Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
Highlighted under: World Cuisine
Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting dish that combines savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans in a rich broth. Perfect for busy weekdays, simply set it and forget it!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that warm the soul
- Easy to prepare and cooks while you go about your day
- Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner
- Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein
The Comfort of a Hearty Soup
There's something truly comforting about a bowl of warm soup, especially on a chilly evening. This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup combines savory flavors and nourishing ingredients, making it a go-to dish for families looking to warm up after a long day. The rich aroma fills your home as it simmers, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages everyone to gather around the table.
Packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans, each spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. The soup not only fills your stomach but also warms your soul, providing a sense of comfort that only a homemade dish can offer. With every bite, you'll appreciate the care and love that goes into preparing this delightful meal.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the biggest advantages of this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is its meal prep potential. You can prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week, allowing for easy lunches and dinners without the hassle of daily cooking. Simply portion out the soup into airtight containers, and you have ready-to-eat meals that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Moreover, the flavors deepen and improve as the soup sits, making it even more delicious when reheated. Just a quick warm-up on the stove or in the microwave, and you have a satisfying meal that feels freshly made. This recipe not only saves you time but also ensures you have a healthy, delicious option at your fingertips.
Customizable and Versatile
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. While the recipe calls for specific vegetables and beans, you can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale to boost the nutritional profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage.
This adaptability makes the soup a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you're using up leftover vegetables or experimenting with new flavors, you can make this recipe uniquely yours. Plus, it's a great way to introduce kids to new ingredients and flavors while still keeping the comforting essence of the dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Optional Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Combine Ingredients
In the slow cooker, add the browned sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Add Spinach
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
Serve
Serve hot with optional garnishes like grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Enjoy your deliciously comforting soup!
Storing and Reheating
To store your Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider portioning the soup into single-serving containers for quick meals later on. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Sausage Soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some delightful serving suggestions. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the savory soup perfectly. Fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that brightens each bite.
For a complete meal, consider serving the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad can also balance the meal, adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or any veggies you like.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the sausage and broth are gluten-free, this soup is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup, perfect for chilly evenings.
Created by: Lara
Recipe Type: World Cuisine
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How-To Steps
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
In the slow cooker, add the browned sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
Serve hot with optional garnishes like grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g