When the cold weather settles in, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup. This comforting dish brings together the rich, savory flavor of sausage with the wholesome earthiness of lentils and vegetables, all simmered low and slow to create a depth of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl.

The beauty of this soup lies not just in its taste, but in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your cozy recipe rotation.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

This soup is versatile when it comes to the type of sausage. You can go with smoked sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even a chicken sausage if you prefer something lighter. The key is to choose a sausage that brings bold flavor to complement the lentils. If using uncooked sausage, make sure to brown it first for added depth.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

1 pound sausage (Italian, smoked, or chicken), sliced or crumbled
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 bay leaf
Optional: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice for brightness

How To Make the Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

Step 1: Prep the Sausage

If your sausage is raw, start by browning it in a skillet over medium heat. This brings out extra flavor and adds a touch of texture to the soup. Drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Seasoning

To the slow cooker, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, garlic, lentils, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Add the broth and canned tomatoes (including the juices). Drop in the bay leaf. Stir well, cover, and set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Step 4: Brighten and Serve

Once the lentils are tender and the soup is beautifully thickened, remove the bay leaf. If desired, stir in a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even over a scoop of cooked rice for a heartier bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flair.

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red lentils instead?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down, resulting in a mushier texture. For a chunkier, hearty soup, green or brown lentils are preferred.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. You might also add extra vegetables or mushrooms for more depth.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be sure.

What other vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, kale, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions if you want to boost the veggie content.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup warmed your soul, check out these other comforting meals:

📌 Save this soup to your Pinterest comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy dinner fix.

And don’t forget to drop a comment below letting me know how your Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup turned out. Did you go spicy or mild with the sausage? Did you add greens or stick to the classics?

I love hearing all the tasty twists you bring to these dishes. If you’re hungry for more, follow me on Pinterest where I share my daily recipes: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is a hearty, comforting bowl full of savory sausage, earthy lentils, and flavorful vegetables—perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. Let your slow cooker do the work while rich flavors develop low and slow.