If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Sausage Soup Recipe is just the thing to brighten your day. Loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, fresh veggies, tender beans, and vibrant greens, it combines familiar ingredients into a satisfyingly rich and nourishing dish. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing supper, this sausage soup brings together the perfect balance of spice, texture, and wholesome goodness with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to make this sausage soup truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or spicy depending on your preferred heat level, and remember to remove the casings for easy crumbling.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Use it only if your sausage is lean to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens with garlic and vegetables.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Gives that irresistible aromatic punch to the soup base.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Brings a natural sweetness and pleasant bite.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Offers acidity and vibrant color that brighten the broth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The savory foundation that ties all the flavors together.
- Water (1 cup): Helps balance the intensity and volume of the broth.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses an earthy, herbaceous quality.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, peppery note that pairs beautifully with sausage and tomatoes.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to elevate every element.
- White or cannellini beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Provides creamy texture and protein to make the soup filling.
- Fresh spinach or kale (2 cups, chopped): Packs in vibrant color, nutrients, and a tender bite.
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese: Perfect for topping to add a salty, nutty finish.
How to Make Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, only if your sausage is lean to prevent sticking. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and full of flavor, roughly 5 to 6 minutes. This browning step creates that rich, savory base that makes the sausage soup recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, balancing the meatiness of the sausage perfectly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with chicken broth and water. Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Let the flavors meld together for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the broth time to develop a vibrant and satisfying taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Greens
Add the drained white beans and chopped spinach or kale into the pot. Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt and everything is heated through. This final step layers in texture and boosts nutrition, completing your hearty, colorful soup.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, give your sausage soup recipe a taste and tweak the salt and pepper as needed. This little touch ensures every bowl is perfectly seasoned to your liking and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your hot bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, creamy flourish that enhances the soup’s flavors. Fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also brighten the presentation and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This sausage soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a golden grilled cheese sandwich to complement the warmth and heartiness. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this sausage soup recipe in rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. You could also ladle it over cooked pasta or rice to create a unique, cozy casserole dish. Individual ramekins topped with a bit of cheese and broiled for a minute make for a delightful appetizer or party option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sausage soup, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further over time.
Freezing
This sausage soup recipe freezes fabulously. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sausage soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency and restore its comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and consider adding the olive oil more generously since turkey sausage tends to have less fat.
What if I don’t have kale or spinach on hand?
Feel free to substitute with other greens like Swiss chard or collard greens. Even finely chopped cabbage or arugula offers a tasty twist while keeping the dish hearty and healthy.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the sausage soup recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth. Always check labels if you need to avoid gluten to be safe.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours for a hands-off, flavorful meal.
How spicy is this sausage soup?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage. Mild Italian sausage makes a gentle, comforting soup, while spicy sausage gives it a nice kick. You can always balance spiciness by adjusting the seasoning or adding cooling garnishes like sour cream.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Soup Recipe is one of those incredible dishes that feels both hearty and wholesome while being surprisingly simple to make. Its blend of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender beans makes it impossible not to love. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try — it might just become your new favorite comfort food for chilly evenings or anytime you want a bowl of warm happiness.
Print
Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Sausage Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage with nutritious beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a savory tomato and herb broth. Perfect for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner, it offers a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, for lean sausage)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat if using lean sausage. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Add Beans and Greens: Add the drained and rinsed white or cannellini beans and chopped spinach or kale to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with optional grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
