Sausage Soup
Sausage Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish featuring savory cooked sausage, tender vegetables, and rich tomato flavors. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines smoky, tangy, and herbal notes, making it suitable for those craving a satisfying and wholesome soup on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large pot until fully cooked.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, potatoes, carrots, and chopped celery to the pot.
- Add the bouillon cubes, water, bay leaf, thyme, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the kidney beans and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of pan sausage. You can also incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or green beans based on your preference. If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the garlic salt, as sausage can be salty. This recipe is flexible, allowing for various ingredient substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sausage soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Elephant Stew, Texas Style for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or shredded cheese for extra flavor. This soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or a family dinner, providing warmth and satisfaction.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Soup contains roughly 542 calories, with 13g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% 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 use a different type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to substitute with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. The flavors will vary slightly, but the soup will still be delicious. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for heartiness. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors.
What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If the soup turns out too salty, you can add more water or broth to dilute the saltiness. Adding a few slices of raw potatoes can also help absorb some salt—just remove them before serving. Adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid this issue in the future.
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).