The Coziest Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Hearty soups packed with rich italian sausage bean soup deliver comfort on chilly evenings.

Robust flavors dance through every spoonful of this rustic classic.

Tender beans mingle with savory sausage, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Aromatic herbs and slow-simmered ingredients promise a deeply satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet delectable recipe.

Each bite offers warmth and nourishment that connects you to traditional Italian cooking.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of this soul-warming soup begin.

Hearty Sausage Bean Soup: Flavorful Reasons to Enjoy

• Boost Flavor Fast: Crispy sausage and bacon create an incredible depth of taste that makes this soup seriously delicious and packed with rich, meaty goodness.
• Quick One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making preparation super simple for busy home cooks.
• Nutritious Comfort Meal: Loaded with protein from meats and beans, plus vegetables like spinach and carrots, this soup delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner that feels both satisfying and nourishing.
• Family Dinner Champion: Kids and adults will love the hearty texture and comforting flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that works for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.

Everything for Sausage Bean Soup Success

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky and crispy element to enhance the overall taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that create a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture to the hearty soup.
• Spinach: Brings a fresh, green element and additional nutrients to the dish.

• Broth: Creates the liquid base and helps develop the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Beans: Adds protein, texture, and makes the soup more filling and substantial.

• Salt, Pepper, Additional Seasonings: Enhance and balance the flavors of the soup.

Directions for Hearty Sausage Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown Savory Proteins

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame.

Sizzle sausage and bacon until they develop a deep golden crust and become wonderfully crispy.

Transfer the meats to a plate, reserving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot with reserved fat, gently sweat diced onions until they turn translucent and soft.

Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its fragrant essence.

Step 3: Build Robust Soup Foundation

• Tender beans
• Rich chicken or vegetable broth
• Dried herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture, creating a creamy yet textured base that will make the soup luxuriously thick.

Step 4: Develop Deep Flavors

Return the crispy meats back to the pot.

Add chopped carrots for extra sweetness and nutrition.

Allow the soup to gently simmer, letting flavors meld and liquid reduce until it reaches a hearty consistency.

Step 5: Elevate With Fresh Greens

Fold fresh spinach leaves into the hot soup, watching them wilt and integrate seamlessly.

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve piping hot in deep bowls.

Smart Soup-Making Tips for Sausage and Beans

• Choose high-quality sausage like andouille or Italian for deeper flavor profiles and richer taste.
• Drain excess grease from meats to control soup's richness and prevent oiliness.
• Use immersion blender strategically to create creamy texture while keeping some beans whole for interesting consistency.
• Swap sausage and bacon with smoked paprika, mushrooms, and plant-based protein for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor.
• Adjust seasonings gradually, tasting between additions to ensure balanced and personalized heat intensity.

Mix It Up: Sausage Bean Soup Styles

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace sausage and bacon with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu. Use vegetable broth for added depth and maintain protein levels with extra beans.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients like broth and sausage are certified gluten-free. Double-check seasoning packets for hidden gluten components.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Select low-sodium broth, use fresh herbs instead of salt-heavy seasonings, and choose lean turkey sausage for reduced salt content.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap carrots with zucchini, add oregano and thyme, use white cannellini beans. Include crumbled feta cheese as a garnish for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Hearty Bean Soup

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve with crusty sourdough or warm cornbread to soak up the rich, hearty broth and add delightful texture.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for extra protein and creamy indulgence.
• Fresh Greens Pairing: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's deep, robust flavors.
• Warming Winter Meal: Enjoy this soup as a complete dinner by adding a glass of red wine and crusty bread for a comforting, satisfying cold-weather meal.

Proper Storage for Sausage Bean Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and taste even better the next day.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Keep portions separate when freezing for easier thawing and serving. Label containers with date to track freshness.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right sausage for this soup?

Select a flavorful smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille that adds rich taste. Avoid very spicy varieties unless you prefer intense heat.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace meat with smoked paprika and extra mushrooms to maintain deep flavor profile. Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage alternatives.

• What beans work best in this recipe?

Kidney beans, great northern beans, and cannellini beans are excellent choices. They hold shape well and absorb soup’s seasonings perfectly.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, it provides protein from sausage and beans, vitamins from vegetables like spinach and carrots, and complex carbohydrates. It offers a well-rounded meal with multiple food groups.

Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage bean soup delivers rustic comfort straight from Tuscany’s kitchens. Robust flavors of herbs, tender beans, and savory sausage create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 4 strips bacon

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 (14 ounces/400 grams) cans cannellini beans, drained
• 4 cups (0.95 liters) chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown sausage and bacon until crisp and golden, approximately 15 minutes. Transfer meats to a plate, retaining 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté diced onions in the reserved fat for 3-5 minutes until translucent, then quickly stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in white beans, chicken broth, and selected herbs and spices. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the mixture, creating a slightly thickened base with some whole beans remaining.
4. Reintroduce the crispy meats to the pot and add chopped carrots. Reduce heat and allow the soup to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors meld and liquid reduce slightly.
5. Fold fresh spinach leaves into the hot soup, stirring until they wilt and turn bright green. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

• Use lean sausage or turkey sausage for a healthier version of the soup, reducing overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt intake, especially for those watching their sodium levels.
• Consider adding quinoa or barley for extra protein and texture, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and slightly varied taste experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg