Easy 15-Bean and Sausage Soup Recipe: Warm Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty sausage and 15-bean soup that warms you from the inside out.

Cold winter nights call for rich, satisfying meals packed with protein and flavor.

This robust soup blends smoky sausage with a colorful medley of beans for a seriously delicious one-pot wonder.

Tender beans soak up savory broth, creating layers of deep, rustic taste in every spoonful.

Packed with nutrients and easily customizable, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor a classic recipe that will become a staple in your cooking rotation.

Why This 15-Bean Soup Hits The Spot

• This hearty soup delivers a filling meal packed with protein and vegetables, making it perfect for those craving a substantial and nourishing dish.
• Despite using multiple ingredients, the recipe requires minimal technical skills, allowing home cooks of all levels to create a restaurant-worthy meal with simple techniques.
• Swap out ingredients like sausage for vegetarian options or adjust spices to match personal preferences, making this soup adaptable to different dietary needs and taste profiles.
• Using affordable ingredients like beans, root vegetables, and economical sausage ensures a delicious meal that won't break the bank while feeding multiple people.

Ingredients For Sausage And 15-Bean Soup

Main Ingredients:

• 15-Bean Blend: A hearty mixture of dried beans that provides robust protein and rich texture to the soup.
• Dried Beans: Require overnight soaking to ensure proper softness and reduced cooking time.

• Sausage: Adds deep, smoky flavor and provides a rich protein component to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Celery, Carrots: Create a classic aromatic foundation that builds a flavorful soup base.
• Potatoes, Cabbage: Contribute additional heartiness and nutritional value to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Serves as the primary cooking liquid that infuses flavor throughout the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and additional depth to the overall soup profile.
• Olive Oil, Avocado Oil: Used for browning sausage and adding subtle background flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's overall taste.

How To Make Hearty Bean Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Dried Beans

Sort through dried beans, removing any stones or discolored beans.

Rinse beans thoroughly under cold water.

Submerge beans in a large bowl with water covering them by several inches.

Cover and refrigerate overnight to soften.

Step 2: Quick Soak Alternative Method

If you forgot to soak beans overnight, boil beans for 2 minutes.

Let beans sit for one hour, then drain water completely.

Step 3: Begin Soup Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced celery
• Sliced carrots
• Chicken broth

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer with lid slightly open for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans become tender.

Step 4: Brown Delicious Sausage

Heat skillet with olive or avocado oil.

Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces.

Brown sausage until edges turn golden and crispy.

Drain excess grease from pan.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

• Browned sausage
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped potatoes
• Shredded cabbage (optional)
• Selected spices

Stir ingredients thoroughly.

Add extra broth if soup appears too thick.

Simmer for additional hour to blend flavors.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal.

Tips To Enhance 15-Bean Soup Flavor

• Sort beans carefully to remove debris, ensuring a clean and smooth soup base with no unexpected crunch from stones or damaged beans.
• Overnight soaking helps beans cook evenly and reduces cooking time, making digestion easier and creating a more tender texture in your soup.
• Sear sausage pieces before adding to the soup to develop a deep, rich smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Monitor soup consistency throughout cooking, adding extra broth or water if it becomes too thick, maintaining a perfect hearty texture.
• Replace spicy sausage with mild versions or plant-based alternatives for those with heat preferences or dietary restrictions, keeping the soup's robust character intact.

Keeping Your Bean Soup Fresh For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Best Pairings For Sausage Bean Soup

• Sip Smoky Red Wine: Choose a robust red like Syrah or Zinfandel that complements the hearty sausage and bean soup, cutting through its rich flavors with bold, spicy undertones.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Pair the soup with thick-cut, toasted sourdough slices that provide a perfect crispy texture for dipping and soaking up the savory broth.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to balance the soup's heavy profile and add a bright, fresh counterpoint.
• Complement with Aged Cheddar: Sprinkle sharp, aged cheddar cheese on top of the soup to enhance its depth and provide a tangy, creamy element that rounds out each spoonful.

Delicious Ways To Customize Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like tempeh, seitan, or extra firm tofu. Add smoked paprika for depth and richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free sausage like Aidells or Applegate brands. Skip wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium chicken broth. Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork. Reduce added salt, enhance flavor with herbs like thyme and rosemary.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, chipotle powder, and swap cabbage for roasted bell peppers. Include cumin and chili powder for a southwest kick.

FAQs

• Why should I soak the beans overnight?

Soaking beans helps reduce cooking time, makes them easier to digest, and removes some of the compounds that can cause digestive discomfort. It also helps the beans cook more evenly and become tender.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using a specific type of sausage, you can experiment with various options like andouille, chorizo, or Italian sausage to change up the flavor profile and add your personal touch to the soup.

• How can I make the soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. These will boost the nutritional value and add more texture and flavor to your soup without compromising the cooking process.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it will stay delicious for 3-4 days.

Easy And Hearty Sausage And 15-bean Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Sausage and 15-Bean Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending smoky sausage with a rich medley of beans. Packed with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry souls seeking a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) mixed dried beans
• 12–14 ounces (340–397 grams) beef sausage
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 1 can (14-15 ounces or 397–425 grams) diced tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 diced onion
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 peeled and diced carrots
• 23 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium russet potato, diced and peeled
• 1/2 small shredded green cabbage (optional)

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 12 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) avocado or olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Water for soaking beans

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Instructions

1. Meticulously sort through the dried beans, removing any damaged or discolored legumes. Eliminate small stones or imperfect beans that could compromise the soup’s texture.
2. Submerge the beans in abundant cold water, ensuring the liquid level rises at least 2-3 inches above the beans. Refrigerate overnight for optimal hydration and tenderness.
3. If time is limited, utilize the rapid soaking technique: boil beans for 2 minutes, then allow them to rest for 60 minutes before draining completely.
4. Transfer the soaked beans into a large cooking pot. Add aromatic vegetables including onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat after 20 minutes to a gentle simmer. Leave the pot lid slightly open, allowing steam to escape. Cook for 1.5-2 hours until beans reach a delicate, almost-tender consistency.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the sausage by slicing into uniform bite-sized pieces. Heat a skillet with oil and brown the sausage until golden edges develop, creating a rich, caramelized exterior.
7. Drain excess fat from the sausage before incorporating into the simmering bean mixture. Add diced tomatoes, potatoes, and optional cabbage.
8. Introduce selected spices and stir thoroughly. Adjust liquid volume if the soup appears too dense. Continue simmering for an additional hour to harmonize flavors.
9. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, allowing the robust and hearty soup to showcase its complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Selecting beans carefully prevents unwanted grit and ensures a smooth, enjoyable soup texture.
• Quick-soaking technique saves time when traditional overnight soaking is forgotten, making the recipe more flexible.
• Browning sausage separately enhances flavor development and reduces excess grease in the final dish.
• Monitoring bean tenderness prevents overcooking, maintaining a pleasant texture throughout the cooking process.
• Adjust liquid levels during simmering to control soup consistency, creating a personalized dining experience.
• Consider swapping protein for vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu for dietary adaptations.
• Adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder can intensify the smoky flavor profile if sausage lacks robust taste.

• Prep Time: 12 hours
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg