Turkey Sausage Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring smoked turkey sausage, vegetables, and rice, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 c water ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 3 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 head cabbage, chunked ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp uncooked rice
- 8 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 15 oz can red beans ⓘ
- 28 oz can tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown the chopped onion in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add smoked turkey sausage, water, chicken bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, carrots, celery, cabbage, rice, tomato sauce, red beans, and tomatoes.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or using a mix of beans instead of just red beans. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the turkey sausage for chicken sausage or a vegetarian alternative for a different flavor profile. Ensure to taste and adjust seasonings, especially the salt, as bouillon cubes can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey sausage soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving it alongside 'Mom's Ham-Bean Chowder' for a comforting soup night. A dollop of sour cream can also add a nice creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Sausage Soup contains roughly 547 calories, with 10g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (173% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1998mg per serving (87% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the onion and turkey sausage first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the smoked turkey sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon cubes, and consider adding additional vegetables or legumes for protein, such as lentils or chickpeas.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more liquid to reach your desired consistency. You can use additional water, broth, or even a splash of tomato juice. Be sure to adjust the seasoning as necessary after adding more liquid.
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).