Alright, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about those weeknight dinner dilemmas, shall we? I get it. You’re juggling school drop-offs, soccer practice, and mountains of laundry…and somehow, you’re supposed to conjure up a healthy, satisfying meal that everyone will actually eat! That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my family’s absolute favorite solutions: sausage sweet potato kale soup. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor, vitamins, and, most importantly, comfort.
The first time I made sausage sweet potato kale soup, I was honestly just trying to use up some leftover ingredients in my fridge. Sweet potatoes were on sale, I had some Italian sausage, and a friend had given me a bunch of kale from her garden. I threw it all together, hoping for the best, and crossed my fingers. To my surprise, my family devoured it! Even my pickiest eater (my son, Liam) asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this sausage sweet potato kale soup was a dinnertime win!
What makes this sausage sweet potato kale soup so special? It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, hearty and healthy. The sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor, the sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture, and the kale gives it a boost of nutrients and a pop of color. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your family’s taste.
I know how hard it can be to find recipes that are both delicious and doable on a busy schedule. So, if you’re looking for a sanity-saving comfort food that will nourish your family from the inside out, keep reading! This sausage sweet potato kale soup is for you! Let’s make some magic in the kitchen, shall we?
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this comforting sausage sweet potato kale soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Trust me, this sausage sweet potato kale soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store!
No worries if you don’t have chicken broth – I use vegetable broth for extra comfort in my sausage sweet potato kale soup. It works just as well and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
This sausage sweet potato kale soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. Sweet potatoes are usually very affordable, and you can often find kale on sale.
Want to add even more flavor? My family gets extra comfort when I add a bay leaf while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving!
Here’s a sausage sweet potato kale soup comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I pre-chop the vegetables on Sunday so they’re ready to go when I need them during the week. Total time-saver!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this sausage sweet potato kale soup is so easy, even on the busiest weeknights.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. About 7-10 minutes.While the sausage is browning, take a deep breath. You’re already on your way to creating a comforting meal for your family!
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.Here’s a sausage sweet potato kale soup cooking discovery: Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic! It really builds a flavor foundation.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Also, this is when I add that bay leaf I mentioned earlier. You can customize your sausage sweet potato kale soup however you like!
- Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Your sausage sweet potato kale soup should smell amazing by now! Try not to sneak a taste, even though I know it’s tempting!
- Remove the bay leaf, if you used one. Serve hot and enjoy!In my busy kitchen, this comforting sausage sweet potato kale soup usually takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my sausage sweet potato kale soup – I would sometimes forget to break up the sausage well enough, so I’d end up with big chunks. Learn from my experience!
While your sausage sweet potato kale soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! That’s what it’s all about, right?
How We Love to Eat This!
This sausage sweet potato kale soup is a dinnertime champion in our house. We love it for its simplicity and how easily it can be customized.
The kids devour this comforting sausage sweet potato kale soup when I serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that flavorful broth.
This sausage sweet potato kale soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for a cozy weekend lunch.
For presentation, I like to garnish with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It makes the sausage sweet potato kale soup look extra appealing.
We always have leftovers (which is a good thing!). I love to pack this sausage sweet potato kale soup for lunch the next day. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.
During the fall, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sausage sweet potato kale soup for a warmer, more seasonal flavor. It’s a fun twist!
Our guests always rave about this sausage sweet potato kale soup. They’re always surprised by how much flavor it has, considering how simple it is to make! I’ve even been asked to bring it to potlucks!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about this sausage sweet potato kale soup, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones I get asked.
- Is this sausage sweet potato kale soup really filling enough for growing kids?Absolutely! The sausage and sweet potatoes provide plenty of protein and carbohydrates to keep them satisfied. Plus, the kale adds fiber to keep them full longer.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this sausage sweet potato kale soup?Start by offering them a small taste and don’t pressure them to eat the whole bowl. You can also try blending a portion of the soup to make it smoother. Sometimes texture is the issue!
- Can I meal prep this sausage sweet potato kale soup for busy weeks ahead?Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Just make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well!
- Can I use a different kind of sausage?Of course! I usually use Italian sausage, but you could also use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a spicier kick.
- What if I don’t have kale?You can substitute spinach or collard greens. They’ll both work well in this sausage sweet potato kale soup.
- Can I make this in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?Yes, you absolutely can! Check out Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot) Sausage, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup for easy instructions.
- Is this sausage sweet potato kale soup gluten-free?Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth.
I hope these answers help! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this sausage sweet potato kale soup your own!
Final Thoughts:
This sausage sweet potato kale soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a lifeline for busy families who want to enjoy healthy, delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It supports my family’s comfort food goals by being both nutritious and satisfying, hitting that sweet spot where everyone feels good after eating.
My sausage sweet potato kale soup Comfort Hacks:
- Pre-chop veggies: Saves time during the week.
- Use broth instead of water: Adds extra flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite spices or herbs.
Here are some family-tested sausage sweet potato kale soup variations:
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end.
- Smoked: Use smoked sausage for a deeper, more complex flavor.
My husband prefers the spicy version of this sausage sweet potato kale soup, while my kids love it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. I’m a fan of all of them!
For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Italian sausage and potato soup recipe! If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my cheesy hamburger potato soup.
I encourage you to make this sausage sweet potato kale soup your own. Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a comforting meal for your loved ones. It is so easy to adapt. For instance, this comforting sausage sweet potato kale soup reminds me of another family favorite: sausage and tortellini soup!
My hope is that this sausage sweet potato kale soup will bring your family as much joy and comfort as it has brought mine. Dinnertime doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be a time to connect, nourish, and create memories together.
So, go ahead and give this satisfying sausage sweet potato kale soup a try. You might just find your new family favorite! I am so excited to hear what you think.
sausage sweet potato kale soup
This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal, packed with flavor and nutrients. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory sausage and earthy kale.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Add olive oil to the pot and sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the sweet potatoes, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.