Introduction

This easy and hearty sausage kale soup is the perfect 30-minute meal for a busy weeknight. Packed with savory sausage, nutritious kale, and a flavorful broth, it’s a comforting one-pot dinner that comes together with minimal effort. For another simple, crowd-pleasing recipe, try these Cranberry Lemon Bars Recipe.

Ingredients

This hearty kale soup recipe builds deep, savory flavor with aromatic vegetables, Italian sausage, and earthy kale, simmered in a rich broth until everything is tender and delicious.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 lb pork sausage (sweet Italian pork sausage, casing removed or use regular mild Italian sausage)
2 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced)
3 celery sticks (sliced)
2 carrots (cubed)
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
salt and pepper (to taste)
10 cups chicken broth (I used homemade or use low-sodium store-bought)
3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
1 bay leaf
2 cups kale (chopped)

Best Kale Soup or Best Kale Soup Recipe with Sausage ingredients

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This best kale soup recipe with sausage is ready in under an hour, making it about 20% faster than many similar, more complex recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and has rendered its fat. This step builds the foundational flavor for your best kale soup.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant.

Step 3 — Build the Broth Base

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is called deglazing and adds incredible depth. Add a can of diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Return the browned sausage to the pot.

Step 4 — Simmer for Flavor

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich base for the best kale soup recipe with sausage.

Step 5 — Prepare the Kale

While the soup simmers, wash the kale thoroughly. Remove the tough center ribs and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. For a tender texture, you can massage the kale with a pinch of salt for a minute before adding it to the soup.

Step 6 — Add the Kale and Potatoes

Stir the chopped kale and diced potatoes into the simmering soup. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the kale has wilted completely and is tender but still vibrant green.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. For a touch of brightness, a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice just before serving works wonders. Ladle the hot best kale soup into bowls and enjoy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	6 g
Sodium	980 mg
Vitamin A	180% DV
Vitamin C	120% DV
Calcium	15% DV

Note: Nutritional values for this best kale soup recipe are estimates based on typical ingredients and a 1.5-cup serving size. Actual values can vary based on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This best kale soup recipe with sausage is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Protein Swap (Turkey Sausage) — Use lean turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option with a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
Lower-Carb Option — Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a hearty, earthy taste and fewer carbs.
Dairy-Free Version — Omit the Parmesan rind and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of dairy-free cashew cream for richness.
Gluten-Free Assurance — This soup is naturally gluten-free; just double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Variation — Use low-sodium broth and skip any added salt, letting the herbs, garlic, and sausage season the soup.
Vegetarian/Vegan Twist — Swap the sausage for a can of rinsed cannellini beans and use vegetable broth for a plant-based, protein-packed version.
Spice It Up — Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warm, peppery kick to your best kale soup.
Greens Galore — Substitute half the kale with Swiss chard or spinach for a slightly sweeter, more tender green.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this best kale soup with a slice of crusty sourdough or a warm, buttered cornbread muffin for a satisfying, rustic meal.
For a heartier occasion, serve it alongside a simple grilled cheese sandwich or a savory tart for a comforting lunch.
Brighten up the bowl with a final flourish: a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a swirl of good olive oil, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Turn this best kale soup recipe with sausage into a complete dinner by adding a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
For casual gatherings, serve the soup directly from the Dutch oven at the table for a family-style feel that invites second helpings.
Garnish with extra cooked sausage crumbles or a few reserved kale leaves for a beautiful and intentional presentation.

This versatile soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight, a casual potluck, or meal prep, as its flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using only the kale stems, which are tough and bitter. Fix: Strip the leaves from the thick stems; chop and sauté the stems first for flavor, then add the leaves later.
Mistake: Overcooking the kale until it turns gray and mushy. Fix: Add the kale leaves in the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to retain vibrant color and a pleasant texture.
Mistake: Not browning the sausage properly. Fix: Sear sausage in the pot first to render fat and create a flavorful fond, which becomes the soup’s base.
Mistake: Using a weak broth, resulting in a bland best kale soup. Fix: Opt for a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth, or use the water from soaking dried beans for extra depth.
Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar too early. Fix: Stir in acids at the end to prevent them from toughening the kale and beans during the long cook.
Mistake: Skipping the aromatic base (sofrito). Fix: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in the sausage fat until soft to build a complex flavor foundation.
Mistake: Underseasoning throughout the cooking process. Fix: Season in layers: salt the aromatics, season the broth, and do a final taste adjustment before serving.
Mistake: Using the wrong potato type, causing it to disintegrate. Fix: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss that hold their shape in this hearty kale soup recipe with sausage.
Mistake: Not letting the soup rest before serving. Fix: Allow the finished soup to sit off the heat for 15-20 minutes; this lets flavors meld for a more cohesive taste.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Cool your best kale soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this hearty kale soup recipe with sausage in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Leave about an inch of space for expansion.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a food-safe temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.

For the best flavor and texture, avoid reheating the entire batch more than once. Simply warm up the portion you plan to eat.

Conclusion

This hearty Best Kale Soup Recipe with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. If you love cozy soups, try our Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Kale Soup Recipe next. We hope you enjoy this easy kale soup—please leave a comment with your review!