Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale is the ultimate healthy comfort food. This recipe comes together with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker, and it’s perfect for cozy weeknights. Prep it in just 10 minutes, let it cook while you tackle your to-do list, and enjoy a thick, creamy soup that’s loaded with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
I stumbled upon this shortcut while searching for a no-fuss way to make classic sweet potato soup. Traditional methods can take hours, but the slow cooker (or even your Instant Pot) takes out the guesswork. You get tender sweet potatoes, hearty sausage, and nutrient-packed kale, all in a perfectly seasoned broth. Trust me, your family will love this one, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
Why This Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale Is a Game-Changer
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does the work while you’re free to focus on other things.
- Quick prep: With just 10 minutes of chopping and sautéing, you’re all set.
- Health without hassle: This soup is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, but it’s still a breeze to make.
- Easy clean-up: One pot means fewer dishes to deal with after dinner.
- Versatile: Works in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop—whatever suits your schedule.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale
To keep things simple, you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These appliances make this soup virtually hands-free. For the slow cooker, use the low or high setting depending on your timing. For the Instant Pot, the pressure cook function is your best friend.
- Large Skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage and sautéing the aromatics before transferring everything to your cooker.
- Blender: A quick purée transforms a portion of the soup into that creamy texture without needing extra dairy.
Simple Ingredients for Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Sweet Potatoes: These bring natural sweetness and creamy texture. Save time by grabbing pre-cut cubes if available.
- Italian Chicken Sausage: Lean and full of flavor. You can swap for turkey sausage or spicy varieties for more kick.
- Lacinato Kale: Also known as Tuscan kale, it holds up perfectly in soups. Frozen spinach works in a pinch, too!
- Adobo Seasoning: This all-in-one spice mix adds smoky, savory depth without needing a ton of different seasonings.
Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe Details
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Adobo Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 pound orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups unsalted chicken bone broth
- 1/4 cup dairy-free heavy cream (optional)
- 1 bunch lacinato kale or Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves torn (about 2 cups loosely packed)
How to Make Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces with a wooden spoon, for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens.
- Slow Cooker: Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the broth, vinegar, adobo seasoning, salt, thyme, pepper, rosemary, and sweet potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours).
- Remove and discard the rosemary sprig. Scoop out 1 cup of the sweet potato mixture (avoiding sausage), blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Stir in the cream if using.
- Add the kale, switch to high heat, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the kale is tender. Serve immediately.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown the sausage mixture. Add all other ingredients with 5 cups of broth and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally and follow the blending and kale steps above.
Jake’s Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale
- Save time with pre-cut sweet potatoes: Many stores sell peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in the produce or freezer aisle.
- Batch prep: Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for busy weeknights.
- Reheat like a pro: Add a splash of broth before reheating in a pot or microwave to revive the creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs: The sprig of rosemary adds amazing flavor—don’t skip it!
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and add more adobo or salt if needed.
Easy Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and swap the chicken broth for veggie broth, adding chickpeas for protein.
- Greens Substitute: Spinach or baby kale can be used instead of lacinato kale.
- Butternut Squash: Substitute sweet potatoes with cubed butternut squash for a twist.
Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale FAQs
Can I make this creamy sweet potato soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat.
How can I lighten this soup even more?
Skip the heavy cream and use extra broth for a lighter version. The sweet potatoes still make it creamy!
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Absolutely. Just slice it into coins, skip the browning step, and add it straight to the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have Adobo Seasoning?
Mix your own with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
There you have it—your new favorite weeknight dinner! Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale is proof that healthy cooking doesn’t have to be hard. Give this recipe a try, and let me know your favorite shortcut in the comments below. Cheers to making home cooking simple and delicious!
Sweet Potato Soup with Sausage and Kale
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces with a wooden spoon, for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the broth, vinegar, adobo seasoning, salt, thyme, pepper, rosemary, and sweet potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours).
- Remove and discard the rosemary sprig. Scoop out 1 cup of the sweet potato mixture (avoiding sausage), blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Stir in the cream if using.
- Add the kale, switch to high heat, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the kale is tender. Serve immediately.
- Use the sauté function to brown the sausage mixture. Add all other ingredients with 5 cups of broth and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally and follow the blending and kale steps above.
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
