Hearty Sausage Soup with Potatoes, Beans, and Kale: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

When the weather turns cold and you’re craving something that will warm you from the inside out, nothing beats a bowl of hearty sausage soup. This incredible recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, creamy cannellini beans, and nutritious kale in a rich, flavorful broth that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep option for busy weeks ahead, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.

This hearty sausage soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. The Italian sausage provides robust flavor and protein, while the potatoes add heartiness and substance. Cannellini beans contribute additional protein and fiber, making this soup incredibly filling and satisfying. The kale adds a pop of color and essential vitamins, transforming what could be a heavy dish into something that’s both comforting and nutritious.

What makes this soup truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy with your loved ones. The ingredients are simple and affordable, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, complex taste that rivals any restaurant soup.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Prefer spicy food? Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Want to add more vegetables? Throw in some diced carrots or celery. Need a lighter version? Use turkey sausage instead of pork. The base recipe is forgiving and welcomes experimentation.

This soup also freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can double the batch and freeze portions for later, ensuring you always have a homemade meal ready when time is tight. The flavors actually improve after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious than the original serving.

The combination of textures in this soup is particularly satisfying. The tender chunks of potato provide substance, while the creamy beans add richness. The wilted kale offers a slight bite and freshness that balances the heartiness of the other ingredients. The sausage adds both flavor and a satisfying chewiness that makes each spoonful interesting and filling.

Nutritionally, this soup is a powerhouse. It’s packed with protein from the sausage and beans, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and essential vitamins and minerals from the kale. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that will keep you satisfied for hours. The fiber content is substantial, promoting healthy digestion and helping you feel full longer.

From a flavor perspective, this soup hits all the right notes. The Italian sausage provides a savory, slightly spiced base, while the aromatics like onion and garlic add depth. The tomatoes contribute acidity and sweetness, while the herbs bring freshness and complexity. The chicken broth ties everything together, creating a cohesive and delicious whole.

The cooking process is straightforward but yields restaurant-quality results. Browning the sausage first creates a flavorful fond in the pot, which becomes the foundation for the entire soup. Sautéing the aromatics releases their essential oils and builds layers of flavor. Adding the liquid ingredients and allowing everything to simmer together creates a harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

This recipe serves six to eight people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, encouraging conversation and connection over a shared meal. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager to taste what’s cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups fresh kale, chopped and stems removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for cooking.

2. Add sliced Italian sausage to the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.

3. Remove sausage from pot and set aside on a plate, leaving the rendered fat and browned bits in the pot for flavor.

4. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.

5. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

6. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add cubed potatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.

7. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, then add oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

8. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

9. Add drained cannellini beans and continue simmering for 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.

10. Stir in chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright green but still tender.

11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired for perfect flavor balance.

12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot with crusty bread if desired.

Hearty Sausage Soup with Potatoes, Beans, and Kale

A comforting one-pot soup featuring Italian sausage, tender potatoes, cannellini beans, and fresh kale in a rich, savory broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 medium potatoes cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups fresh kale chopped, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and black pepper to taste
• red pepper flakes optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for cooking.
2. Add sliced Italian sausage to the hot oil and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
3. Remove sausage from pot and set aside on a plate, leaving the rendered fat and browned bits in the pot for flavor.
4. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
5. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add cubed potatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, then add oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
9. Add drained cannellini beans and continue simmering for 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
10. Stir in chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright green but still tender.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired for perfect flavor balance.
12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot with crusty bread if desired.

Notes

This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of pork.

This hearty sausage soup represents the pinnacle of comfort food cooking. It’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul, providing warmth, satisfaction, and incredible flavor in every single spoonful. The recipe is foolproof enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks looking for a reliable, delicious meal.