Lil'S Sausage Soup
A hearty sausage and vegetable soup with tender potatoes, carrots, and beans, topped with Romano cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a fork, and cook until no longer pink.
- Remove the cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot; cook until almost tender.
- Add chopped onion and cook for another minute or so.
- Return the sausage to the pot, then add chicken broth and diced potatoes; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add white kidney beans and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread and sprinkle Romano cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding additional vegetables like spinach or kale. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage can be used as a shortcut. For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Macaroni Supper Salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner. For added richness, sprinkle freshly grated Romano cheese on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered loosely, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lil'S Sausage Soup contains roughly 849 calories, with 29g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), and potassium (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg 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 freeze this sausage soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to enhance the heat. Adjust to your taste preference for the perfect balance.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you're looking for a substitute, vegetable broth works well to maintain depth of flavor, especially in a vegetarian version. You can also use homemade broth if you have it on hand, or even water in a pinch, though it will be less flavorful.
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).