Name: Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 375 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic; 2 yellow onions; 1 large carrot; 2 stalks celery; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 796mL jar crushed/strained tomatoes (passata); 1 can chickpeas; 1 red pepper; 2 cups kale; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tbsp fennel; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper

Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup is the ultimate time-saver for busy home cooks who still crave a hearty, nourishing meal. This easy recipe combines robust flavors with a hands-off cooking process, making it my go-to on hectic weeknights or lazy weekends. With just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker handles the rest, delivering a rich, comforting soup that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day.

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What I love most about this easy Tuscan sausage soup recipe is how flexible it is. You can mix in veggies you already have, customize the protein, or even prep it ahead for freezer storage. Trust me, this is the kind of soup that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Healthy, hearty, and perfect for meal prep—it checks all the boxes!

Why This Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off cooking: Prep everything in 15 minutes, then let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting for hours.
Rich, layered flavors: Cooking low and slow allows the Italian seasoning, fennel, and garlic to fully infuse the broth.
One-pot cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
Healthy and hearty: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and kale for a nutritious meal.
Customizable: Swap ingredients easily to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy slow cooker soup with kale:

Slow Cooker: Any standard 6-quart slow cooker will work perfectly. I prefer one with a programmable timer to automatically switch to “warm” once cooking time is up.
Sharp Knife: For chopping the onions, carrots, celery, and kale. A good knife makes prep faster and safer.
Mixing Bowl: If you’re making your own turkey sausage, a medium bowl to mix the meat and seasoning is handy.

Pro tip: If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-chopped or frozen veggies to speed up your prep even more!

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup

This homemade Tuscan soup with chickpeas is made with pantry staples and fresh veggies. Here are a few of the star ingredients:

Ground Turkey: A lean, protein-packed option that works beautifully with the fennel and garlic seasoning. You can also use turkey sausages for extra convenience.
Kale: Adds a hearty texture and a nutritional boost. I recommend chopping it finely so it softens quickly when stirred in at the end.
Canned Chickpeas: A convenient source of fiber and a satisfying bite. Don’t forget to drain and rinse them!
Crushed Tomatoes: The base for the soup’s rich, savory broth. Look for passata or any unsalted variety for maximum control over seasoning.

Shopping tip: Save time by grabbing pre-washed kale and pre-minced garlic from the grocery store. Little shortcuts like these make weeknight cooking much easier.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe Details

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 yellow onions, diced
1 large carrot, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
1 (796mL) jar crushed/strained tomatoes (passata)
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 red pepper, diced
2 cups kale, chopped
1 lb ground turkey (or 4 turkey sausages, casings removed)
1 tbsp fennel
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup

If using turkey sausages, remove the casings and break up the meat. If making your own sausage, mix the ground turkey with fennel, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then break it into chunks.
In your slow cooker, add the sausage (pre-cooked or raw), garlic, onions, carrot, celery, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Stir to combine.
Set the slow cooker to high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. Walk away and let the magic happen!
About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the diced red pepper and chopped kale. Let them sit for 3-4 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
Ladle the soup into bowls, serve hot, and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup

Pre-make the sausage: If you’re short on time, cook the sausage in advance and refrigerate it. It’ll save you a step on busy mornings.
Don’t skip the kale: Stirring it in at the end keeps it fresh and slightly crunchy—it makes a big difference!
Freeze extras: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion leftovers into airtight containers for stress-free meals later.
Double the batch: Make a double portion if your slow cooker is large enough. You’ll thank yourself during a busy week!
Don’t over-season early: Salt levels concentrate as the soup cooks, so adjust seasonings at the end.

Easy Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup Variations

Use different greens: Swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
Try different beans: Cannellini beans or great northern beans work well instead of chickpeas.
Mix up the protein: Swap turkey sausage for chicken sausage or ground pork.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup FAQs

Can I use frozen kale?

Yes, frozen kale works great in this recipe. Just stir it in directly from frozen during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

What if my soup is too thick?

If the soup seems too thick, stir in an extra cup of chicken broth or water. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Absolutely. Brown the sausage first, then add the rest of the ingredients (except kale and red pepper) to a large pot. Simmer for about 30 minutes, then stir in the final veggies at the end.

How do I reheat leftovers?

You can reheat leftover soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 2-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or use more chickpeas for extra protein.

Whether you’re meal prepping or craving something cozy, this Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup is a surefire hit. What’s your favorite time-saving kitchen hack? Drop a comment below, and happy cooking!