There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening. This Italian Beef Sausage Soup with Spinach is packed with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of Italian comfort. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
Inspired by traditional Italian flavors, this soup is a delicious blend of savory beef sausage, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth that soaks up all the goodness. The addition of fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, making this a well-balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a cold night or a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (but actually comes together in under an hour), this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, which is always a bonus.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, this soup is both healthy and filling.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies, swap in different greens, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb beef sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Hearty Italian Beef Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef Sausage
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the beef sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. Remove any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir well, letting the vegetables cook in the flavorful sausage drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Broth
Stir in the oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to release their flavors. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and water. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 5: Add the Pasta and Beans
Stir in the white beans and pasta. Let the soup cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach beautifully in just a couple of minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side for the ultimate cozy meal.
Helpful Tips
- Make it Spicier: If you love a little heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy beef sausage.
- Use Kale Instead of Spinach: If you prefer a sturdier green, kale works well in this soup—just add it a few minutes earlier so it has time to soften.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy meals.
- Gluten-Free Option: Skip the pasta or use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: High-Protein
Notes
- The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so if you plan on storing leftovers, you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy version of this soup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While beef sausage adds a hearty, rich flavor, you can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but if you’re planning to freeze it, it’s best to leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this soup?
A side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Italian Beef Sausage Soup, you might also enjoy:
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Italian Pastina Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Tradition
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Conclusion
This Hearty Italian Beef Sausage Soup with Spinach is the perfect blend of comforting flavors, hearty textures, and simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a household favorite.
So grab your ingredients, get that pot simmering, and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade goodness. Happy cooking!
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Hearty Italian Beef Sausage Soup with Spinach
Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening. This Italian Beef Sausage Soup with Spinach is packed with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of Italian comfort. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
Inspired by traditional Italian flavors, this soup is a delicious blend of savory beef sausage, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth that soaks up all the goodness. The addition of fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, making this a well-balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a cold night or a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (but actually comes together in under an hour), this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef Sausage
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the beef sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. Remove any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir well, letting the vegetables cook in the flavorful sausage drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Broth
Stir in the oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to release their flavors. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and water. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 5: Add the Pasta and Beans
Stir in the white beans and pasta. Let the soup cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach beautifully in just a couple of minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side for the ultimate cozy meal.
Notes
- The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so if you plan on storing leftovers, you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy version of this soup.
