Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Slow Cooker Sausage Vegetable Soup is about to become your new obsession! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, hearty aromas that promise ultimate comfort and satisfaction. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and break into small chunks. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the sausage is cooking, chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker, leaving any excess fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavors, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the sausage.
- Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- During the last hour of cooking, add the mixed vegetables to the soup.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips
- Browning the sausage before adding to the slow cooker is crucial - it develops a deep, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Use fresh vegetables when possible, but frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly as a convenient alternative.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or a high-quality store-bought brand.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 6-hour slow cook allows the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make this recipe even more convenient, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator, ready to dump into the slow cooker in the morning.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
