Are you tired of juggling multiple pots and pans for a single meal? This 15-bean soup is here to simplify your life while delivering comforting, hearty flavors.
Loaded with protein-packed beans, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, this one pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekend cooking sessions.
Why This One Pot Recipe Stands Out
The beauty of a one pot recipe lies in its simplicity. With just one pot or slow cooker, this 15-bean soup transforms everyday ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor.
The mix of beans provides a hearty base, while the sausage adds a savory punch.
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Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices ensure every bite is rich, balanced, and satisfying. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it a go-to recipe for any home cook.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers
This soup is ideal for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen over time. Make a big batch on the weekend and portion it into containers for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
You can also freeze it for later, ensuring a delicious homemade meal is always within reach. The hearty beans and sausage keep you full, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness even after reheating.
Customizing This 15-Bean Soup
One of the best things about this one pot recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for tailoring it to your preferences:
- Make it vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for plant-based alternatives or additional vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
- Boost the spice: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check your sausage for hidden gluten.
- Try different greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes.
Tips for the Best Slow-Cooked Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Rinse the beans: Discard the seasoning packet and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and improve texture.
- Layer flavors: Sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to build a deep, rich flavor base.
- Cook low and slow: If you have the time, opt for the low setting on your slow cooker. It allows the beans to soften and absorb all the savory flavors.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
While this soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a side can elevate your dining experience. Serve it with:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Simple salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Add even more depth to your meal with roasted carrots, parsnips, or brussels sprouts.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving comfort food, this one pot recipe is a must-try!
Simple 15-Bean Soup with Sausage & Spinach One Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 8 ounces hot or sweet Italian chicken sausage casings removed, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion chopped fine
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces 1 1/2 cups 15-bean soup mix, seasoning packet discarded, beans picked over and rinsed
- 8 ounces white mushrooms trimmed and quartered
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 ounces 4 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sausage, onion, garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt. Microwave the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth, beans, mushrooms, baking soda, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 7 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Add baby spinach to the soup one handful at a time, stirring to wilt. Let the soup sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.