Hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Quick & Hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives with this hearty sausage and sweet potato soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Chunky potatoes and spicy sausage create a robust blend of flavors dancing through each spoonful.

Italian sausage adds a rich, meaty depth to the creamy base.

Seasonal sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the bowl.

Herbs and spices whisper complexity into every satisfying bite.

Nutritious ingredients combine effortlessly in this simple yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into bowls and savor every delicious moment.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Features

  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from sausage and vitamins from sweet potatoes and leafy greens, this soup delivers a powerful nutritional punch in every spoonful.
  • Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a hearty, satisfying meal.
  • Warm Comfort: Delivers rich, robust flavors that create a cozy dining experience, ideal for chilly evenings or when craving a comforting, wholesome dish.
  • Quick Meal Solution: Comes together in less than an hour, providing a fast and delicious option for busy families or individuals seeking a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and texture to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Provides a creamy, sweet base and nutritional boost to the soup.
  • Onions, Garlic: Create a deep, aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Kale or Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and extra nutrients to the dish.
Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and prevent sticking to the pot.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a spicy kick to the soup.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that provides a bright, fresh finish.

How to Cook Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

How to Cook Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break apart and brown the sausage until it develops a rich, golden color and releases its delicious flavors.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Base

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, creating a delectable foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Introduce Sweet Potatoes

Toss in diced sweet potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to start softening and absorbing the savory sausage essence.

Step 4: Pour And Boil

Flood the pot with chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to blend all the flavors together.

Step 5: Simmer And Tenderize

Reduce heat to low and let the soup gently simmer. Cover and cook until sweet potatoes become fork-tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Leafy Greens

Stir in fresh kale or spinach. Cook until the greens wilt and become vibrant green, adding a pop of color and nutrition to your soup.

Step 7: Season And Enhance

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of warmth and depth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an elegant finishing touch.

Tips for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

  • Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor depth and warmth in the soup.
  • Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the recipe.
  • Chop sweet potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier consistency that enhances the soup's overall taste.
  • Top with crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds for additional crunch and protein if desired.

Flavor Variations for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with plant-based protein crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap kale for cilantro to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Use turkey sausage for lower fat content and include coconut milk instead of traditional dairy for added creaminess.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or turnips and use bone broth for extra nutrition while maintaining similar texture and warmth.

Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

  • Hearty Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep, rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy winter meal that warms from the inside out.
  • Protein Power Lunch: Pack the soup in a thermos for a filling midday meal at work or school, paired with a slice of crusty bread.
  • Rustic Dinner Party Starter: Serve in small elegant bowls as an appetizer for a dinner gathering, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an extra touch of sophistication.
  • Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Portion the soup into meal prep containers for easy, nutritious lunches throughout the week, storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storage Guidelines for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Use shallow containers to help the soup cool faster and maintain food safety.
  • Label the container with the date of preparation to track freshness.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage for different flavor profiles.

  • Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes, protein from sausage, and vitamins from kale or spinach.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add white beans for protein and keep the same delicious base.

  • How can I make the soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes, include a diced jalapeño while cooking, or use a spicy sausage variety for extra heat.

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Hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sausage and sweet potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl with Italian sausage and creamy vegetables. Robust flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls from first spoonful to last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Italian or breakfast sausage
  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 medium onion
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups kale or spinach

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Spice:

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, crumble sausage and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Lower heat to medium, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate diced sweet potatoes into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and allow vegetables to slightly caramelize, cooking for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, increasing heat to high and bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow soup to simmer gently, letting sweet potatoes soften and absorb flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  6. Add chopped kale or spinach, stirring until greens wilt completely and become tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste preferences.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality sausage with robust flavor to elevate the soup’s overall taste profile.
  • Choose between spicy or mild sausage depending on personal heat preference and dietary needs.
  • Consider removing sausage casing for smoother texture and more even meat distribution throughout the soup.
  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of the recipe.
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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