Okay, friend, let’s talk soup! Specifically, let’s dive headfirst into a bowl of comfort and goodness: Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion, and a weeknight dinner savior all rolled into one. I still remember the first time I made Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup. It was a chilly autumn evening, the kind that makes you want to curl up under a blanket. I had a fridge full of odds and ends – some sweet potatoes that were starting to look a little sad, a package of Italian sausage calling my name, and a bag of kale I’d optimistically bought at the farmer’s market. I thought, “Why not?” and just started throwing things together.
Honestly? It was a bit of a disaster at first. I added too much broth and not enough seasoning. The kale was bitter, and the sausage was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t singing. But I persevered! After a few tweaks (and a generous dollop of honey to balance the bitterness), I landed on a Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup that my family absolutely devoured. It was hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy. That’s the beautiful thing about cooking, right? Even the mess-ups can lead to something amazing.
Now, this easy sweet potato kale soup recipe is a staple in our house. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, nutritious, and satisfying. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies – my kids barely even notice the kale! Plus, it’s a one-pot sausage soup, which means fewer dishes to wash – always a win in my book!
I’ve perfected this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup over the years, learning little tricks and tips along the way. And I’m so excited to share everything with you. Cooking, for me, is all about making delicious, nourishing food that brings people together. It’s about creating memories and sharing love through every bite. Think of this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup recipe as a blueprint – feel free to adjust it to your own taste and preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap out the sausage for chicken if you prefer. The possibilities are endless!
Ready to get cooking? I promise, this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is easier than it looks and totally worth the effort. Let’s get started! And if you are looking for another great soup recipe, this pumpkin wild rice soup is incredible. Or maybe you want something a little cheesy, like this broccoli cheddar soup with shells!
What You’ll Need for This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this comforting Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup! Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few of my personal tips and tricks:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice): I always use sweet Italian sausage for my Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup because my kids prefer it, but if you like a little kick, go for the hot! Make sure to remove the casings.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works great.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is always best!
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star of the show! Look for firm sweet potatoes without any soft spots.
- 6 cups chicken broth: You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt level. Vegetable broth works too if you prefer.
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped: I prefer Tuscan kale (also known as lacinato kale) because it’s a little less bitter, but curly kale works just fine too.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a lovely earthy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives the Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup a nice depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be afraid to season generously!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and veggies.
- Optional toppings: Shredded Parmesan cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

When making Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup, I always try to buy my sausage from a local butcher shop. The quality is usually much better, and it supports small businesses. Here’s a Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup trick I learned from my grandmother: After you brown the sausage, drain off any excess grease. This will keep your soup from being too oily.
For a shortcut, you can buy pre-chopped sweet potatoes and kale at some grocery stores. This can save you a lot of time, especially on busy weeknights when you’re whipping up this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup. To save money, buy sweet potatoes when they’re in season (usually in the fall and winter) and store them in a cool, dark place. And speaking of other variations, have you ever tried a slow cooker sausage, kale and sweet potato soup?
Store any leftover kale in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week. If you have leftover sweet potatoes after making this easy sweet potato kale soup, roast them with a little olive oil and salt for a delicious side dish. They also make a great addition to salads.
Let’s Make This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup Together
Alright, friend, let’s get cooking! I’m going to walk you through each step of making this delicious Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
- Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remember what I mentioned earlier: drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy soup.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Your hearty sausage sweet potato kale soup should smell amazing right about now!
- Add the sweet potatoes and broth: Add the cubed sweet potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. I learned the hard way with Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup that cutting the sweet potatoes into smaller cubes helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Stir in the kale: Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook until it’s wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t worry if your Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup looks a little green at first; the kale will soften up as it cooks.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
In my kitchen, Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect weeknight meal. While the Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is cooking, I like to set the table and maybe put on some music. It makes the whole cooking process more enjoyable! If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just add it to the pot along with the sweet potatoes and broth.
A reassuring note for common Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup concerns: if your soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow the liquid to evaporate. Your Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup should smell like a combination of savory sausage, sweet potatoes, and earthy kale – a truly irresistible aroma!
And if you are looking for more amazing kale recipes, check out this spicy sausage, sweet potato and kale soup!
How I Love to Serve This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup
Now that your Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is ready, let’s talk about serving it up! My family loves this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup when I serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. There’s just something about soaking up all that delicious broth with a piece of bread that makes it extra satisfying.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup include a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is perfect for a chilly fall evening, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a potluck with friends. I’ve even made a big batch of this healthy sausage soup for holiday gatherings – it’s always a hit!
For presentation, I like to garnish the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of elegance. These small details can really elevate the dish and make it look extra appetizing. If you have extra Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and freeze it for later.
One seasonal Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup variation I’ve tried is adding a can of diced tomatoes. The tomatoes add a nice acidity and brightness to the soup. Friends always ask for this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup recipe whenever I make it. It’s one of those dishes that people just can’t get enough of! So feel free to share it with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! And if you are looking for more serving ideas, check out the sweet potato soup with sausage!
Your Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions about this amazing Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup. I’ve heard it all over the years from family, friends, and my lovely blog readers, so let’s get right to it!
- Can I make this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You know what I do when my Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is cooking in the slow cooker? I can take care of other tasks around the house!
- Can I freeze this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Can I use different types of sausage? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or even chicken sausage. My family prefers Italian sausage, but you can customize it to your liking.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup? Definitely! This soup is very versatile. You can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. If you love this sausage sweet potato kale soup, you may also like tortellini vegetable soup.
- The kale in my soup is bitter. What can I do? If your kale is bitter, try massaging it with a little olive oil and lemon juice before adding it to the soup. This will help to break down the fibers and make it less bitter.
- My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out? If your soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Can I make this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a can of white beans for some extra protein. My kids love the vegetarian version of this soup! I learned from a reader that adding a touch of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
My Final Thoughts on This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup
This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat healthy. Plus, it’s a family favorite – everyone from my picky toddler to my health-conscious husband enjoys it.
My Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip browning the sausage: This step adds a ton of flavor to the soup.
- Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.
- Use high-quality broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so it’s important to use a good quality broth.
Here are a few Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Spicy Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Creamy Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Lemon Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.
My son loves the creamy version of this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup, while my daughter prefers the spicy version. My hope is that you’ll make this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup your own, adapting it to your own taste and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors!

I hope you enjoy making this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup as much as I do. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and nourish your body. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! You got this!
Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup
This Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a chilly evening. Packed with Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, and kale, it’s a healthy and delicious way to warm up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 ounces fresh kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for browning sausage)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. If the sausage is lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot first. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. You can also top with grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
