If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy comfort food, this Sausage Soup is about to become your new favorite. Brimming with savory Italian sausage, hearty beans, tender veggies, and nourishing greens, this pot of goodness promises a satisfying meal in just about 40 minutes. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly night, feeding a hungry family, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this soup comes loaded with flavor in every spoonful. Get ready to fall in love with how effortless and delicious Sausage Soup can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Soup comes together with a simple lineup, yet each ingredient is absolutely essential—lending vibrant color, bold taste, and plenty of texture to every bite. Together, they create a rich and satisfying one-pot dinner that never gets old.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, mild or spicy, casings removed): Brings a robust, savory flavor as the main event in every bite—choose spicy for extra kick!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Helps sauté the sausage and veggies; only needed if your sausage is on the lean side.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Delivers aromatic sweetness and depth right from the start.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a punch of savory fragrance that perks up the whole soup.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Add a subtle earthy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Brings crispness, freshness, and that classic soup flavor base.
- Diced tomatoes (1 14.5-oz can): Lends tangy acidity and body to the broth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms a savory base that ties all the flavors together.
- Water (1 cup): Lightens the broth just enough for perfect sipping consistency.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses the soup with classic Italian herbal notes.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of sweetness and depth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and brightening every flavor in the pot.
- White beans or cannellini beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed): Soak up the delicious broth and make every spoonful heartier.
- Chopped fresh spinach or kale (2 cups): Tucks in a healthy green touch and wilts beautifully into the bubbling pot.
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): A final flourish of salty, nutty richness—so worth it!
How to Make Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat—but only if your Italian sausage is on the lean side. Once hot, add your crumbled sausage (with casings removed) and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up, letting those flavorful little bits brown up for maximum savory punch. You want the sausage nicely browned, as this will layer in serious flavor for your Sausage Soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté everything together for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and the veggies begin to soften. As they cook, they’ll release delicious aromas that serve as a little preview of the magic to come.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), chicken broth, water, oregano, basil, plus a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Stir well, making sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot so all those savory sausage bits get incorporated. Bring your Sausage Soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes. This melds the flavors and thickens the broth to cozy perfection.
Step 4: Add Beans and Greens
Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans along with your chopped spinach or kale. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes, just until the greens are tender and the beans are nice and warm. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed—you’re the boss of your bowl!
Step 5: Serve It Up
Ladle your steaming Sausage Soup into bowls and top each one with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan, if you like. Grab a spoon and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Sausage Soup
Garnishes
Your Sausage Soup is already delicious as is, but the right garnish takes it to a new level. Shower each bowl with grated Parmesan for a nutty, salty finish, or toss on some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can amp up the richness or add a fiery kick—customize it to suit your mood!
Side Dishes
This soup is a star with thick slices of crusty bread, perfect for catching every last drop of broth. Want to take things further? Try it with a grilled cheese sandwich, a plate of garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad for a satisfying, well-rounded meal that complements the classic flavors of Sausage Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests with mini soup shooters for an appetizer, or serve Sausage Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for serious wow factor. For a casual family dinner, set up a toppings bar with fresh herbs, cheeses, and croutons so everyone can build their perfect bowl. Presentation can be simple or showy, but the taste always speaks for itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Soup keeps incredibly well—just cool it completely before popping it into an airtight container. Stash it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for an easy lunch or quick dinner, your soup will be waiting with open arms.
Freezing
If you made a big batch or want to save some for later, Sausage Soup freezes beautifully! Spoon the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you need a fast, comforting meal, just thaw, reheat, and enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, just warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered bowl—just give it a good stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, since the flavor can be a bit milder—feel free to bump up the herbs if you want extra punch in your Sausage Soup.
What’s the best way to make this Sausage Soup vegetarian?
It’s easy! Simply leave out the sausage and add extra beans or a plant-based sausage alternative. Switch the chicken broth for veggie broth, and you’ll still get a hearty, cozy bowl, perfect for meat-free nights.
Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Yes, you can add cooked pasta or rice if you want to make your Sausage Soup extra filling. Stir it in at the end, right before serving, so it doesn’t soak up too much broth or get mushy in leftovers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Sausage Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth. Double-check labels just to be sure, and you’re all set for a delicious, gluten-free meal.
How can I make the soup creamier?
For a creamy version, simply stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right at the end of cooking. This adds richness and a deliciously smooth texture without overpowering those classic flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soul-warming dinner that’s full of flavor and kindness, you can’t go wrong with Sausage Soup. Every ingredient comes together to create a meal that’s equal parts hearty, healthy, and utterly irresistible. Give it a try—you’ll be ladling out seconds before you know it!
Print
Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful sausage soup that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This soup is packed with Italian sausage, vegetables, beans, and greens, simmered in a savory broth. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans or cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, broth, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer.
- Finish Soup: Add beans and greens; simmer until heated through.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot with Parmesan.
Notes
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
