Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
A hearty and comforting Italian sausage soup made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you'll have a deliciously hearty soup ready to enjoy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that warm your soul
- Simple preparation with minimal cleanup
- A comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for chilly days
A Hearty Meal in a Bowl
This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is the epitome of comfort food, bringing warm and rich flavors right to your table. As the ingredients meld together over hours of slow cooking, the result is a deeply satisfying soup that warms both your body and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a dish that the whole family will love.
The combination of savory Italian sausage with fresh vegetables creates a delightful balance. The carrots and celery add a sweet crunch, while the spinach brings a burst of color and nutrients. Each spoonful offers a hearty mix that fills you up and satisfies your cravings.
Easy Preparation and Minimal Cleanup
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. There’s no need for complicated steps or multiple pots and pans, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious meal, cleanup is a breeze. Most of the ingredients go straight into the slow cooker, which means fewer dishes to wash. This convenience allows you to focus more on enjoying your time with family and friends rather than stressing over the kitchen.
Customizable and Versatile
This Italian sausage soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can swap the cannellini beans for another type of bean or add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes. This recipe is not just a hearty meal; it’s an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen while still enjoying a comforting classic.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious soup:
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Once you have all the ingredients prepared, it's time to move on to the cooking steps.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup:
Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Combine Ingredients
Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Add Spinach and Beans
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach and cannellini beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Once done, serve the soup hot with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch of flavor, consider serving your Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a creamy, salty element that complements the soup beautifully. You can also pair the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, making it a complete meal.
A fresh green salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup. Consider a simple vinaigrette to lighten the meal and add a touch of brightness.
Storage Tips
This soup stores wonderfully and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions. This way, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great lean alternative and will still add great flavor.
→ Is it necessary to brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the sausage adds more flavor, but it's not strictly necessary.
→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and substitute the sausage with a meat alternative or simply add more beans and vegetables.
→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It will last about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
A hearty and comforting Italian sausage soup made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
How-To Steps
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach and cannellini beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 18g