Beef Sausage & Lentil Slow Cooker Soup (Print Version)
Slow cook a comforting beef sausage and lentil soup. This hearty, one-pot meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 380 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb lean beef sausage, casings removed if applicable
02 -
1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
03 -
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
04 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
→ Aromatic Base & Garden Goodness
05 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
06 -
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
07 -
2 celery stalks, diced
08 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
2 bay leaves
→ Savory Seasonings & Fresh Finish
10 -
1 tsp dried thyme
11 -
1 tsp dried oregano
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
14 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
15 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 1 lb lean beef sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the browned sausage to your slow cooker.
02 -
In the same skillet (add a touch of oil if needed), add the 1 large yellow onion, 2 large carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the 4 cloves garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the sausage. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups rinsed brown or green lentils, 6 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. This forms the base for your Hearty Beef Sausage and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker).
04 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours (360 minutes), or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally if possible. This slow cooking process is key for a rich Hearty Beef Sausage and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker).
05 -
Carefully remove and discard the 2 bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
06 -
Ladle the warm Hearty Beef Sausage and Lentil Soup (Slow Cooker) into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Browning the sausage and sautéing the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker is a crucial step that builds a deeper, richer flavor foundation for your soup.
02 -
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Brown or green lentils are recommended as they hold their shape well during slow cooking. Red lentils tend to break down more, creating a creamier, thicker soup, which is also a delicious option if preferred.
04 -
A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of richness and flavor to each bowl just before serving.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 351 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
Protein: 24 g