Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
When the weather calls for cozy, satisfying meals, this Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Carrot Soup is the perfect answer. Packed with hearty vegetables, flavorful sausage, and a rich, creamy broth, this one-pot wonder is both comforting and easy to make. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a warming lunch, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and content.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Soup
This soup brings together the best of comfort food and hearty nutrition. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates a velvety broth that’s indulgent and satisfying.
- Loaded with Flavor: Savory sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, and a touch of fresh herbs make every spoonful delicious.
- Hearty and Filling: With potatoes, carrots, and sausage, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
- Simple and Easy: Using one pot and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is both convenient and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or a different type of protein.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines a balance of rich and savory flavors with satisfying textures. Browning the sausage first develops a deep, flavorful base, while cooking the onions and garlic in the drippings enhances the aromatic elements of the soup. Simmering the potatoes and carrots in chicken broth infuses them with flavor, and mashing a few of the potatoes creates a naturally thickened consistency. The addition of cream and cheddar cheese ties everything together, making the soup irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
Ingredients
To make this hearty, creamy soup, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground sausage: Adds savory flavor and richness to the soup.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds aromatic depth to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a rich, garlicky flavor.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Provides a hearty base and thickens the soup naturally.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful and savory soup base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and a velvety texture to the soup.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for a cheesy, comforting finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the flavors.
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Carrot Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting bowl of soup in under an hour:
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring to coat them in the flavors of the onion, garlic, and sausage drippings. Cook for another 2 minutes to lightly sauté the vegetables.
4. Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
5. Add the Sausage and Cream
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely into the soup. Stir well to ensure a creamy consistency.
6. Season and Garnish
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Soup
- Don’t Rush the Sausage: Allow the sausage to brown fully for maximum flavor and a deeper, richer soup base.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best as they break down slightly, naturally thickening the soup.
- Mash for Thickness: For a creamier texture, mash a few of the cooked potatoes with a fork before adding the cream and cheese.
- Customize the Veggies: Add celery, parsnips, or corn for extra flavor and variety.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley elevates the dish, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy sausage soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with these sides creates a complete meal:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While the soup can be frozen, the cream and cheese may separate when reheated. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese, then stir them in after reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage work well in this recipe.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, but the soup may be less creamy.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: How can I make the soup spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Q: What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
A: Parmesan, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are excellent substitutes.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it may not melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Carrot Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ingredients with rich, velvety flavors. It’s a one-pot recipe that’s easy to make and versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it as a centerpiece for a casual gathering, this soup is sure to impress.
Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every spoonful. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this soup is a must-try recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Creamy Sausage, Potato, and Carrot Soup: A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Meal
Description
This creamy sausage, potato, and carrot soup is a hearty, one-pot meal featuring savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, cheesy broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make!
Ingredients
### Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground sausage
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the diced potatoes and carrots, stirring to coat in the flavors. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
### Tip:
Serve with crusty bread for dipping to make this cozy meal even more satisfying.
### Cooking Tip:
For a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes with a fork before adding the cream and cheese.