๐ Introduction
Rustic Hearty Turkey Sausage Soup is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed bowl โ savory turkey sausage, tender vegetables, aromatics, herbs, and beans all simmer together in a rich, comforting broth. Itโs wholesome, satisfying, and naturally hearty without feeling heavy.
This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or anytime you want a one-pot dinner that feels nurturing and deeply delicious. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, this pork-free sausage soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle
๐ Ingredients
Turkey Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound turkey Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Broth & Seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ยฝ teaspoon dried thyme
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Beans & Optional Add-Ins
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans or kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1โ2 cups chopped spinach or kale
- 1 small zucchini, diced (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Finish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Grated parmesan or dairy-free alternative (optional)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1: Brown the turkey sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add turkey sausage and break it into crumbles as it cooks.
Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Remove excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sautรฉ vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Sautรฉ 5โ6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the broth
Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add beans and optional veggies
Stir in beans and zucchini (if using).
Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 5: Add greens
Stir in spinach or kale and simmer 2โ3 minutes until wilted.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley and optional parmesan.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Store in the refrigerator for 4โ5 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months โ ideal for make-ahead meals.
๐ฅ Variations
- Creamy Version
Add ยฝ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. - Hearty Tuscany Style
Add baby spinach, white beans, and parmesan. - Veggie-Forward Soup
Add mushrooms, leeks, cabbage, or bell peppers. - Spicy Kick
Use hot turkey sausage or add chili flakes. - Pasta Twist
Add 1 cup small pasta during the last 10 minutes.
โ 10 FAQs
- Can I use chicken sausage?
Yes โ chicken sausage works perfectly. - Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes, add extra garlic and Italian herbs for flavor. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely โ just skip parmesan or use a dairy-free version. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes โ it freezes very well, especially without pasta. - How can I thicken the broth?
Mash a few beans or simmer longer. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. - Do I have to use beans?
No โ replace them with extra veggies or mushrooms. - Can I add potatoes?
Yes โ add 2 diced potatoes with the broth. - Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes โ brown sausage first, then cook on LOW for 6 hours. - Is this soup spicy?
Mild by default โ adjust seasoning as desired.
๐ Conclusion
Rustic Hearty Turkey Sausage Soup is the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and wholesome goodness. With flavorful turkey sausage, nourishing vegetables, rich broth, and optional greens or beans, this soup checks all the boxes: satisfying, simple, and full of savory depth. Whether for meal prep or cozy dinners, itโs a versatile recipe youโll love making over and over.

Rustic Hearty Turkey Sausage Soup โ A warm, cozy bowl packed with veggies and savory flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add turkey sausage and break it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Remove excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Sautรฉ 5โ6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in beans and zucchini (if using).
- Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Stir in spinach or kale and simmer 2โ3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley and optional parmesan.
Notes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Store in the refrigerator for 4โ5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months โ ideal for make-ahead meals.๐ฅ Variations
Creamy VersionAdd ยฝ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. Hearty Tuscany Style
Add baby spinach, white beans, and parmesan. Veggie-Forward Soup
Add mushrooms, leeks, cabbage, or bell peppers. Spicy Kick
Use hot turkey sausage or add chili flakes. Pasta Twist
Add 1 cup small pasta during the last 10 minutes.
โ 10 FAQs
Can I use chicken sausage?Yes โ chicken sausage works perfectly. Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes, add extra garlic and Italian herbs for flavor. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely โ just skip parmesan or use a dairy-free version. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes โ it freezes very well, especially without pasta. How can I thicken the broth?
Mash a few beans or simmer longer. Can I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Do I have to use beans?
No โ replace them with extra veggies or mushrooms. Can I add potatoes?
Yes โ add 2 diced potatoes with the broth. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes โ brown sausage first, then cook on LOW for 6 hours. Is this soup spicy?
Mild by default โ adjust seasoning as desired.