Sausage and Potato Soup

Sausage and Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish loaded with wholesome vegetables, smoky sausage, and rich broth. This family-friendly recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep. With simple pantry staples and bold flavors, this soup delivers the perfect balance of savory, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this recipe is budget-friendly, easy to follow, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon salted butter
½ pound smoked sausage, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 rib celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 large potato, peeled and diced
3 cups chopped green cabbage
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon dried dill
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and sausage. Cook for about 4 minutes or until the onion softens.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beef broth, water, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and dried dill. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of water. Add this slurry to the soup along with the diced tomatoes. Simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken.
4. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Sausage and Potato Soup hot with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. For added richness, top each bowl with a spoonful of sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or sliced green onions. This soup thickens as it cools, making it even better the next day. Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled soup (without the optional sour cream topping) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage and Potato Soup – Use hot smoked sausage or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
2. Creamy Sausage Potato Soup – Stir in ½ to 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. Kielbasa Potato Soup – Swap smoked sausage for sliced kielbasa for a deeper, smoky flavor.
4. Chicken Sausage Version – Use chicken sausage for a lighter yet flavorful twist.
5. Italian Sausage Variation – Replace smoked sausage with mild or hot Italian sausage, browned before adding veggies.
6. Low-Sodium Soup – Choose low-sodium broth, sausage, and canned tomatoes; adjust seasoning at the end.
7. Vegetable-Loaded Soup – Add bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or peas to boost nutrients and color.
8. Cheesy Sausage Soup – Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella after the soup thickens.
9. Potato Swap – Use baby potatoes, russet potatoes, Yukon golds, or even sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
10. Cabbage-Free Version – Replace cabbage with spinach, kale, or collard greens added during the last few minutes of cooking.
11. Tomato-Free Soup – Omit canned tomatoes and add an extra cup of broth.
12. Smoky Paprika Twist – Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to enhance the sausage’s smoky flavor.
13. Hearty Bean Addition – Add a can of drained white beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
14. Noodle Version – Add cooked egg noodles or pasta at the end for a heartier meal.
15. Slow Cooker Method – Add all ingredients except cornstarch slurry and tomatoes. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, stir in slurry and tomatoes for final 30 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
2. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, freeze for up to 3 months without dairy toppings.
3. What type of sausage works best? Smoked sausage or kielbasa adds great flavor, but Italian sausage works too.
4. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth? Yes, the flavor will be lighter but still delicious.
5. How do I thicken the soup without cornstarch? You can mash some potatoes into the broth or use flour mixed with water.
6. Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
7. What potatoes work best? Yukon golds hold their shape well; russets soften and thicken the soup.
8. Can I add pasta? Yes, add cooked pasta at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
9. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot? Yes, pressure cook for 10 minutes with quick release, then add slurry and simmer on sauté mode.
10. How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy? Simmer gently and avoid overcooking after potatoes are tender.

Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, packed with vegetables, smoky sausage, and rich broth. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any season. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a satisfying and complete meal. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering warmth and flavor with every spoonful.

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