My warming sausage soup is utter coziness in a bowl, the perfect savory elixir for a chilly evening. Filled to the brim with slices of seared beef smoked sausage, diced potatoes, white beans and vibrant kale, this hearty sausage soup recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious complete meal!
Turning Simple Sausage Into a Cozy Soup
I can't tell you how many times inspiration for dinner presents itself to me just by my taking a peek into the fridge to see what's inside...
The combination of ingredients I have on hand informs my creativity so much, and if I happen to have a package of beef smoked sausage in the fridge or freezer, then my options are endless!
Sausage itself can be so versatile, turning it into a sausage and red rice skillet, or combining with veggies for a stuffed baked potato, or nestling into a bun to be enjoyed with a touch of sauerkraut and onions.
But if it's a bit chilly outside, and we're craving a nice, cozy, warming pot of soup to have on hand to dip into for a few days, then I absolutely love to prepare this sausage soup brimming with lots of hearty, healthy ingredients to fill and warm our bellies!
My delectable (and easy!) sausage soup recipe makes use of seared slices of beef smoked sausage, onions, garlic, seasonings, diced russet potatoes, creamy navy beans, and a finishing addition of vibrant and hearty kale.
The flavors are super savory, rich, earthy, and brothy, perfect to ladle up and get extra comfy-cozy with at the end of a long day!
A Sausage Soup Recipe with Hearty and Flavorful Ingredients
I love how truly easy this soup recipe is to make, utilizing pantry ingredients that many of us may already have on hand.
It's all about searing the sausage and creating that layer of savory flavor in the pot to then saute the onions, garlic and diced potatoes in, and help to create that rich depth.
I like to add a hint of dried herbs into this sausage soup for an earthy note, as well as a good pinch or two of black pepper, even some white pepper too. These ingredients offer lots of savoriness, and a little kick of spice.
Then, adding in a couple cans of good quality, organic navy beans towards the end of the simmering process, as well as some green, leafy kale, helps to create some body and offer more texture to the soup, plus added protein and fiber.
Here's a sneak peek at my sausage soup recipe: (or just jump to the full recipe...)
- To get started, I sear my slices of beef smoked sausage in a large soup pot until caramelized, then remove them and set aside.
- Next, I add my aromatics to the pot to saute for a few minutes, followed by my diced potatoes. I add the sausage back into the pot, as well as the broth, and allow the soup to simmer just until the potatoes are tender, about 22-24 minutes.
- I add the white beans in during the final 10 minutes of the simmering, and once finished, I add the chopped kale in to wilt into the soup. I finish with some fresh parsley and a teeny squeeze of lemon to help cut the richness.
Recipe
Sausage Soup
by Ingrid Beer
Category: Soup
Cuisine: American
Yield: Serves 6
Nutrition Info: 518 calories per serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) package of beef smoked sausage, sliced into bite-size circles
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch or two black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about ½” cubes)
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans organic navy beans, drained and rinsed well
- 2 cups roughly chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Tiny squeeze of lemon (about ½ teaspoon)
- Begin by gathering and prepping all of your ingredients according to the ingredients list above to have organized and ready for use.
- To prepare the soup, place a large soup pot over medium-high heat, and once hot, add in the slices of beef smoked sausage (you won't need added oil, as the sausage will release its own fat). Sear the slices for a few minutes until fairly browned, flipping them as needed.
- Next, add the diced onion to the pot, along with the Italian seasoning, a couple of good pinches of black pepper and the white pepper, and saute with the sausage until softened and golden; then, stir in the garlic and saute just until fragrant.
- Add in the diced potatoes and stir to combine, followed by the chicken stock (or broth). Cover the pot with the lid askew, and allow the soup to simmer, gently, for about 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, add in the navy beans, stir to combine, and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes more, or just until the diced potatoes are tender.
- Turn the soup off and stir in the roughly chopped kale, allowing it to wilt into the hot soup; add in the parsley as well, plus the tiny squeeze of lemon to add a ever-so-slight “bright” note.
- Ladle the sausage soup into bowls and serve with bread, if desired.
Tips & Tidbits for my Sausage Soup:
- Beef smoked sausage, or your favorite kind: While I love the smoky, beefy flavor of beef sausage in this soup, feel free to use your favorite kind! Chicken or turkey sausage is terrific, as is andouille. Basically, whatever sausage you have on hand that's nice and savory, perhaps even smoky, will work for this recipe.
- Russet potatoes for added, natural starch: Diced russet potatoes are a favorite of mine to use specifically in hearty soups such as this. As they simmer and slightly break down, they release a bit of natural starchiness which adds some body to this soup. But if you have red or yellow waxy potatoes, feel free to use those instead—they're just as tasty!
- Chicken or beef for the stock: I happen to use chicken stock (or broth) in this recipe, but feel free to substitute beef stock for richer, beefier flavor. You could also sub veggie stock if that is what you have on hand.
- Navy beans for creaminess: Nothing beats delicate little navy beans in a soup like this, as they keep their shape but have a tender texture. If you can't find navy beans, then substitute great northern beans, or even cannellini beans in a pinch.
Craving more delicious recipes with sausage? Check out this Smoked Sausage and Red Rice Skillet, this Oktoberfest Stew, this Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage, or this Chicken Sausage Pasta!
Clayton Narron
We just finished this soup and everyone loved it!!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Clayton, thanks so much for sharing your experience with me! Thrilled you all enjoyed the soup and were made comfy-cozy by it.
May you find many more recipes on the site, soup and otherwise, to warm your bellies and enjoy! 🙂
Anne Blackburn
I tried this soup today and hubby and I loved it!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Anne, thanks for your comment! Thrilled that both you and your hubby enjoyed the soup.
Jessica Ann Morris
Delicious! I added shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, and zucchini. Definitely a good recipe and I just ran it back through the garden to get some extra veggies in there.
Also added Old Bay Seasoning.
The Cozy Apron
Jessica, what a fantastic way to make this cozy soup your own, loaded up with your home-grown garden veggies! 🙂
So happy to read you enjoyed the cozy and comforting result. Happy cooking to you!
Melissa
Ingrid, this is just the loveliest, coziest soup--so simple, but oh so flavorful! Due to the weather and being unable to go to the grocery, I had to substitute cannellini beans for the navy beans and spinach for the kale, but otherwise, I didn't change a thing. Just delicious. Love, Melissa
The Cozy Apron
Oh, I'm so happy you enjoyed this one, Melissa! That's fantastic, and your tweaks are perfect.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this one, and here's to your continued fun in the kitchen, precious lady!
Susie
Can this be made in a slow cooker.?
The Cozy Apron
Hi Susie, I don't see why not! 🙂
Cindy
I just made this tonight, was not cold here but rainy so I thought it would be perfect. I used spinach as that is what I had and my husband and I both absolutely loved this. Going on my recipe rotation for sure, especially with winter coming here in MI it will be perfect. My husband even mentioned that I should make a full batch and freeze it, since I cut the recipe in half for just the two of us. It would be great to have on hand when it gets really cold.
The Cozy Apron
Cindy, thanks for sharing! Thrilled to read you and your husband enjoyed the soup. It's a terrific and hearty recipe any time of year, but it'll especially keep you warm and cozy when the cold winter comes in MI!
Happy cooking to you!
Irma Sanchez
What kind of parsley? Flat or curly
The Cozy Apron
Hi Irma, you can use either, but I prefer flat leaf. 🙂
K. Barr
Made this last night and it was a HIT! Delicious! Thank you!
The Cozy Apron
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing your experience, so happy you enjoyed!
Annessa Hamilton
I am planning on making this recipe this week! I am so excited to try it! How long would you say it would take it to cook in the crock pot? Any suggestions for slow cooking this soup?
The Cozy Apron
Hi Annessa, happy to read you're planning on preparing this tasty and cozy soup soon!
While I don't own a crock pot and am no expert on the method, I can give you a couple of tips which should help: start by searing/browning the sausage, which will give it more flavor. Then, add the rest of the ingredient to your crock pot, and either cook it on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or high heat for 3 to 4 hours. (It will depend on what time frame works best for your needs.)
I hope that helps, and gives you an idea of how to approach. Happy cooking to you Annessa!
Kara Savoian
This was so hearty and tasty!! My whole family loved it so it’s a keeper in my book! Thank you for the yumminess!!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Kara, fantastic! Thrilled you all enjoyed! 🙂
Jeanne
I have some defrosted italian sausage. Can I do a combo of both smoked and italian sausage?
The Cozy Apron
Jeanne, absolutely! It'll make for an interesting a tasty little addition.
Debbie Allison
We love thus soup. I added sweet organic carrots and because this soup seems so versatile I might add some frozen summer corn next time. Thanks for the recipe.
The Cozy Apron
Fantastic, Debbie! Thrilled to read you all enjoyed...and yes, I think you can easily add whatever sounds good to you, it is a versatile soup, indeed!
Lisa
I just made the sausage soup and love it. Does it freeze well? It would be perfect to take out on short notice.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Lisa, the soup should be perfectly fine to freeze. When ready to enjoy again, allow to thaw in fridge for a day or so, then reheat in a pot as needed. 🙂
Dimple Austin
Making this right now, I may add a bit of heavy cream like with the Zuppa Tuscana soup.
Mon
This recipe was phenomenal, thank you! I know I’ll be cooking this a lot this fall and winter. The only beans I had were kidney so that’s what I used, and it turned out fine! Looking forward to doing navy next time though. I put plenty of lemon juice in and I think next time I may do a splash of chili oil or red pepper flakes to add some additional warmth.
My Whole Foods prepacked Italian sausage’s flavor soaked into the broth wonderfully but unfortunately the sausage slices themselves became a bit bland because of that. Next time I’ll try a different brand of sausage maybe.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Mon, thanks so much for sharing how the recipe turned out for you! So happy to read you enjoyed it, and I think your additions will be mighty tasty, especially if you can find a sausage brand that's a bit more flavorful next time around.
Happy cooking to you!
Teri
I’m making this soup a day ahead. Is that recommended by you? Thank you!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Teri, absolutely! Feel free to prep this (or frankly any other) soup up to 2 to 3 days ahead, as the flavor only deepens as it sits for a couple of days.
Hope you enjoy!
cynthia Andrews
Wonderful soup! Love the use of potatoes and beans in a soup. Thank you! Cindy
The Cozy Apron
Thanks for commenting, Cynthia! Happy to read you enjoyed the soup so much. 🙂
Anjel
I've been scrolling trying to find the perfect soup for a busy fall day. I had all of the ingredients for this I gave it a shot. Not only was it easy and soooo delicious, but it was comforting and easy on my sensitive stomach. The lemon was truly the unsung hero- brilliant idea to add that at the end. I will definitely be making more. This is just a perfect fall soup! Thanks so much for sharing!
The Cozy Apron
Anjel, I'm so happy to read your comment. Thrilled you enjoyed the soup!
Perfect when you already have all the ingredients, which saves so much time. And I'm thrilled you even liked that little squeeze of lemon at the end, to create balance and cut some of the richness.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me, and may you enjoy this cozy, perfect-for-cold weather recipe for a long time to come! 🙂
Sarah
I’ve made this soup a few times and it’s DELICIOUS every time. I make it completely vegan by simply using plant based sausage and vegetable broth! Love it so much!
The Cozy Apron
Sarah, that is fantastic! Very creative substitutions, and I thank you for sharing your vegan version here for others to have the info. Happy cooking to you!
Lori
My coworker made this for us all and it was FANTASTIC!!!!!! I loved it. I am going to make it for my clan, do you think using the Spicy Sausage will be too much? Hubby likes a little kick. Awesome recipe.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Lori, I am so touched a co-worker made this soup and shared it! Nothing makes me happier. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed it so much, and I think the spicy sausage will be perfectly fine here. You can really use any you like here, but I think a terrific option would be to use andouille sausage (you can slice this type as you would the smoked sausage), which has a really nice kick!
Happy cooking, and I hope you all enjoy!
Kelli
Years ago I made an identical soup. I had just discovered turmeric and put a lot in, probably a tablespoon. My husband said it was the best soup he ever had. It was amazing. Wish I remembered other seasonings I used. I absolutely plan to make this soon!!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Kelli, I think you and your husband will very much enjoy this version! 🙂
Sherry
My husband and I loved your soup...the only thing I did different was I added basil along with the Italian seasoning...I used ground mild Italian sausage...
The Cozy Apron
So happy to read that, Sherry! 🙂
Heidi Lynn Borden
I love soup! This recipe is hearty and delicious! So glad I found your page! Thank you!
The Cozy Apron
Thanks so much, Heidi! So happy you enjoyed it, and I do hope you find many other tasty soups and other morsels to enjoy from the site. 😉
Happy cooking to you!
Austin
It’s 2024 and this soup still slaps! I never imagined putting kale into my diet, but here we are. Perfect for a Lord of the Rings marathon!
The Cozy Apron
Hey Austin, I love your comment! I'm honored to have a small part in getting kale into you diet when you never imagined that, and having you actually enjoy it...well, I can't think of a better compliment. 😉 So glad to read that you like the soup!
Please enjoy your Lord of the Rings marathon...talk about the epitome of a cozy experience, with the soup and these awesome movies. Thanks so much for sharing with me!
Rose Morris
Made this for my family and it turned out great! I added tortellini to make it stretch a little further for my family of 5. Also, next time I would probably add one or two more potatoes. Just my preference, though!
The Cozy Apron
Fantastic, Rose! Thrilled your family enjoyed the soup, and yes, adding a few bells and whistles of your own is a great idea, especially if you'd like to stretch the quantity. (You could always do 1 and a half times the recipe, for a larger pot of soup.) Thanks for commenting, and happy cooking to you! (P.S. and if you enjoy tortellini, you may want to check out my Sausage Tortellini soup as well!)