If you’re craving a comforting, warm, and filling meal, this Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s packed with tender slices of smoky sausage, creamy navy beans, vibrant kale, and soft potatoes all simmered together in a fragrant broth that’s seasoned just right. This soup is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that come together in a way that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress your guests or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this soup is a breeze, and each component plays an important role in building the overall flavor and texture. From the smoky sausage providing a savory richness to the fresh kale adding a pop of green and nutrients, these basics combine into something truly satisfying and delicious.
- Beef smoked sausage (14 ounces): Sliced for that deep, smoky flavor which anchors the soup beautifully.
- Large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Russet potatoes, peeled and diced (3 small): Bring creamy texture and heartiness to each spoonful.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuse the soup with much-needed aromatic warmth.
- Chicken stock or broth (6 cups): The flavorful liquid base that everything simmers in, creating a rich soup.
- Organic navy beans, drained (2 cans, 15 ounces each): Provide protein and creaminess, making the soup even more filling.
- Fresh kale, roughly chopped (2 cups): Adds a beautiful color contrast and a nutritious boost.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in freshness and complexity.
- Black pepper and ground white pepper: For seasoning with a gentle spicy kick that won’t overpower.
How to Make Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat and searing the sliced beef smoked sausage until it turns a lovely golden brown. This step is key because browning your sausage not only intensifies its flavor but also releases those savory fats that will enrich the soup as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, add your diced onions along with the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper. Stir and cook them until the onions soften and become translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute longer until its delicious aroma fills your kitchen. This builds the savory foundation of the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Now, add your diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken stock or broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 12 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will cook through and start to release their starch, helping to thicken the soup naturally and create a wonderful body.
Step 4: Stir in the Navy Beans
After the potatoes have softened a bit, add in your drained navy beans. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes so the beans warm through and meld with the other flavors. This step enhances the creaminess and adds heartiness that makes the soup truly satisfying.
Step 5: Wilt the Kale
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the roughly chopped fresh kale. The residual warmth is enough to wilt the kale perfectly without overcooking it, preserving its vibrant green color and fresh taste. For a bright, finishing touch, add some chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end.
Step 6: Get Ready to Serve
Your Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy. Ladle it into bowls and prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients come together to create such a soul-satisfying dish.
How to Serve Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta on top for a rich, salty layer that complements the smoky sausage. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme add a fragrant, fresh finish. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can also increase creaminess and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread or warm garlic bread for dipping and soaking up every bit of the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the meal without overwhelming the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in bread bowls for a fun and cozy touch that adds an edible container. You can also top it with crispy fried shallots or bacon bits for extra texture. For a family-style meal, serve it in a large casserole dish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese melted on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe keeps really well in the refrigerator. Store the leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. You’ll find the flavors develop even more as the soup rests, making it taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes.
Reheating
When reheating from frozen or refrigerated, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even warming. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While beef smoked sausage brings a fantastic smoky flavor, you can swap it with kielbasa, chorizo, or even a chicken sausage to put your own twist on the soup. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock and check your sausage ingredients, this Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.
Can I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add more beans and hearty vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to keep it filling and flavorful.
How do I keep the kale from getting mushy?
Adding the kale at the very end of cooking and stirring it in off the heat ensures it wilts just enough to stay tender and vibrant without turning slimy or overly soft.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing flavor?
Gently reheat on the stovetop rather than microwaving to preserve the soup’s texture and flavor. If the soup seems too thick after cooling, adding a bit of broth helps restore its original consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a soup that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and utterly comforting, you simply must try this Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out and is perfect for sharing with family or savoring all by yourself. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it on your regular rotation, especially on those crisp days when comfort food is exactly what you need.
Print
Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring savory beef smoked sausage, tender potatoes, nutritious kale, and hearty navy beans, all simmered together in a rich chicken broth seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. This soup is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 (14 ounce) package beef smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh kale, roughly chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans organic navy beans, drained
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Ground white pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 lemon, for squeezing
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, sear the sliced beef smoked sausage until browned and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. This develops a rich flavor base for the soup.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and your preferred amount of Italian seasoning, black pepper, and white pepper to the pot. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Stock: Incorporate the peeled and diced russet potatoes into the pot. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken stock or broth, then cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for about 12 minutes, until the potatoes start to become tender.
- Simmer with Beans: Add the drained navy beans to the soup and continue simmering uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fully tender and flavors meld together.
- Add Kale and Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in the roughly chopped kale, allowing it to wilt gently in the residual heat. Finish the soup with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, accompanied by your choice of bread or optional toppings such as shredded cheese or extra fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add red chili flakes during the sautéing step.
- Swap beef smoked sausage for a turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to lower the sodium level.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
