Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

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As someone who adores heartwarming meals that practically cook themselves, this Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is one of my go-to comfort recipes. It combines the deep, savory richness of Italian sausage with tender lentils, sweet carrots, and a perfectly seasoned broth that slowly simmers to perfection. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, I know this dish will fill my home with incredible aromas and leave everyone feeling satisfied.

I’ve always appreciated how forgiving and versatile lentil soups are, but adding sausage takes this one to the next level. The flavors develop beautifully in the slow cooker, and there’s something incredibly cozy about scooping out a hearty bowl that’s been bubbling away for hours. This soup is the kind of meal that makes you want seconds—and maybe even thirds.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

This soup is everything a cold-weather dinner should be: warm, hearty, and flavorful. It’s protein-packed thanks to the sausage and lentils, and loaded with vegetables, making it both nutritious and filling. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning, and your slow cooker does the rest.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something cozy without a lot of effort, this recipe delivers. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and one of those dishes that actually tastes even better the next day.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

You can use a variety of sausages in this soup, but I personally love using mild or hot Italian sausage because of the flavor it brings to the lentils. If you prefer a leaner option, try chicken or turkey sausage. Just make sure whatever sausage you choose has a good amount of seasoning—it’ll boost the overall flavor of the dish.

If your sausage is in casing, remove it before browning. Ground sausage (loose) works best since it breaks apart nicely and blends into the soup.

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Options for Substitutions

This soup is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few swaps I often make depending on what I have on hand:

• Sausage: Ground beef or turkey can work if sausage isn’t available. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and adding more lentils or mushrooms.
• Lentils: Brown or green lentils hold their shape best, but red lentils can be used for a softer texture. Just note that red lentils cook faster.
• Veggies: No carrots? Use sweet potatoes. Out of celery? Try bell peppers or zucchini.
• Broth: Chicken or beef broth are ideal, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.

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Ingredients for This Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and a hint of spice, forming the base flavor of the soup.
• Dry Lentils: Hearty and protein-packed, they soak up all the wonderful flavors during the slow cooking process.
• Carrots: Add sweetness and color, and soften beautifully over time.
• Celery: Provides aromatic earthiness and a slight crunch.
• Onion: Brings aromatic sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
• Garlic: Essential for a warm, savory background flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned): Provide acidity, sweetness, and body to the broth.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a bit of richness.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base that carries all the flavors together. Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the rustic, Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance all the other flavors.
• Bay Leaf: Adds an extra subtle layer of flavor during the long cooking process.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the sausage and vegetables.

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into smaller chunks as it cooks. Sauté until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, just until the onions are translucent and veggies begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.

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Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Pour the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker. Add the dry lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.

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Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours. The lentils should be tender but not mushy, and the broth should be rich and hearty.

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Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaf and give it a final taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you like a slightly thicker texture, you can mash a small portion of the lentils with a spoon before serving.

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Step 6: Garnish (Optional)

Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

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How Long to Prepare the Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

Prep Time:
The initial prep for this soup is quick and easy, taking about 15–20 minutes. That includes chopping the vegetables, browning the sausage, and giving the aromatics a quick sauté. If you want to save even more time, you can chop the vegetables the night before or use pre-chopped store-bought options.

Cook Time:
Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can let it simmer away without any fuss. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours. The longer it simmers, the deeper and more complex the flavors become. This hands-off cooking time is perfect for busy weekdays.

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Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

• Brown your sausage first. Don’t skip this step—it deepens the flavor and gives the soup a savory richness you won’t get from raw sausage.
• Use dry lentils. Canned lentils will get too mushy after hours in the slow cooker. Dry lentils hold their shape and soak up flavor better.
• Layer your ingredients. Put firmer vegetables and lentils on the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
• Taste before serving. Lentils soak up salt during cooking, so a final seasoning check is essential.
• Add greens at the end. If you want to toss in spinach or kale, do it 15 minutes before serving so they stay bright and tender.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sauté step: Tossing raw sausage and aromatics into the slow cooker without browning leads to a flat, greasy soup.
• Using the wrong lentils: Red lentils turn to mush—stick to green or brown for the best texture.
• Over-seasoning early: Since the flavors concentrate as the soup cooks, wait until the end to do a final seasoning.
• Opening the lid too often: Each peek adds about 30 minutes to your cook time.
• Too much liquid: If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, reduce the broth slightly to avoid overflow.

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What to Serve With Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup?

1. Crusty Bread

A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the thick, flavorful broth.

2. Side Salad

Pair it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

3. Garlic Bread

Buttery, toasted garlic bread adds another layer of savory flavor.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Roast up some broccoli or Brussels sprouts to add texture and extra nutrients.

5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing beats a gooey grilled cheese alongside a bowl of hot soup.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Freezer:
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approximate)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 10g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add more lentils or mushrooms to boost the umami flavor.

Can I use canned lentils instead of dry?

It’s not recommended. Canned lentils will become too soft after several hours in the slow cooker.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender.

What type of lentils work best?

Green or brown lentils hold their shape and texture the best during long cooking.

Is this soup spicy?

That depends on the sausage you use. Use hot Italian sausage for more heat or mild for a family-friendly version.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is the kind of soul-warming dish you’ll want to have on repeat. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and so easy to customize. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or simply craving something cozy, this soup hits every mark. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day—if you have any left!

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