Italian Sausage And Bean Soup
A hearty Italian sausage and bean soup combining savory sausage, tender vegetables, and beans for a comforting meal. Flavored with herbs and garlic, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, offering rich, warming flavors with a nutritious boost from almonds, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can white cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Cut sausage into 1/2-inch pieces and brown in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of fat. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until soft, but not browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped celery; cook until soft, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage, canned tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, thyme, basil, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in toasted almonds, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, you can add diced potatoes or carrots. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; consider using parsley or cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using canned tomatoes that may vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Sausage and Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Cacciatori for a comforting dinner spread. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor. Consider a side of Garden Linguine for a well-rounded Italian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage And Bean Soup contains roughly 327 calories, with 8g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it gently to maintain the texture of the beans and sausage.
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini or Great Northern beans are traditional, feel free to use kidney beans or black beans for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they are cooked through if using dried beans, or use canned beans to save time.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, easy meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).