Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup 🍲✨

This Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. The smoky richness of the sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy white beans and fresh vegetables in a seasoned broth. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (like cannellini or great northern beans), rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Hearty: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a filling meal.
Packed with Flavor: Smoky sausage, savory herbs, and tender beans create a comforting and robust soup.
Simple and Quick: Made with pantry staples and ready in just about an hour.
Versatile: Add extra veggies or swap the sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to customize.

How to Make Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Build the Soup Base

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), white beans, dried thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaves, and the cooked sausage back into the pot.
Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Side Salad: A simple green salad balances the richness of the soup.
Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop to make the soup even heartier.

Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup

Choose Quality Sausage: A good smoked sausage will elevate the soup’s flavor significantly.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon for extra flavor.
Experiment with Beans: Great northern beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans all work wonderfully.
Add Greens: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that’s as flavorful as it is simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup will quickly become a favorite.

Let me know how yours turns out and if you add any creative twists—happy cooking! 🍲✨