Easy Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
This Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and nutrient-packed meal perfect for busy days. With savory sausage, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables, it slow cooks into a comforting bowl that is satisfying and protein-rich.It requires minimal prep, freezes well, and makes an effortless weeknight dinner or meal-prep staple.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage casing removed (mild or hot)
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils rinsed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach optional, stirred in at the end
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, if browning sausage first
Instructions
Brown the Sausage (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker. Add lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
Finish the Soup:
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in fresh spinach (if using) and let it wilt for 2–3 minutes.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Add additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.