Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and this Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup hits all the right notes. Hearty and packed with flavor, this soup is a one-pot wonder that blends savory Italian sausage, tender white beans, and vibrant spinach leaves in a perfectly seasoned broth. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a culinary hug and leaves you feeling completely satisfied.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this soup makes life easier. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner, yet comforting and cozy enough to serve on a relaxed weekend night. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and protein, making it a well-balanced choice for those who want something hearty and healthy without compromising on taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup

This soup checks all the boxes: easy to make, budget-friendly, nourishing, and bursting with savory depth. The combination of sausage and white beans creates a rich, satisfying base, while the spinach adds a pop of freshness and nutrients. It’s also highly customizable—you can spice it up, switch out the beans, or use turkey sausage for a leaner version. And let’s not forget—it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.

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What Kind of Sausage Works Best?

While Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) is the go-to for this recipe because of its flavor, you can easily use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian-friendly twist. The key is to pick one with bold seasoning to carry through the broth and complement the other ingredients. If using raw sausage links, remove the casing before browning for best results.

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Ingredients for the Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, turning a simple bowl of soup into something unforgettable.

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – This is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. The sausage brings rich, savory, and slightly spicy notes that define the entire soup.
• White beans (like cannellini or Great Northern) – Creamy, hearty, and protein-rich, these beans add body and texture to the soup.
• Fresh spinach – A nutritious leafy green that wilts beautifully into the soup, adding color and a slight earthy note.
• Carrots – These sweet, tender slices provide natural sweetness and contrast to the savory elements.
• Celery – Adds a classic aromatic crunch and blends perfectly with carrots in the soup base.
• Onion – A soup essential for building that rich, savory foundation.
• Garlic – Adds depth and aroma, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Diced tomatoes – Brings acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the sausage.
• Chicken broth – The liquid backbone of the soup, full of umami and helps tie everything together.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté the veggies and sausage, adding richness and flavor.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with warm, herby undertones.

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How To Make the Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the veggies are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Add the drained white beans. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Blend

Reduce heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the veggies to become tender.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish

Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

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Serving and Storing Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup

This Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup serves approximately 6 people, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or weekly meal prep. Serve it hot with a chunk of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and comforting meal.

To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

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What to Serve With Sausage, Bean, and Spinach Soup?

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread

Perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth, adding a satisfying crunch on the side.

Parmesan Roasted Vegetables

A warm side of seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower tossed with parmesan adds nutrition and flavor.

Simple Arugula Salad

Light and peppery, arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the hearty soup.

Baked Potatoes

Loaded or plain, baked potatoes are a filling and cozy partner to this dish.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Crispy, melty, and golden brown—grilled cheese makes any soup meal extra indulgent.

Cornbread Muffins

A slightly sweet and crumbly side that balances out the savory soup.

Pickled Vegetables

The tangy crunch of pickled onions or cucumbers adds a refreshing contrast.

White Wine or Sparkling Water

For a light pairing, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon works perfectly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the soup. It works great and saves time.

What’s the best way to make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the sausage for a plant-based version and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get a rich, hearty soup with great flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add spinach near the end.

What kind of beans can I substitute with?
You can use navy beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand. The texture and flavor will vary slightly but still taste delicious.

How do I thicken the soup?
Mash a few of the beans in the pot with a spoon or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. Both methods work well to create a thicker texture.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mild with the sausage? Add kale instead of spinach?

I love hearing your unique spins on these recipes. Share your tips, tricks, and tasty twists so we can all learn from each other.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and cozy seasonal meals on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new cold-weather favorites!

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