Hearty Crockpot Potato Soup with Sausage - Easy Fall Meal

When the first chill of autumn hits the air, there is only one thing on my mind. I start thinking about big bowls of steaming soup that can warm you from the inside out. You know that feeling when you walk through the door after a long day and the house smells like heaven? That is the magic of using your slow cooker for dinner. It is like a gift you give to your future self. Honestly, there is nothing better than knowing dinner is already handled while you are busy with work or errands. It makes the whole day feel a little lighter and much more manageable.

Today I want to share one of my absolute favorite crockpot recipes for those blustery days. This potato soup is thick, creamy, and packed with savory sausage. It is one of those Simple Delicious Soup Recipes that does not require any fancy skills or expensive tools. You just need a few basic ingredients and a bit of time. Whether you are looking for Easy Cold Day Dinner Ideas or just want something comforting to eat while watching a movie, this soup hits the spot every single time. It is a staple in my house as soon as the leaves start to turn brown.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You might be wondering what makes this specific dish stand out among all the other crockpot recipes out there. Well, for starters, it is incredibly filling. This is a Hearty Crockpot Soup that actually keeps you full until breakfast. Many potato soups can feel a bit thin or lacking in protein, but the addition of chicken sausage changes everything. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a nice bite that balances the softness of the potatoes. It is a complete meal in a bowl which is exactly what we need during the busy winter months.

Another reason to love this is how budget friendly it is for everyone. Potatoes are one of the most affordable items in the produce aisle and they go a long way. When you combine them with some broth and a bit of cream, you create something that feels expensive but costs very little. This is also one of the best Food Ideas For One Person because it tastes even better the next day. You can make a big batch on Sunday and have lunch ready for the entire week. It saves so much money compared to buying lunch at a cafe every day.

The texture of this soup is also a major selling point. You get these lovely chunks of potato mixed with a silky base that feels like a warm hug. It is the definition of Cold Day Comfort Food for anyone who needs a little extra love. Plus, it is very customizable. You can use spicy sausage if you like a kick or mild sausage if you are cooking for kids. You can even swap the cheese or add extra veggies if you are feeling creative. It is a very forgiving recipe that works for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Lastly, the cleanup is a breeze. Since most of the work happens in one pot, you are not left with a mountain of dishes at the end of the night. We all know that feeling of finishing a great meal only to see a messy kitchen waiting for us. With Soup Recipes Crock Pot style, you avoid that stress almost entirely. You can just relax on the couch and enjoy your evening. That alone makes this recipe a winner in my book. It is all about making life easier without sacrificing the flavor we all crave.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let us talk about what you will need to gather from the store. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry or fridge. I love that this list is short and sweet. It proves you do not need fifty ingredients to make something taste fantastic. Here is what you should have on hand to make one of the best Crock Pot Sausage Soup Recipes you have ever tried.

1 lb Italian style chicken sausage, mild or spicy (your choice)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced into half inch chunks
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half and half
half tsp salt
half tsp black pepper
half tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning blend
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
half cup cheddar cheese, shredded

When choosing your potatoes, I highly recommend Yukon Gold. They have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape well during the long cooking process. If you only have Russets, those will work too, but they might break down a bit more. For the sausage, chicken sausage is a lighter option that still packs a ton of spice. Make sure you get the raw links so you can crumble them up in the pan. This helps distribute the meat throughout every single spoonful of your Soup Recipes In Crockpot.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

The first step to making these crockpot recipes successful is building a good base of flavor. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chicken sausage. You want to use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown for about 7 to 8 minutes until it is no longer pink. This browning process creates a deep savory taste that you just cannot get if you put the raw meat directly into the slow cooker. Once it is done, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to your crockpot.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Do not wash that skillet just yet! All those little brown bits left behind by the sausage are pure gold. Add your chopped onion to the same pan and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to become soft and translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter very quickly. This step fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. It is the secret to making Simple Delicious Soup Recipes that taste like they came from a restaurant. Transfer this mixture into the crockpot with the sausage.

Step 3: Load the Crockpot

Now it is time to bring everything together. Add your diced potatoes into the pot along with the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Give everything a good stir so the seasonings are well distributed. You want to make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the liquid so they cook evenly. This is the part where the crockpot recipes magic really starts to happen. All those flavors are going to mingle and marry over the next few hours. It is hard to believe that something so simple can turn into such a rich and complex meal.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set your timer. You have two options here depending on your schedule. If you are starting this in the morning, cook it on Low for 6 to 7 hours. If you need it done faster, you can cook it on High for 3 to 4 hours. You will know it is ready when the potatoes are fork tender and easily smashed against the side of the pot. This slow and steady heat is what makes Cold Weather Comfort Meals so special. It tenderizes the vegetables and allows the broth to soak up all the spices from the sausage.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Once the potatoes are perfectly soft, it is time to make things creamy. Stir in your heavy cream or half and half along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Leave the lid off for this part and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the cheese time to melt completely and the cream time to thicken the broth. You will see the soup transform from a clear liquid into a rich and velvety masterpiece. This is the stage where your Hearty Crockpot Soup truly comes to life. The smell at this point is absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Optional Mash

This is a little trick I like to use for a thicker texture. Take a potato masher and gently press down on some of the potatoes right in the pot. You do not want to turn it into mashed potatoes, but breaking up about a third of the chunks adds a lot of body to the soup. I like to leave plenty of whole pieces for a hearty bite. It gives the soup a rustic feel that is perfect for Cold Day Comfort Food. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can skip this step entirely and it will still be delicious.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into large bowls and get ready to eat. For the final touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top. If you are feeling extra indulgent, you can add another sprinkle of cheddar cheese or even a tiny swirl of cream. Serving this with a piece of crusty bread is a great idea for soaking up every last drop of the broth. It is one of those Easy Cold Day Dinner Ideas that feels like a celebration of the season. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your very minimal labor.

How To Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any soup left over, you are in luck. This recipe stores beautifully and might even taste better the next day. Simply let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Because it is so easy to reheat, it is one of the best Food Ideas For One Person who wants to meal prep for a few days. You can just pop a bowl in the microwave for a couple of minutes and you have a hot meal ready to go.

When you are ready to eat your leftovers, you might notice that the soup has thickened up quite a bit in the fridge. This is totally normal as the potatoes continue to absorb the liquid. Just add a splash of milk or broth when you reheat it to bring back that perfect consistency. I usually recommend reheating it on the stove over low heat so the cream does not separate. It is the ultimate convenience food for a busy weeknight when you just do not have the energy to cook something new from scratch.

Tips

To get the best results from your crockpot recipes, there are a few little things to keep in mind. First, try to cut your potato chunks as evenly as possible. If some pieces are huge and others are tiny, they will cook at different rates. Keeping them around a half inch size ensures they all get tender at the same time. Also, if you want to save even more time, you can buy pre chopped onions and jarred minced garlic. There is no shame in taking a few shortcuts when you are in a hurry!

Another tip is to shred your own cheese if you can. The pre bagged shredded cheese is coated in a powder that prevents it from sticking together, which can sometimes make your soup feel a bit grainy. Shredding a block of cheddar takes just a minute and it melts much smoother. This small step makes a big difference in the final texture of your Soup Recipes Crock Pot. Also, feel free to swap the chicken sausage for pork sausage or even kielbasa if that is what you have in the freezer. The recipe is very flexible.

If you find that your soup is too salty, you can add an extra potato or a bit more cream to balance it out. On the other hand, if it tastes a bit flat, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten up all the flavors. Sometimes a little bit of acid is all you need to make the savory notes pop. Do not be afraid to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Cooking is all about making things taste good for you and your family.

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple and delicious way to feed your family during the colder months. This potato and sausage soup is one of those crockpot recipes that you will find yourself coming back to year after year. It is easy on the wallet, simple to prepare, and incredibly satisfying to eat. There is something so comforting about a bowl of warm soup when the world outside is gray and chilly. It reminds us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life like a good meal and a warm home.

I hope you give this Cold Weather Comfort Meals favorite a try very soon. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just looking for Food Ideas For One Person, this recipe is sure to please. It is proof that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something that tastes amazing. So, grab your slow cooker, chop up those potatoes, and let the magic happen. You deserve a stress free dinner that warms your soul. Happy cooking and stay cozy out there!

FAQ

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?

Yes, you can definitely make a dairy free version of this soup. You can swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk. For the cheese, you can either leave it out or use your favorite vegan cheese shreds. It will still be a Hearty Crockpot Soup even without the traditional dairy. Just make sure the milk alternative you use is unsweetened so it does not change the savory flavor profile of the dish.

Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?

You can use frozen diced potatoes if you are in a real time crunch. However, keep in mind that frozen potatoes are often already partially cooked, so they might become very soft if you cook them for the full 7 hours. I would recommend checking the soup a bit earlier if you go this route. It is still one of the easiest Soup Recipes In Crockpot even with frozen ingredients. Just be sure to thaw them slightly or adjust your liquid levels if they release extra water.

Can I Freeze The Leftovers?

Potato soups can be a bit tricky to freeze because the texture of the potatoes can change and become slightly grainy when thawed. Additionally, cream based soups sometimes separate after being frozen. If you do decide to freeze it, I suggest doing so before adding the cream and cheese. You can freeze the potato and sausage base, then add the dairy when you reheat it on the stove. This will give you the best results for your Cold Day Comfort Food prep.

What Kind Of Sausage Is Best?

I personally love using Italian style chicken sausage because it has a great blend of herbs like fennel and garlic. It adds so much flavor to crockpot recipes without being too heavy. However, you can use spicy pork sausage if you want more heat or even a smoked turkey sausage for a different flavor. The most important thing is to brown it first to get that nice crust and deep flavor. Any sausage you enjoy will likely work well in this versatile soup.