Sausage and Bean Soup

This hearty sausage and bean soup is a wonderful blend of flavors that will warm you up on a chilly day. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, which makes it a perfect choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s gluten-free and comes together in less than 30 minutes!

Even though it's not super cold here, I am still craving winter comfort foods like this sausage bean soup.  It's so hearty with the sweet Italian sausage, white beans, and lots of veggies. 

Make a double batch and have it for lunch all week.  It's healthy and can easily be made gluten free - just watch the chicken stock and the sausage, making sure they are labeled gluten free.

The combination of sweet Italian sausage and cannellini beans sets it apart from other gluten-free recipes. It’s not just about being gluten-free, it is about making a dish that's full of flavor and is packed with nutrients. It’ll prove to you that gluten-free food can be just as delicious and satisfying as any other dish.

What makes this soup truly special is the blend of spices, including dried thyme and a bay leaf, which adds depth to the flavor. Plus, diced tomatoes and hearty chicken stock creates a rich, comforting broth that's perfect for dipping crusty bread into. You can also opt to garnish this savory soup with parmesan cheese, which adds a delicious twist.

The best part? It’s so easy to make that you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than thirty minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Bean Soup

• Quick and easy: This sausage bean soup is easy to prepare and comes together in less than half an hour. It is perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner when you're short on time but still want a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Gluten-free: It is a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet. Just make sure that the chicken stock and sausage you use are labeled gluten-free. It is a delicious way to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without the gluten!
• Simple ingredients: With ingredients like sweet Italian sausage, cannellini beans, and a variety of veggies, this soup is made from pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It is a great way to use up those odds and ends in your fridge and pantry!
• Family-friendly: This soup is popular with both adults and kids alike. The combination of sweet Italian sausage and beans make it hearty, while the variety of vegetables add a healthy twist that parents can appreciate.
• Variety of flavors: This winter bean soup is packed with a variety of flavors - from the spicy Italian sausage to the savory beans and the aromatic thyme. It’s packed with flavor in every spoonful!

Ingredients

The beauty of this sausage and bean soup lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to source, most of which are likely already in your kitchen cabinet! The rest can be easily found at your nearest grocery store.

• Olive Oil: The olive oil serves as the perfect cooking medium for this soup, adding a subtle depth of flavor while guaranteeing that the vegetables and sausage are well-cooked.
• Small Onion: A diced small onion adds a layer of sweetness and a bit of crunch to the soup. It is a classic ingredient in many soup recipes, providing a flavorful foundation.
• Carrots and Celery: These diced veggies not only add color and texture to the soup, but also a host of nutritional benefits. They give the soup a hearty and wholesome feel.
• Garlic Cloves: Chopped garlic cloves infuse the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor that compliments the other ingredients beautifully.
• Sweet Italian Sausage: The sweet Italian sausage is the star ingredient of this soup, bringing a savory, hearty element to the dish. Make sure it is gluten-free if necessary.
• Cannellini Beans: Rinsed cannellini beans add a creamy texture and a good dose of protein to the soup, making it not just tasty, but also filling.
• Diced Tomatoes: The undrained diced tomatoes add a tangy sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup, enhancing its overall appeal.
• Chicken Stock: The chicken stock forms the flavorful liquid backbone of the soup, making it rich and savory. Remember to make sure that it is gluten-free if necessary.
• Salt, Pepper, and Dried Thyme: These seasonings bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, making the soup more delicious and aromatic.
• Bay Leaf: A bay leaf adds a distinct, subtly sweet flavor and is a common ingredient in soups and stews for its depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A garnish of parmesan cheese adds a final touch of savory richness to the soup, but it is entirely optional, especially if you're looking to avoid dairy.

How to Make Sausage and Bean Soup

Are you ready to learn how to make a satisfying sausage and bean soup? For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Step 1. 

Prepare and Cook Vegetables: Start by heating oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Let them cook for about five minutes, then remove from the pan.

Step 2. 

Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage to the pan and let it cook for approximately eight minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks.

Step 3. 

Mix Vegetables and Sausage: Add the cooked onion mixture back into the pan with the sausage. Now, it is time to add all the remaining ingredients, excluding the parmesan cheese.

Step 4. 

Simmer the Soup: Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about ten to fifteen minutes.

Step 5. 

Final Touch: Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve your soup hot, sprinkled with parmesan cheese. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your homemade, gluten-free, hearty sausage and bean soup!

Variations

• Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian twist on this hearty soup, swap out the sweet Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative. There are many gluten-free vegetarian sausages available in the market. You'll still get the rich, hearty flavor but without any meat.
• More Spicy: If you like your soup with a bit of a kick, try using spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Remember to check that the sausage is gluten-free.
• Extra Vegetables: Want to pack in more veggies? Feel free to add some diced bell peppers or zucchini when you add the onions, carrots, and celery. This will not only increase the nutrient content but also add a different flavor profile to your soup.
• Sausage and Black Beans: For a different flavor, replace the cannellini beans with black beans. Black beans will give the soup a slightly different texture and a deeper flavor. It is a great way to switch things up if you're making this soup regularly.
• Creamier texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, try blending half of the soup after it is cooked and then mixing it back in. This will give you a creamier texture while still having chunks of sausage and vegetables to enjoy.
• Sausage and Lentil Soup: Swap out the cannellini beans for lentils for a protein-packed variation. Lentils are not only gluten-free but also rich in fiber and protein. They'll add a lovely earthy flavor to the soup.

Helpful Tips

Creating a wholesome, hearty sausage and bean soup is a breeze, but a few expert tips can go a long way in enhancing the flavors and making the cooking process even smoother.

• Take time to sauté: Don't rush the sautéing process of your onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Giving them about five minutes to cook will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to your soup.
• Crumble the sausage: As you cook the sausage, make sure to crumble it well. This helps guarantee that it is evenly distributed throughout the soup, giving every spoonful a burst of flavor.
• Don't discard the tomato juice: When adding the diced tomatoes, include the juice as well. It adds a lovely tang and richness to the soup.
• Use gluten-free options where necessary: If you're following a strict gluten-free diet, then make sure that your chicken stock and sausage are labeled gluten-free.
• Season well: Don't skimp on the dried thyme, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. These seasonings bring out the best in your ingredients and make the soup flavorful.
• Consider the garnish: A sprinkle of parmesan cheese can add a wonderful salty tang to your soup. However, if you're dairy-free, feel free to skip it.
• Remove the bay leaf: Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. It does its job of infusing the soup with flavor and can be discarded.

Dietary Substitutions

This sausage and bean soup recipe is already gluten-free, as long as you make sure to use gluten-free sausage and chicken stock. However, with a few tweaks, we can also make it vegan, dairy-free, paleo, whole30, and keto-compatible!

• To Make This Recipe Vegan and Dairy-Free Option: The recipe calls for sweet Italian sausage with a vegan sausage alternative. Also, swap the chicken stock with a vegetable broth. Remember to omit the optional parmesan cheese garnish, or use a vegan cheese substitute.
• To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Compatible: To make this recipe paleo and Whole30 compatible, replace the cannellini beans with a vegetable like chopped zucchini or bell peppers, as legumes are not typically included in these diets. Also, make sure your sausage and chicken stock are both paleo and Whole30 approved - they should be free of sugar and any non-compliant additives.
• To Make This Recipe Keto Friendly: For a keto-friendly version of this soup, you'll need to reduce the carb content. Replace the cannellini beans and diced tomatoes with low-carb vegetables such as spinach or kale. Also, make sure to use a keto-friendly sausage that is low in carbs.

Storage Instructions

• To Refrigerate: Leftovers of this sausage and bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about three to four days.
• To Freeze: This hearty soup is freezer-friendly, too! Simply pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to two to three months.
• To Reheat: When you're ready to enjoy this soup again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the soup in a microwave using the defrost setting or warm it up on the stovetop in a large pot over medium heat. Remember to stir occasionally to guarantee even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This hearty sausage and bean soup is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of other meals. Whether you're looking for a comforting starter, a side dish, or a main course, this soup has got you covered. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Salads: A bowl of this soup goes perfectly with salads like gluten-free pasta salad, or a quinoa salad with greens. It also pairs well with a classic Caesar salad, just make sure to use a gluten-free dressing!
• Mains: This soup is a fantastic starter for main dishes like gluten-free spaghetti Bolognese, grilled lemon thyme chicken, or a hearty instant pot gluten-free beef stew. It is also a great companion for a slice of gluten-free lasagna.
• Sides: Make a light meal out of it by serving the soup with gluten-free garlic bread or a slice of gluten-free focaccia. A side of roasted vegetables like some roasted green beans, roasted broccoli, or even some roasted mini potatoes. 

Recipe

Sausage and Bean Soup

Need soup to keep you warm this winter? Try this easy Sausage and Bean Soup for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes. It's full of protein, spices, and vegetables. {gluten free)

4.41 from 15 votes

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 284kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 3 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 9 oz package of sweet Italian sausage removed from casings. gluten-free if necessary
• 2 can cannellini beans rinsed
• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 32 oz box of chicken stock gluten-free if necessary
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional - parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

• Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add chopped onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook 5 minutes and remove from pan.
• Add sausage and cook for about 8 minutes or so, crumbling as you go.
• Add onion mixture back to pan, then add all remaining ingredients except parmesan cheese.
• Bring to a boil and stir, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove bay leaf.
• Serve hot with parmesan cheese and crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 981mg | Potassium: 663mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3775IU | Vitamin C: 17.5mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2.7mg

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