Hearty sausage soup potatoes has been my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal on those evenings when I just want something delicious and comforting without a fuss. I remember making this for the first time on a blustery autumn night; the aroma of sausage, herbs, and simmering broth filled my kitchen, signaling a truly wonderful, easy soup recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food, warming me from the inside out. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Soup
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
- It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the savory sausage and aromatic spices.
- The combination of tender potatoes and hearty beans makes it super satisfying.
- This potato soup is a fantastic way to sneak in some greens with the kale.
- It’s a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
- The cozy, comforting nature makes it ideal for chilly evenings.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite sausage or vegetables.
- This is a truly nourishing and wholesome dish.
Ingredients for Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious bowl of soup. This recipe is packed with flavor and goodness, making it a standout kale soup.
- 1 pound sausage (Italian, turkey, or your choice) – Use your favorite for the best flavor base.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – This forms the savory liquid foundation.
- 2 large potatoes, diced – Russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully for their creamy texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Adds protein and a hearty texture.
- 1 cup fresh kale, chopped – For a boost of nutrients and a lovely green color.
- 1 onion, diced – Provides a sweet aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that classic savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy, slightly minty note.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To perfectly season your soup.
- Olive oil for cooking – Just a touch to get things started.
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving – A delicious finishing touch.
How to Make Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with your spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and smells amazing, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Once the sausage has rendered its delicious fat and is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics until the onion turns soft and translucent, usually around 3-4 minutes. You’ll start to smell that wonderful savory blend.
- Step 3: Now, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together well, letting the potatoes soak up some of that flavorful sausage drippings. This is a crucial step for building depth in your soup.
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Make sure all the ingredients are submerged. Bring this hearty mixture to a rolling boil, letting the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix. Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings now – you can always add more later, but it’s best to get the base right.
- Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and the chopped kale. Let this comforting bean soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious bean soup.

- Step 7: After simmering, give the soup one last taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or any other seasonings as needed. If it needs a little more kick, now’s the time to add it.
- Step 8: Ladle the piping hot Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes into bowls. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this wonderful bean soup!
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Soup
Elevate your soup game with these simple tricks for an even more delicious result!
- Brown the sausage well – don’t rush this step! The browned bits left in the pot are pure flavor gold.
- Use good quality broth. It makes a huge difference in the overall taste of your soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process, especially before serving.
- Don’t overcook the kale; add it in the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to keep it vibrant and tender.
What’s the secret to perfect Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes?
The secret is building layers of flavor. Browning the sausage well and sautéing the aromatics before adding liquid creates a deep, savory base. This also makes it a fantastic meal prep soup!
Can I make Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep. For more information on food safety and storage, you can refer to resources from the FoodSafety.gov website.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes?
Don’t overcook the potatoes until they’re mushy. Also, avoid adding too much liquid initially; you can always add more broth if needed. Lastly, ensure you thoroughly brown the sausage for maximum flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes
This soup is a star on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience!
- Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last delicious drop of broth.
- Top your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of creamy, savory goodness.
- Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad beautifully complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Nutrition Facts for Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving of this comforting soup:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of sausage and broth.
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Soup
This hearty sausage soup is fantastic for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious bowl any time. Once it has cooled slightly, transfer the soup to airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your meal prep soup will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a little headspace in your freezer-safe containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating is simple! For refrigerated soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, proceed with stovetop or microwave reheating as you would with refrigerated leftovers. Enjoy this versatile meal prep soup!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes
Can I use different types of sausage in this soup?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage offers a classic flavor, feel free to experiment. Spicy chorizo adds a delightful kick, while a milder turkey sausage can make this an even healthier option. Any flavorful sausage will work wonderfully in this easy soup recipe.
What can I substitute for kale in this soup?
If kale isn’t your favorite, spinach is a fantastic substitute. It wilts down quickly and adds a similar nutritional boost. You could also try Swiss chard or even a handful of chopped collard greens for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Is it really an easy soup recipe to make?
Yes, it truly is! The steps are straightforward, and most of the cooking time is hands-off simmering. Browning the sausage and sautéing the aromatics are the only “active” parts. The rest is just letting it bubble away. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a simple, satisfying meal.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
You sure can! Swap the sausage for a plant-based Italian-style sausage or add extra beans and lentils for heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the optional Parmesan cheese for a vegan version. It remains a delicious and hearty meal!
Variations of Sausage Soup You Can Try
This Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ideas to switch things up and explore different flavors.
- Spicy Sausage & Black Bean Soup: Use hot Italian sausage and add a can of drained black beans along with the kidney beans. A pinch of cayenne pepper can amplify the heat for a truly zesty experience.
- Smoked Sausage & Potato Chowder: Swap the raw sausage for pre-cooked smoked sausage, sliced. Thicken the soup slightly with a cornstarch slurry or a roux for a richer, chowder-like consistency. This variation highlights the potato aspect beautifully.
- Lemon Herb Sausage & White Bean Soup: Opt for chicken or turkey sausage and use cannellini beans instead of kidney beans. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a brighter flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Sausage & Vegetable Soup: Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the broth and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans and kale during the last hour. This is a fantastic hands-off way to make this comforting potato soup.


Amazing Hearty Sausage Soup Potatoes 1-Pot Meal
- Total Time: 45-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty sausage soup with potatoes, beans, and kale is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients and comes together in about an hour, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (Italian, turkey, or your choice)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes to the sausage mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the potatoes to absorb some of the flavors.
- Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring all ingredients are well submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking as the soup simmers.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low once boiling. Stir in the kidney beans and chopped kale. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preferences.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
- To make this soup vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Add extra beans or lentils for heartiness.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: N/A
