Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Soup the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, filling, and full of flavor. Savory sausage, tender lentils, and wholesome vegetables slowly simmer together to create a deeply satisfying, protein-packed meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this easy slow cooker recipe is both nutritious and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed if needed
- • 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- • 1 large onion, diced
- • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- • 3 celery stalks, chopped
- • 4 garlic cloves, minced
- • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- • 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- • 1 bay leaf
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional, added at the end)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage : Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker : Transfer cooked sausage into your slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients : Add lentils, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Start Cooking : Cover the slow cooker . Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for about 4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
- Step 5: Add Greens (Optional) : If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it wilt and blend into the soup.
- Step 6: Taste and Adjust : Remove bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Step 7: Serve : Ladle the hearty sausage and lentil soup into bowls and enjoy hot.