Craving a comforting bowl of soup that warms the soul? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup! Bursting with rich flavors and packed with nutritious veggies, this hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can set it and forget it while the savory aromas fill your home. Whether you're feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every spoonful. Dive into the details below and discover how to create this delicious Italian classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Crumble the Italian sausage into small pieces and set aside. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and chop the zucchini and bell pepper. Rinse the spinach and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break it apart, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the browned sausage. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices) to the slow cooker. Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring all the vegetables and sausage are submerged.
- Incorporate the chopped zucchini and bell pepper into the mixture, followed by the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the broth may already contain salt.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the 2 cups of fresh spinach to the soup. Stir gently to incorporate the spinach, allowing it to wilt and blend into the soup.
- Once the cooking time is complete, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the vegetables.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty Italian sausage vegetable soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, chop your vegetables and crumble the sausage the night before. Store them in the fridge so you can just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Sauté for Flavor: Browning the Italian sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor of your soup. Don’t skip this step!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, green beans, or even sweet potatoes can add a unique twist.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Make It Heartier: For a more filling soup, add cooked pasta or rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give your soup an added texture and make it even more satisfying.
- Garnish for Presentation: Top your soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an appealing finish that enhances the flavor.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
