Sausage bean spinach soup has been my go-to comfort food for years. I remember the first time I made it, the aroma of savory Italian sausage and simmering vegetables filled my entire kitchen, promising a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s one of those wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful dishes that feels both rustic and elegant. This easy sausage bean spinach soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and the combination of tender beans, wilted spinach, and perfectly seasoned sausage is just divine. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Bean Spinach Soup
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a complete meal packed with flavor and goodness. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, savory broth, and fresh spinach is simply delicious.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the beans and spinach, it keeps you full.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this sausage bean spinach soup recipe on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a bonus, and this recipe uses just one pot.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables, this soup is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of greens and fiber.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences, whether you like it spicy or mild.
- Comforting: It’s the perfect bowl of warmth on a chilly day, a true crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Sausage Bean Spinach Soup Recipe: We’ve made it foolproof so anyone can achieve amazing results.
Ingredients for Sausage Bean Spinach Soup
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a truly delicious sausage and white bean spinach soup. The quality of your Italian sausage and white beans really makes a difference here!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage, bulk or casings removed – choose mild or hot based on your preference. This is the flavor backbone!
- 1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup, adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory aroma
- 2 medium carrots, chopped – about 1 cup, for a touch of sweetness and color
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – about 1 cup, adds a subtle fresh flavor
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – these bring moisture and a slight acidity
- 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained – cannellini beans offer a wonderfully creamy texture that complements the sausage
- 6 cups chicken broth – low-sodium is best so you can control the salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that enhances the sausage flavor
- Salt and black pepper to taste – season at the end for best results
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little heat if you like a spicy sausage bean spinach soup
- 5 ounces fresh spinach – a generous amount that wilts down beautifully
How to Make Sausage Bean Spinach Soup
Let’s get this amazing soup simmering! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, so you can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without a fuss. Follow these simple steps for an easy sausage bean spinach soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the sausage, leaving those flavorful drippings behind in the pot.
- Step 2: Toss in the 1 medium onion, chopped, 2 medium carrots, chopped, and 2 celery stalks, chopped. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll start to smell their sweet aroma filling your kitchen.
- Step 3: Stir in the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 4: Pour in the 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with their juice) and 6 cups chicken broth. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot, along with the 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans (rinsed and drained), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re making a spicy sausage bean spinach soup, now’s the time to add the 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Stir everything together well.
- Step 5: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly quick sausage bean spinach soup experience.
- Step 6: Finally, stir in the 5 ounces fresh spinach. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and bright green. This step adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your hearty sausage bean spinach soup.
- Step 7: Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve this delicious sausage bean spinach soup hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Bean Spinach Soup
Want to elevate your sausage bean soup with spinach? These tips will ensure a restaurant-worthy bowl every single time. They’re simple but make a big difference in the final flavor and texture.
- Always brown your Italian sausage well; those browned bits in the pot are pure gold for flavor.
- Don’t skip rinsing your beans! This removes excess starch and sodium, preventing a gummy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. Broth and sausage can be salty, so wait until everything is combined.
- For an even richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage for a deeper, more complex profile.
What’s the secret to perfect Sausage Bean Spinach Soup?
The real secret to a perfect hearty sausage bean spinach soup is browning the sausage really well and letting the flavors meld for at least 20 minutes after adding the broth and beans. This allows everything to become deeply savory. For more soup inspiration, check out these latest recipes.
Can I make Sausage Bean Spinach Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. Make it up to 2 days in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove. The flavors actually get better!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sausage Bean Spinach Soup?
Avoid overcooking the spinach; add it right at the end so it stays vibrant. Also, don’t add salt until the end, as the sausage and broth already contain sodium. Finally, ensure your sausage is fully cooked before adding other ingredients. For more tips on cooking vegetables, see this guide on steaming broccoli.
Best Ways to Serve Sausage Bean Spinach Soup
This delicious soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special. Imagine a steaming bowl of this sausage and white bean spinach soup, perfect for a cozy evening.
For a truly satisfying experience, I love serving it with a crusty baguette or some warm, crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also offers a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, a grilled cheese sandwich makes for an irresistible pairing with this comforting sausage bean soup with spinach. You might also enjoy these cheesy ritz crackers.
Variations of Sausage Bean Spinach Soup You Can Try
This sausage bean spinach soup is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Sausage Bean Spinach Soup: For those who love a kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Sausage Bean Spinach Soup: To achieve a richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 5 minutes of simmering. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving also works beautifully.
- Vegetarian Sausage Bean Spinach Soup: Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based Italian-style sausage crumble and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes for a fantastic vegetarian or vegan option.
- Smoked Sausage Bean Spinach Soup: If you have smoked sausage on hand, it adds a delightful smoky depth. Simply slice it and brown it with the vegetables, or add it directly to the broth with the beans.
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Bean Spinach Soup
This hearty soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal, and storing it properly ensures it stays delicious for days. Once your wonderful sausage bean soup with spinach has finished simmering, let it cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. For storage in the refrigerator, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For other comforting soup ideas, try this lasagna soup.
Sausage Bean Spinach Soup Calories and Nutrition Facts
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delicious sausage bean spinach soup. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice. For more healthy recipes, explore keto white chicken chili.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of sausage and broth. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult a registered dietitian or a reliable health resource like the National Nutrition Portal.
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Hearty Sausage Bean Spinach Soup in 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup is a flavorful, one-pot meal perfect for a comforting dinner. It features juicy Italian sausage, creamy white beans, tender vegetables, and vibrant spinach in a savory broth, ready in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, bulk or casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Add the cooked sausage, rinsed beans, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Cannellini beans are recommended for their creamy texture, but Great Northern or navy beans work well too.
- You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Spicy Italian sausage can be used for a hotter soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
