Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup
Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup is a recipe that brings back fond memories of cozy winter evenings. I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something warm and comforting. The combination of beans and sausage sounded perfect. As I gathered the ingredients, the colorful array of vegetables and the fragrant basil pesto made me eager to start cooking. Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup quickly became a family favorite, filling our home with its rich aroma and hearty flavors.
The Perfect Winter Warmer
Making Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup is incredibly simple, and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much. I began by chopping carrots and onions, and mincing garlic, all while the slow cooker was heating up. Adding the basil pesto and red pepper flakes to the broth gave the soup a delightful kick. The slow cooker did most of the work, allowing me to relax and enjoy the day. The Italian sausage added a savory depth, while the Great Northern beans provided a creamy texture that made each spoonful satisfying. Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup is truly a meal that warms you from the inside out.
Bringing it All Together
The magic really happens when the kale and lemon zest are added. They bring a fresh, vibrant twist to the Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup. As the soup simmered, the kitchen was filled with a wonderful medley of aromas. I couldn’t wait to ladle it into bowls and see my family’s reaction. The addition of Parmesan cheese on top was the perfect finishing touch, adding a hint of umami that complemented the flavors beautifully. Every bite of the Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup was a comforting reminder of why homemade meals are so special.
A Recipe to Remember
Sharing the Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup recipe with friends and family has been a joy. Everyone appreciates how easy it is to make, yet how rich and complex the flavors are. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy gathering, this soup has a way of bringing people together. The hearty beans, savory sausage, and fresh greens create a balanced, nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, just as it has in mine. Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a bowl of warmth, love, and memories.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup
- Ingredient Prep: To save time, prep all your vegetables and ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.
- Flavor Enhancement: Sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker for a richer flavor.
- Consistency Control: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Herb Substitutions: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Texture Tip: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup before adding the sausage and kale.
- Serving Suggestion: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a gourmet touch.
Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup
4
servings15
minutes4
hours350
kcal4
hours15
minutesDive into a bowl of Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup, a comforting dish bursting with flavor! This easy-to-make soup combines tender beans, savory sausage, and vibrant kale, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Perfect for busy days, this soup will warm you up and leave you satisfied. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
- Vegetables
2 medium carrots diced
1 medium yellow onion chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
- Flavorings
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Broth
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Beans
2 cans Great Northern beans rinsed and drained
- Protein
1 pound mild Italian sausage casings removed
- Greens
1 bunch kale stems removed and roughly chopped
- Citrus
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
- Alternative Ingredients:
Beans: Substitute with navy beans or chickpeas.
Sausage: Use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Kale: Replace with spinach or Swiss chard.
Pesto: Use homemade pesto or a nut-free version if needed.
Directions
- Prep Vegetables – Dice the carrots and chop the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Combine Ingredients – In a large slow cooker, add the chopped vegetables along with the basil pesto, crushed red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Initial Cooking – Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Add Sausage – Remove the lid and add the Italian sausage by breaking it into small bite-sized pieces directly into the slow cooker.
- Incorporate Greens and Beans – Stir in the chopped kale and the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans. Add the lemon juice and zest.
- Final Cooking – Cover again and cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and the soup is hot.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Slow Cooker
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin A: 120IU
- Vitamin C: 80mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 20mg
FAQs- Hearty Slow Cooker Bean and Sausage Soup
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they need to be soaked overnight and pre-cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 1-2 hours.
What can I use if I don’t have basil pesto?
You can substitute basil pesto with a homemade pesto or even a mixture of chopped fresh basil, garlic, and a bit of olive oil.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
