Are you looking for a delicious, hearty meal that warms you up from the inside out? This Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup recipe is the perfect answer! Packed with flavorful sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a comforting dish that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a meal to impress guests, this soup is ideal for any occasion. Stick around and read the full article for all the details, tips, and variations to make this soup your new favorite!

What Is Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup?
Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is a savory and slightly sweet soup that combines the rich flavor of seasoned sausage with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. It’s a filling meal that brings together a balance of textures and flavors—hearty meat, soft veggies, and an herby broth. Best of all, this dish is highly versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, and seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients List for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious soup:
- 1 lb (450 g) of Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy): The choice of sausage affects the overall flavor of the soup. Opt for mild if you're feeding kids or spicy if you want an extra kick.
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: These provide the soup's main source of sweetness and nutrients like fiber and vitamin A.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Onions add a subtle depth of flavor to the soup, balancing out the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish with its aromatic punch.
- 4 cups (1 liter) of chicken or vegetable broth: This forms the soup's base, keeping it flavorful and well-seasoned.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes: Adds tanginess and texture to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: An aromatic herb that adds depth and earthiness to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, slightly peppery flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Optional: A handful of spinach or kale: Adds extra nutrition and color to the soup.
Substitutions and Variations
This soup is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to substitute or tweak ingredients to meet your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some options to consider:
- Sausage options: If you're not a fan of pork sausage, feel free to swap it out with turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Sweet potato substitutes: Not a fan of sweet potatoes? Regular potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots are great alternatives that still bring a hearty, starchy quality to the soup.
- Vegetable options: You can mix in additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or celery to add more variety and texture to your soup.
- Spice levels: Adjust the heat by either choosing spicy sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can omit spicy elements altogether.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking this Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is as simple as it is rewarding. With just a few basic steps, you can have a hearty, wholesome meal on the table in no time. Here's a detailed guide to follow:
- Prepare your ingredients: Before you begin, make sure to prep all of your vegetables by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, chopping the onions, and mincing the garlic.
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it's fully cooked through and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add spices and sweet potatoes: Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Then add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to coat the potatoes.
- Pour in the broth and tomatoes: Add the chicken or vegetable broth along with the can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the soup: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Add the sausage back in: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, return the cooked sausage to the pot. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens have wilted.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the spices if necessary for your preferred flavor profile.
- Serve hot: Your Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is now ready to serve!
How to Cook Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this soup is a breeze when broken down into easy steps. To recap:
- Brown the sausage.
- Sauté the onions and garlic.
- Add spices and sweet potatoes.
- Pour in broth and tomatoes.
- Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir sausage back in, season, and serve.
This method not only locks in all the flavors but also ensures that your sweet potatoes become tender without falling apart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes should be soft but not mushy. Overcooking them can cause them to disintegrate, turning the soup into a thick puree.
- Using low-quality sausage: The sausage is the star of the show here, so don’t skimp on quality. Opt for a flavorful, well-seasoned sausage to elevate the soup.
- Not seasoning enough: Soup often requires a good amount of seasoning. Taste the broth throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices accordingly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup can take it from a simple meal to an impressive dish:
- Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness to the soup. You can also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like extra heat.
- Crusty bread: Serve the soup alongside some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Cheese topping: For an extra layer of indulgence, top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese.
How to Serve Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
This soup is perfect for any meal—lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for a larger meal. Serve it in deep bowls with a slice of buttered bread on the side for a comforting, satisfying experience. For a more substantial meal, you can pair the soup with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Presentation Ideas for Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
When serving Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup, presentation matters! Here are some ways to elevate your presentation:
- Rustic serving bowls: Use earthenware bowls to give the soup a homestyle, rustic look.
- Herb sprigs: Garnish each bowl with a small sprig of thyme or parsley for a touch of elegance.
- Swirls of cream: If you want to add a luxurious feel, drizzle a little heavy cream or coconut milk in a swirl on top before serving.
Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe Tips
- Batch cooking: This soup freezes well! Make a double batch and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Meal prep: Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time to make cooking quick and easy on a busy night.
- Thickening: If you like a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in, or simply mash some of the sweet potatoes with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness to the dish, regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes work just as well.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this soup will last for about 4-5 days in the fridge.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the sausage you use is gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It's easy to make, packed with nutrients, and adaptable to various tastes. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting dinner on a cold night or batch-cooking for the week, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Try it out, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips provided to make it your own!
PrintSausage And Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
This sausage and sweet potato soup recipe brings together the rich flavors of spicy sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs. It's a wholesome, satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. The balance of protein, carbs, and fiber makes it a healthy, flavorful option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (spicy or mild)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook the sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add the cooked sausage back to the pot along with the kale or spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend half the soup before adding the sausage back.
- Substitute kale with spinach for a milder flavor.
- Adjust seasoning based on the sausage type (spicy or mild).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
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