Sausage Bean Soup

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Warm, comforting, and packed with bold flavor, this Sausage Bean Soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Loaded with hearty beans, savory smoked sausage, and aromatic vegetables, every spoonful delivers a satisfying bite that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s one of those recipes that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this one-pot wonder has you covered. The combination of smoked sausage and tender beans creates a rich, well-balanced broth that deepens in flavor the longer it sits. Serve it with crusty bread or a side of rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both filling and fuss-free.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

This soup is incredibly flexible. You can use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille for a spicier kick. The smoky depth of these sausages gives the broth a meaty richness without needing hours of simmering. If you’re looking for something leaner, turkey sausage works beautifully too.

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Ingredients for the Sausage Bean Soup

Smoked Sausage – This is the star of the show. It adds savory, smoky flavor and protein to the soup.

Mixed Beans – A combination of white beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans brings a variety of textures and flavors. Canned beans make this recipe extra convenient.

Carrots – Add a natural sweetness and a pop of color.

Celery – Brings an earthy, herbal note and helps build the classic soup base.

Onion – A foundational aromatic that boosts the overall depth.

Garlic – Adds a pungent kick and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Chicken Broth – Forms the liquid base and ties all the ingredients together.

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and sausage, infusing them with added richness.

Fresh Parsley – For a bright, herbal garnish that lifts the dish.

Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

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How To Make the Sausage Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor and gives the sausage a nice sear.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the soup base.

Step 4: Add Beans and Broth

Stir in the mixed canned beans (drained and rinsed) and the remaining chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to fully tenderize. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle in chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and herbal freshness. Ladle into bowls and serve warm with bread or a scoop of cooked rice.

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Serving and Storing Your Sausage Bean Soup

This hearty soup is perfect served hot right off the stove with a side of crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or even over a bed of steamed rice. It makes a wonderful meal for lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad.

Leftovers? Even better. The flavors deepen overnight, making this soup even more delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them in advance. Using canned beans saves time and makes this a quick weeknight recipe.

What vegetables can I add to customize this soup?

Spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers are great add-ins. Just toss them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the sausage for a plant-based version and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I make it spicier?

Use andouille sausage or add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring the heat.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the sausage and veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

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Want More Soup Ideas to Keep You Cozy?

If you love this Sausage Bean Soup, here are more hearty and flavorful meals to try next:

• Flavorful Jailhouse Rice Recipe for a bold, comforting one-pot dish.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a slow-cooked meal full of flavor.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying.
• Louisiana Seafood Gumbo for a Southern-inspired stew that’s packed with seafood.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a cozy classic with nostalgic charm.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever you need a hearty soup fix.

And let me know in the comments how your batch turned out! Did you go smoky with andouille or keep it mild with kielbasa? Did you toss in extra veggies or keep it classic?

I love hearing your twists and tips—let’s make this soup even better together.

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