.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or add extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Using vegetable broth will complete the vegetarian transformation while keeping it delicious.
Is this soup spicy?
This particular recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add some heat by including red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to suit your spice tolerance.
How thick is the soup?
The soup has a broth-based consistency that’s hearty but not creamy. If you prefer a thicker texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in, or add a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe is truly a winner when you want something straightforward but bursting with comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of happiness that’s sure to brighten any day!
Print
Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting sausage and sweet potato soup featuring Italian sausage, vibrant red bell peppers, and tender sweet potatoes, simmered in a flavorful chicken broth base. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup balances savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Liquids & Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large soup pot, heat over medium-high and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for an additional 5 minutes. If there is excess fat rendered from the sausage, carefully spoon out most of it to reduce greasiness.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chicken broth, water, chopped red bell pepper, chopped celery, and diced sweet potatoes. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Let the soup cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the soup hot for a delicious and warming meal.
Notes
- Remove excess sausage fat if you prefer a less greasy soup.
- Sweet potatoes should be diced evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- For added heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
