Name: Hearty Italian Beef Sausage Bean Soup – Easy Recipe!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) Italian beef sausage, casings removed; 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste); 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth; 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (15 oz / 425g) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 oz / 425g) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained; Optional: 1 cup water; 5-6 oz (140-170g) fresh spinach, kale, or escarole, chopped; Fresh parsley, chopped; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Crusty bread or focaccia; Optional: Fresh lemon juice

Italian Sausage Bean Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out. I’ve always found immense joy in the simplicity and profound flavors of traditional Italian cooking, and this hearty soup is a shining example. Rooted deeply in the ‘cucina povera’ tradition – the resourceful, delicious cooking of Italian peasants – bean soups have long been a cornerstone of Italian households, celebrated for their ability to transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The addition of robust Italian sausage elevates this classic, infusing it with a spicy, aromatic depth that is simply irresistible. People adore this dish for its incredible balance of savory, meaty notes, the creamy tenderness of the beans, and the inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s incredibly satisfying, remarkably versatile, and perfect for a cozy evening. This Italian Sausage Bean Soup isn’t just easy to make; it promises a comforting, flavorful experience every single time.

Ingredients:

For the Hearty Base:
- 1.5 lbs (approximately 680g) high-quality Italian sausage, mild or hot, casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste, if you love a little kick!)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Liquids and Legumes:
- 6 cups (approximately 1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth, high quality if possible
- 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 ounce / 425g each) cans cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained (or another cannellini for uniformity)
- Optional: 1 cup water, if a thinner soup is desired
For the Greens and Garnish:
- 5-6 ounces (approximately 140-170g) fresh spinach, kale, or escarole, tough stems removed and roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Crusty bread or focaccia, for dipping
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, but highly recommended for brightness)

Prepping Your Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

Getting Started with Mise en Place: Before we even think about turning on the stove, it’s absolutely essential to prepare all our ingredients. This technique, known as “mise en place” in culinary circles, means “everything in its place” and will make your cooking experience so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for a chopped onion when your garlic is already sizzling! So, let’s gather everything we need for this glorious Italian Sausage Bean Soup.
Preparing the Italian Sausage: If you’re using bulk Italian sausage, great! If your sausage comes in casings, carefully remove them. You can do this by running a knife along the length of each sausage and then peeling the casing away. Once removed, break the sausage into smaller, bite-sized pieces. We want it ready to brown evenly.
Chopping the Aromatics: Take your large yellow onion and dice it finely. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size, about ¼ to ½ inch, so they cook consistently. Next, peel your carrots and celery stalks, then dice them to a similar size as the onion. These three ingredients—onion, carrot, and celery—form what’s known as a “soffritto” or “mirepoix” in Italian and French cooking, respectively, and are the aromatic backbone of countless delicious dishes, including our hearty bean soup. Finally, peel your garlic cloves and mince them finely. If you have a garlic press, feel free to use it!
Rinsing the Beans: Open your cans of cannellini and Great Northern beans. Pour them into a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This step helps to remove any excess sodium and the starchy liquid they are packed in, which can sometimes make your soup cloudy or add an undesirable flavor. Let them drain well before adding them to the soup.
Preparing the Greens: If you’re using spinach, simply give it a good rinse. If you opt for kale or escarole, which are a bit tougher, you’ll want to remove the tough central ribs or stems. You can do this by folding the leaf in half and tearing or cutting the stem away. Then, roughly chop the leaves into manageable pieces. These greens will wilt down significantly, so don’t worry if they look like a lot at first!
Measuring Spices and Liquids: Measure out your dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Have your bay leaf ready. Open your cans of crushed tomatoes. Finally, measure out your chicken or vegetable broth. Having everything prepped and measured ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you layer the flavors effectively. This diligent preparation is key to achieving a truly satisfying Italian Sausage Bean Soup.

Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing and Searing

Browning the Italian Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Your goal here is to get a nice, golden-brown crust on the sausage pieces. This browning process, often called the Maillard reaction, is absolutely critical for developing deep, savory flavors that will permeate our entire Italian Sausage Bean Soup. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
Draining Excess Fat (Optional but Recommended): Once the sausage is beautifully browned, carefully use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. This allows any excess grease to drain off, preventing your soup from becoming overly oily. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot – this fat is packed with flavor and will be perfect for sautéing our aromatics. If there’s significantly more than 2 tablespoons, spoon some out. If there’s less, add a tiny splash more olive oil.
Sautéing the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the remaining sausage fat. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. We’re looking for them to soften significantly and become translucent. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to gently cook and release their natural sugars is another layer of flavor development for our delightful bean soup. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as they cook.
Adding the Garlic and Spices: Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and cook for just 1 minute more. It’s important to add the garlic at this stage because it cooks much faster than the other vegetables and can burn easily. Cooking it briefly with the other aromatics allows its fragrant oils to release without becoming bitter. The dried herbs will also bloom in the warm oil, intensifying their aroma and flavor for this Italian-inspired creation.
Deglazing the Pot: Now for a little chef’s secret! Pour in about ½ cup of the chicken or vegetable broth. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (called “fond”) stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are pure gold when it comes to flavor and contain so much of the delicious essence from the browned sausage and sautéed vegetables. Deglazing ensures all that wonderful flavor is incorporated into your soup. This step is crucial for maximizing the depth of flavor in your Italian Sausage Bean Soup.

Simmering the Soup to Perfection: Melding Flavors

Adding the Main Liquids and Tomatoes: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in the remaining chicken or vegetable broth, the crushed tomatoes, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together well, making sure all the ingredients are combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Introducing the Beans: Once the soup is simmering, add the rinsed and drained cannellini and Great Northern beans to the pot. Give it another good stir. These beans will absorb the incredible flavors from the broth, sausage, and aromatics, becoming tender and creamy. They are a defining characteristic of a truly excellent Italian Sausage Bean Soup.
Seasoning and Simmering: Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away! Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld together beautifully and for the beans to become wonderfully tender. If you have more time, let it simmer for an hour or even longer on low heat; the flavors will only deepen and improve. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Checking for Consistency: As the soup simmers, keep an eye on its consistency. If it’s becoming too thick for your liking, you can add up to 1 cup of water or additional broth to reach your preferred thickness. Conversely, if you prefer an even thicker soup, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot with your spoon, or remove about a cup of soup, blend it, and then return it to the pot. This adds creaminess without using actual cream.
Tasting and Adjusting: After the initial simmering time, remove the bay leaf. Give the soup a taste. Now is the time to adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A bit more pepper? Perhaps another pinch of red pepper flakes for extra warmth? A tiny splash of lemon juice at this stage can also brighten all the flavors beautifully, making the whole dish sing. Don’t be shy about tasting; it’s the mark of a confident cook!

Finishing Touches and Serving: Bringing it All Together

Adding the Fresh Greens: Just before serving, increase the heat slightly and add your chopped spinach, kale, or escarole to the pot. Stir them into the hot soup. The greens will wilt relatively quickly, usually within 3-5 minutes, depending on the type you chose. We add them last to preserve their vibrant color and texture, preventing them from becoming mushy. They add a lovely freshness and nutritional boost to our rich Italian Sausage Bean Soup.
A Final Stir and Taste: Once the greens have wilted to your liking, give the soup one last stir. Taste it one more time for any final seasoning adjustments. You want to ensure every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Preparing for Serving: Ladle generous portions of the hot Italian Sausage Bean Soup into individual bowls. The aroma alone should be enough to get everyone’s mouths watering!
Garnishing for Perfection: Garnish each bowl generously with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green of the parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor. A hearty dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is also an absolute must – its salty, nutty notes complement the soup beautifully. A final drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil over the top can add a luxurious finish.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your magnificent Italian Sausage Bean Soup immediately, while it’s still piping hot, alongside some crusty bread, ciabatta, or focaccia for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. This soup is wonderfully comforting on a chilly evening, but truly delicious any time of year. It also makes for fantastic leftovers, as the flavors tend to deepen even further overnight. Just gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s become too thick. Enjoy every warming, savory bite of this truly satisfying meal!

Conclusion:

So there you have it, my friends! This recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. I genuinely believe it’s one of those recipes that will quickly become a cherished staple in your home, especially on those evenings when you crave something truly satisfying and deeply comforting. What makes it a standout, you ask? Well, first off, the flavors are simply out of this world. The savory depth from the Italian sausage, perfectly complemented by the earthy beans and the aromatic blend of herbs and vegetables, creates a symphony of taste that dances on your palate with every spoonful. It’s hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being overly complicated, and incredibly warming from the inside out. Beyond the incredible taste, I love how straightforward it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve spectacular results with this one. It’s designed for real home cooks, for busy weeknights, and for those relaxed weekends when you want to put a little love into your cooking without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a fantastic balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a meal you can feel genuinely good about serving to your loved ones. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a bowl of pure, unadulterated culinary comfort, a hug in a bowl, if you will, guaranteed to chase away the chill of any evening and bring smiles to the table. Truly, it’s a dish that delivers on every front: taste, ease, and wholesome goodness.

Now, let’s talk about making this already fantastic meal even better with a few simple serving suggestions. While it’s undeniably superb on its own, a little accompaniment can elevate your dining experience to new heights. My absolute favorite way to enjoy a steaming bowl of this goodness is with a generous slice of crusty, artisanal bread – think a warm baguette or a rustic sourdough. Dipping that bread into the rich, flavorful broth is pure bliss, soaking up every last drop of deliciousness. Another essential for me is a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. The sharp, salty notes of the Parmesan melt slightly into the hot soup, adding an extra layer of savory complexity that is simply irresistible. For a touch of freshness and color, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil goes a long way, brightening up the flavors and adding a lovely aromatic finish. If you’re looking to round out the meal even further, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a wonderful contrast to the hearty soup, adding a crisp, refreshing element. And for those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite chili oil can provide a delightful kick, enhancing the existing flavors without overpowering them. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your garnishes; a dollop of pesto swirled in, or even some crunchy croutons, can transform each serving into a unique culinary adventure. Remember, presentation counts too! A beautiful bowl, a little garnish, and a cozy atmosphere can make all the difference in turning a simple meal into a memorable occasion.

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its incredible adaptability. It’s a fantastic canvas for creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. For instance, if you’re keen on exploring different bean varieties, feel free to swap out the cannellini beans for great northern beans, navy beans, or even a mix of chickpeas and kidney beans for a different texture and flavor profile. Each bean type will impart its own subtle nuance to the broth, making for a truly personalized dish. Want to sneak in some extra greens? This soup is incredibly forgiving when it comes to additions like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking until they wilt, and you’ll boost the nutritional content and add a lovely vibrant color. For those who prefer a less meaty option or want to make it entirely vegetarian or even vegan, you can easily omit the Italian sausage and instead rely on sautéed mushrooms, extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or even a plant-based sausage alternative to provide that hearty bite. Just be sure to use vegetable broth! If you’re a pasta lover, a handful of small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, turning it into a more substantial soup-stew hybrid. And don’t forget about spices! While the recipe as written is perfectly balanced, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a beautiful depth, or a touch of fennel seeds can further accentuate the Italian flavors. You could even try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to make this recipe uniquely yours every time you prepare it.

Now, I’ve shared all my secrets and tips with you, and it’s your turn to experience the magic! I truly hope you’ll set aside some time very soon to make this incredibly delicious and heartwarming Italian Sausage Bean Soup. Trust me, it’s a recipe that delivers on all its promises of flavor, comfort, and ease. There’s something profoundly satisfying about creating a meal from scratch that not only tastes incredible but also fills your home with the most inviting aromas.

Imagine the joy of gathering around the table with your family or friends, sharing a bowl of this magnificent creation.

It’s more than just food; it’s about making memories and nourishing both body and soul. Once you’ve had the chance to whip up your own batch, I am absolutely eager to hear all about your experience. Did you stick to the recipe exactly? Did you put your own spin on it with a creative variation? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please, don’t keep your culinary adventures to yourself! I thrive on your feedback, your successes, and even your unexpected twists. Sharing your journey helps not only me but also other aspiring cooks in our wonderful community. So, snap a picture, jot down your thoughts, and come back to tell me how it went. Your insights are invaluable and truly make this whole cooking journey more interactive and fun for everyone involved. I can’t wait to hear how this delightful soup warmed your kitchen and your heart. Happy cooking, everyone!