If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights, Kielbasa Soup with Beans is the answer. This savory dish combines the rich flavor of Polish kielbasa sausage with the earthy goodness of beans, a variety of vegetables, and aromatic spices. Whether you prefer making it on the stovetop, in a crockpot kielbasa soup version, or using an Instant Pot for a quicker meal, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing this comforting soup, from ingredients to cooking methods, substitutions, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, you’ll find that this Kielbasa Bean Soup Recipe is both easy to follow and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Kielbasa Soup with Beans
A Hearty, Nutritious Meal
Kielbasa Soup with Beans is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables. With hearty Polish sausage, nutritious cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, this soup offers a wholesome meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. The beans provide a rich source of fiber, while the kielbasa adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this soup is how easily it can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to reduce carbs by substituting zucchini noodles for pasta or want a richer soup by adding extra vegetables, this recipe offers plenty of flexibility. You can even make it low-sodium kielbasa soup by choosing low-sodium broth and beans. 
Key Ingredients for Kielbasa Soup with Beans
To make this easy sausage soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil/butter)
- 12 oz Polish kielbasa, sliced into small circles and halved (1 ring)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1.5 cups fennel, diced (1 head)
- 1 cup diced onion (1 medium onion)
- 2 cups diced carrots (4-6 large carrots)
- 1.5 cups diced celery (4 celery stalks)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (can substitute black pepper)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (look for low or no salt)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth or beef broth)
- 5 oz baby spinach (or kale, coarsely chopped)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or another short pasta)
These ingredients combine to create a hearty, flavorful bowl of soup that can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Cooking Methods for Kielbasa Soup with Beans
Stovetop Method: Quick and Easy
Making Kielbasa Bean Soup on the stovetop is a straightforward approach that delivers rich flavor in under 40 minutes. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and brown it for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add garlic, fennel, onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Broth and Beans: Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Greens: While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package directions. Stir the cooked pasta and spinach (or kale) into the soup, and let it cook until the greens are just wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with crusty bread on the side.
Crockpot Method: Set It and Forget It
For a hands-off Kielbasa soup, the crockpot method is ideal. Here’s how to make it:
- Brown the Kielbasa and Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown the kielbasa and sauté the garlic, fennel, onion, celery, and carrots for 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Add the browned kielbasa and vegetables to the crockpot. Pour in the broth and cannellini beans. Stir to combine.
- Cook on Low: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4 hours.
- Add Pasta and Greens: During the last 30 minutes, add your cooked pasta and spinach or kale. Let it finish cooking and the greens wilt.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with bread or a side salad.
Instant Pot Method: Fast and Flavorful
If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot kielbasa soup will save you time while still delivering great results.
- Sauté the Kielbasa and Veggies: Use the sauté function to brown the kielbasa and sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes.
- Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth. Secure the lid, close the valve, and set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Add Greens and Pasta: After the soup cooks, quickly release the pressure. Add your cooked pasta and spinach or kale, stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Kielbasa Soup with Beans is how easily you can adapt it to suit your dietary preferences. Here are some substitution ideas:
- Broth: Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Greens: Substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard.
- Pasta: To make the soup low-carb, you can replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like cabbage, parsnips, or leeks to make the soup even heartier.
- Kielbasa: If you prefer, swap the kielbasa with turkey sausage or another type of sausage with lower fat.
What to Serve with Kielbasa Soup
While Kielbasa Soup with Beans is a filling meal on its own, it’s even better when paired with delicious sides. Consider serving:
- Warm crusty bread: Sourdough or any hearty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Side salads: A fresh kale salad or a light cabbage slaw complements the rich flavors of the soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Try lemon asparagus or garlic Brussels sprouts for a healthy, flavorful side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Kielbasa soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a toaster oven.
Nutritional Information (Per 2-Cup Serving)
- Calories: 454 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 23g
- Sodium: 537mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 9486 IU
- Iron: 2mg
Why You Should Try Kielbasa Soup with Beans
Kielbasa Soup with Beans is a nutritious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and highly adaptable. Whether you’re preparing it on the stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. It’s a great choice for families, meal prep, or anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals. So why wait? Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious bowl of comfort food that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own!
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