Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup

Name: Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup, packed with vegetables and spices for a comforting meal.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-01T19:26:43.598Z

This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is both filling and nutritious.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and savory flavors that bring comfort to any meal
Easy preparation with minimal clean-up thanks to the slow cooker
Packed with hearty vegetables for a wholesome experience

      

A Comforting Classic

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of slow cooking. This soup is a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or cozy weekends, delivering a warm embrace in every bite. The combination of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

What sets this soup apart is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, or add extra vegetables like zucchini or green beans, this recipe adapts beautifully without compromising its comforting essence.

Nutritious and Hearty

Packed with a variety of vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also a wholesome meal option. Each bowl offers a generous serving of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthily. The addition of spinach towards the end of the cooking process ensures that you get a vibrant green boost, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile of the dish.

Moreover, using a slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve in a quick-cooking recipe. This method ensures that even the simplest ingredients become extraordinary, offering a satisfying meal that your family will love.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the greatest advantages of this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is its meal prep-friendly nature. You can easily make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for several days. The flavors actually improve as the soup sits, making it an excellent candidate for leftovers. Just store it in the fridge or freeze portions for later use, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready to go.

Additionally, serving this soup with crusty bread or a side salad makes for a complete meal that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It's an ideal recipe for families, gatherings, or anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your soup:

Brown the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked through. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.

Add Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the slow cooker with the sausage.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Add Spinach

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.

Serve

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup!

Tips for Success

To maximize flavor, consider browning the sausage well before adding it to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. Don’t skip the sautéing of the vegetables either; this helps to release their natural sugars and flavors, making your soup even tastier.

If you're short on time, you can also use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixes. They are great time-savers and still provide the necessary nutrition and texture for the soup.

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch, serve your Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds a burst of fresh flavor. You can also offer a variety of toppings such as croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.

Pair this soup with a simple side salad or a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that is sure to please your family and guests alike.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in individual portions. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing.

When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ How can I make this soup spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the soup an extra kick.