Description

Looking for a cozy, no-fuss meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, easy meal prep, or nourishing lunch ideas. Featuring Italian sausage, protein-rich lentils, and a medley of vegetables, it’s everything you want in a comforting soup. Whether you’re after a healthy snack or a reliable dinner idea, this easy recipe will keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Italian sausage

1 cup dry green or brown lentils

3 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

4 cups chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pan. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Transfer sausage and vegetables to a slow cooker. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until lentils are tender.

5. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker soup, mash a few lentils with the back of a spoon before serving.

6. Serve hot, optionally topped with parsley or Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.

Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra greens.

This soup freezes well—perfect for batch cooking and storing leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: easy dinner, lentil soup, sausage soup, slow cooker, comfort food