Dump and Go Crockpot Sausage Soup: Effortless Flavor in Every Bowl

Sausage soup, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. This “dump and go” crockpot sausage soup recipe simplifies the process even further, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Forget complicated steps and endless chopping. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it!

Why This Dump and Go Sausage Soup Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional soup recipes that require browning sausage, sautéing vegetables, and carefully layering flavors, this soup minimizes prep time without sacrificing taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Time-Saving Convenience

Busy schedules often leave little time for elaborate meals. This recipe acknowledges that reality by offering a delicious and nutritious option that requires minimal effort. It’s a lifesaver on hectic weeknights, allowing you to come home to a warm and comforting meal.

Flavorful Simplicity

Don’t let the ease of preparation fool you. This soup is packed with flavor. The combination of savory sausage, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.

Adaptable and Customizable

This recipe is a starting point, not a rigid set of rules. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, vegetables, and seasonings to create a soup that perfectly suits your preferences.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. This recipe is flexible, so don’t be afraid to make substitutions based on what you have available. However, here’s a suggested list of ingredients to get you started:

• Sausage: 1 pound of Italian sausage (sweet or hot), chorizo, or your favorite sausage. Remove from casing if needed.
• Canned Tomatoes: 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, undrained
• Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can of cannellini beans, kidney beans, or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• Broth: 4-6 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on desired consistency.
• Vegetables: 1 medium onion, chopped (or 1 tablespoon of onion powder for “dump and go” ease). 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder), 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery. Alternatively, use a 10-12 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables.
• Greens: 5-6 ounces of fresh spinach, kale, or chard, roughly chopped. Can be added near the end of cooking or omitted entirely.
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: 1/2 cup of heavy cream or parmesan cheese for topping

Ingredient Considerations

Sausage Choice: The type of sausage you use significantly impacts the flavor profile of the soup. Italian sausage, whether sweet or hot, is a classic choice that provides a savory and slightly spicy taste. Chorizo adds a smoky and rich depth, while other varieties like chicken or turkey sausage offer a leaner option. Consider your personal preferences when selecting the sausage.

Broth Selection: Chicken broth is a versatile choice that complements the flavors of the sausage and vegetables. Vegetable broth provides a lighter and more delicate flavor, making it a good option for those who prefer a less intense taste.

Bean Options: Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a popular choice for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Kidney beans add a slightly earthy and robust taste, while great northern beans offer a similar texture to cannellini beans but with a slightly sweeter flavor. Feel free to experiment with different bean varieties to find your favorite.

Simple Steps to Slow Cooker Success

The process for making this dump and go sausage soup is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the sausage, diced tomatoes (undrained), beans (rinsed and drained), chicken broth, onion (or onion powder), garlic (or garlic powder), carrots, celery, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Stir Well: Stir all ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Add Greens (Optional): If using, stir in the spinach, kale, or chard during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

5. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Maximizing Flavor

While this recipe is designed for simplicity, there are a few tricks you can use to enhance the flavor even further. Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors. A bay leaf added during the cooking process can also impart a subtle depth of flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Adjusting Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This sausage soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Ideas

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich complements the soup perfectly.
• Side Salad: A simple side salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.
• Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs, to allow everyone to customize their soup.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Sausage Soup: Use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Tuscan Sausage Soup: Add diced potatoes and kale for a hearty and flavorful Tuscan-inspired soup.
• White Bean and Sausage Soup: Use only cannellini beans for a creamy and mild flavor.
• Vegetarian Sausage Soup: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian option.
• Adding Pasta: Add small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier soup.
• Swap Greens: Use collard greens or mustard greens instead of spinach, kale or chard.
• Add vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or yellow squash for a richer vegetable soup.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Even with the simplest recipes, questions and potential issues can arise. Here are some common questions and solutions:

My soup is too thick.

Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

My soup is too thin.

Mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.

My soup is bland.

Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar can also brighten the flavors.

My sausage is greasy.

Blot the sausage with paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease. You can also use a leaner type of sausage, such as chicken or turkey sausage.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this soup in an Instant Pot. Follow the same steps as the slow cooker recipe, but cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

What other beans can I use?

Pinto beans, black beans, or even chickpeas would all work well in this soup.

Can I add potatoes?

Yes, you can add diced potatoes to this soup. Add them along with the other vegetables.

People Also Ask

What kind of sausage is best for soup?

Italian sausage (sweet or hot) is a popular choice, but chorizo, andouille, or even kielbasa can be used. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for.

Do you have to brown sausage before putting it in soup?

For this “dump and go” recipe, no, you do not have to brown the sausage beforehand. The slow cooking process will cook it thoroughly.

How long does sausage soup last in the fridge?

Sausage soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can you overcook soup in a slow cooker?

While it’s difficult to overcook soup in a slow cooker to the point of burning, prolonged cooking can cause the vegetables to become very soft and the flavors to become muted. It’s best to stick to the recommended cooking times.