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Cozy Slow Cooker Sausage Kale Soup: Easy One-Pot Meal

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This hearty slow cooker soup features savory Italian sausage, tender kale, and creamy cannellini beans in a rich broth. It’s an effortless one-pot meal perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large bunch kale (about 6 cups), stems removed and chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
  • Crusty bread for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (remove casings if using links). Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and vegetables start to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and cooked sausage to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), drained and rinsed cannellini beans, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until flavors have melded and vegetables are tender.
  5. Add the kale: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale. Let it cook until wilted and tender but still with some texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

For meal prep, add kale when reheating to keep it fresh. To make it creamy, mash half a cup of beans before adding or stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. If you prefer a thicker soup, use 5 cups of broth instead of 6 or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, sausage kale soup, one-pot meal, hearty soup, comfort food, winter soup, easy dinner

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-slow-cooker-sausage-kale-soup-easy-one-pot-meal/