Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe

Nothing says cozy comfort like a bowl of Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup simmering away all day, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of smoky sausage, tender beans, and fragrant herbs. Hearty yet wholesome, this recipe is a family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to love—just toss everything in the slow cooker and come home to a soul-warming meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love when a handful of humble ingredients come together for something downright magical? Each item in this Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup adds its own character—think hearty beans, bold sausage, and bright greens for color and texture. Here’s what you’ll need (with tips to make them shine!).

• Olive Oil: A quick sauté in good olive oil gives the sausage and veggies extra depth and prevents sticking.
• Smoked Andouille Sausage: Slice it thin for maximum flavor in every bite—choose spicy or mild to suit your spice level.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire soup with warm, aromatic notes.
• Onion: Diced onion melts into the broth, creating a subtle sweetness.
• Carrots & Celery: Classic soup vegetables for sweetness and crunch—peel and dice for the perfect texture.
• Great Northern Beans: These creamy white beans soak up all the sausagey goodness; use canned for speed or cook dried beans ahead of time.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a Mediterranean flair and a touch of earthiness.
• Bay Leaves: Simmered in the broth, bay leaves give unbeatable, complex undertones—just remember to fish them out before serving!
• Chicken Broth: The heart of your soup; choose a good quality low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste and let the flavors pop.
• Baby Spinach: Stirred in just before serving, spinach adds a burst of green color, nutrients, and delicate flavor.
• Shaved Parmesan: A final flourish! Melts into the hot soup, adding salty, nutty richness.

Variations

The beauty of Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup is how forgiving and versatile it is. You can easily tailor it to your family’s cravings, what’s in the pantry, or special dietary needs—make it your own!

• Swap the Beans: Don’t have Great Northern beans? Cannellini, navy beans, or even chickpeas work beautifully here.
• Different Greens: Baby kale or Swiss chard are tasty substitutions for spinach, and they hold up well in the hot broth.
• Vegetarian Version: Use veggie sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll keep that hearty vibe without the meat.
• Make it Spicier: Use hot andouille or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra warmth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced andouille sausage and let it sizzle for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until beautifully browned. Browning sausage first unlocks loads of savory, smoky flavor—it’s an extra step, but so worth it!

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Add the browned sausage directly to your slow cooker, along with minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, celery, drained beans, oregano, and bay leaves. Sprinkle with kosher salt and a generous grind of pepper. These ingredients create a flavor-packed base that only gets better as it cooks!

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Cook Low & Slow

Pour in chicken broth and 2 cups water—enough liquid for everything to mingle and soften. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours (ideal for workdays!) or on high for 3–4 hours. Your house will smell incredible as this Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup bubbles away.

Step 4: Stir in Baby Spinach

Once the soup is piping hot and the veggies are gloriously tender, lift the lid and stir in fresh baby spinach. The heat wilts it in just a minute or two, giving the soup a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shaved Parmesan. That cheesy, salty finish brings all the flavors together in the coziest way. Grab a spoon, dig in, and savor every steamy bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup

Garnishes

If you want to take your bowl to the next level, sprinkle on extra shaved or grated Parmesan, a drizzle of fruity olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A few torn fresh basil leaves or parsley add cheerful color and a pop of freshness, too!

Side Dishes

This hearty soup is practically a meal by itself, but a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a batch of warm focaccia turns it into a true feast. Sometimes I’ll toss together a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a crisp, refreshing side that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the soup into rustic bowls and top with a generous snowdrift of Parmesan. For entertaining, try serving it in mini mugs or small mason jars for a party-friendly appetizer. Or, scoop it over a mound of cooked farro or brown rice to turn the soup into a hearty stew perfect for chilly nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup can be cooled and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors just get better, making lunch or tomorrow’s dinner a delicious treat!

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream—just portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This cozy Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup is a love letter to comfort food—simple to make, packed with flavor, and soul-satisfyingly hearty. I can’t wait for you to gather around the table and share a steaming bowl with your loved ones. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to for nourishing, effortless goodness!

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