Anabelle The Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting soup that brings together savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and feels perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or relaxed weekend dinners. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and an easy cooking process make this soup a dependable family favorite.
A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
This soup combines browned sausage, diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth, finished with cream for a smooth, satisfying texture. The potatoes soak up the savory flavors while the sausage adds depth and richness, creating a filling soup that works well as a main course.
Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying
- Hearty and Filling: A complete meal in one bowl.
- Big Comfort Food Flavor: Creamy, savory, and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Perfect for Cold Days: Warms you up fast.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Essential Ingredients for This Recipe
- 1 pound smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Useful Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until nicely browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add potatoes and seasoning
Add diced potatoes to the pot along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to coat the potatoes with the seasonings.
Step 4: Pour in the broth
Add the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Blend slightly (optional)
For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or blend a small portion using an immersion blender. Leave some chunks for texture.
Step 6: Add cream and sausage
Stir in the cream and return the browned sausage to the pot. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Do not boil once the cream is added.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in shredded cheese if using. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Soup Too Thin: Mashed some potatoes to thicken naturally.
- Greasy Texture: Drained excess fat after browning the sausage.
- Bland Flavor: Added extra seasoning and used a well-seasoned sausage.
- Curdled Cream: Lower the heat before adding dairy.
Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
- Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
- Replace cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or spinach.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Reduce cheese or skip it entirely.
Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
- Sausage Substitute: Kielbasa, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage.
- Potato Substitute: Sweet potatoes or cauliflower.
- Cream Substitute: Evaporated milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Chicken Broth Substitute: Vegetable broth.
- Cheddar Substitute: Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping.
- As a Casserole Base: Pour over cooked pasta and bake with cheese.
- Next-Day Lunch: Thickens and tastes richer overnight.
- With a Salad: Balances the richness nicely.
- As a Freezer Meal: Portion and freeze for later.
Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup Success
- Brown the Sausage Well: Builds deep flavor.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Ensures even cooking.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keeps potatoes tender.
- Add Cream Last: Prevents curdling.
- Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning at the end.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Brightens the soup.
Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
- Cheesy Soup: Stir in extra cheddar or cream cheese.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add corn, peas, or kale.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic.
- Smoky Style: Use smoked sausage and paprika.
Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (without cream for best texture).
- Thaw Overnight: Reheat gently after thawing.
- Stir Well After Reheating: Restores creamy consistency.
Ways to Warm It Up Again
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
- Add Liquid If Needed: A splash of broth or milk helps loosen the soup.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
This soup combines browned sausage, diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth, finished with cream for a smooth, satisfying texture. The potatoes soak up the savory flavors while the sausage adds depth and richness, creating a filling soup that works well as a main course.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
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1 pound smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
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2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
-
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
-
Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until nicely browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add diced potatoes to the pot along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to coat the potatoes with the seasonings.
Add the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or blend a small portion using an immersion blender. Leave some chunks for texture.
Stir in the cream and return the browned sausage to the pot. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Do not boil once the cream is added.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in shredded cheese if using. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
FAQs
Why is my sausage and potato soup too thin?
The soup can turn thin if the potatoes aren’t cooked long enough or if too much broth is used. Mashing a few potatoes in the pot or simmering the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes helps thicken it naturally.
Can I make sausage and potato soup ahead of time?
Yes. This soup is ideal for making ahead because the flavors deepen as it rests. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
When should I add cream to sausage and potato soup?
Cream should be added at the very end, once the potatoes are fully cooked and the heat is low. Adding cream too early or boiling the soup afterward can cause the dairy to separate.
What type of sausage works best in this soup?
Smoked sausage or mild Italian sausage works best because it adds rich, savory flavor without overpowering the soup. Spicy sausage can be used if you prefer a bit of heat.
Wrapping It Up
The Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup is everything comfort food should be — creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich broth, this soup is easy to make and hard to resist. It’s a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again when you need a warm, filling meal that feels like home.
