When you need something warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, nothing beats a bowl of Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup. This cozy classic combines tender lentils, savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all slowly simmered together to create a flavorful, nutrient-rich soup. It’s a perfect addition to your collection of slow cooker meals, especially for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or effortless weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, this soup proves that comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated.

️ Roadmap

• Why Make
• How to Make
• Ingredients
• Directions
• How to Serve
• Tips
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

This hearty Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is the perfect comfort dish for busy days. Packed with protein-rich lentils, flavorful sausage, and wholesome vegetables, this cozy bowl is ideal for slow cooker meals, easy crockpot meals, and anyone looking for nutritious healthy soup recipes that require almost no effort. Just toss in the ingredients, let it simmer all day, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 1 lb 450g ground Italian sausage Beef (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils rinsed
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional Add-Ins
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale added in last 20 minutes
• Grated Parmesan for serving
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richer flavor

Instructions

 

• Brown the Sausage (Beef)
• In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
• Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
• Add browned sausage, lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, paprika, and the bay leaf to the slow cooker.
• Cook
• Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until lentils are tender.
• Optional Greens
• If using spinach or kale, stir it in 20 minutes before serving.
• Serve
• Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with Parmesan or crusty bread.

Notes

No need to soak lentils: Unlike beans, lentils cook quickly in the slow cooker.

Thicker soup option: Mash ½ cup of the lentils or cook an extra 30 minutes uncovered.

Vegetarian option: Skip sausage and replace with extra veggies + vegetable broth.

Storage: Stores 4 days in the fridge and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

Why Make Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup?

This recipe stands out among easy crockpot meals for many reasons:

✔ Super Nutritious

Lentils are packed with fiber, protein, and minerals—making this one of the most wholesome and healthy soup recipes you can prepare.

✔ Minimal Prep

After a bit of chopping and browning the sausage, the slow cooker does the rest.

✔ Budget-Friendly

Lentils and vegetables keep costs low while still producing a filling, satisfying meal.

✔ Incredible Flavor

Slow cooking allows the broth, sausage, and seasonings to deepen in taste, creating a rich, comforting bowl of soup.

✔ Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup stores and reheats beautifully—ideal for a week of lunches or freezing for later.

If you’re looking for a nourishing, hands-off recipe, this slow cooker sausage lentil soup will become a staple in your home.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

This recipe is simple: brown the sausage, chop the veggies, add everything to the crock pot, and let it simmer until tender. The long, slow cook transforms basic ingredients into something deeply flavorful and completely satisfying.

The key to excellent texture is using dry lentils—they hold up beautifully without becoming mushy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 ½ cups dry brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 2 cups spinach or kale

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

1. Brown the Sausage
   Add sausage to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
   Add the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to the crock pot.

3. Add the Sausage
   Stir the cooked sausage into the mixture.

4. Cook

   • Low: 7–8 hours

   • High: 4–5 hours
     Cook until lentils are soft and vegetables are tender.

5. Add Greens (Optional)
   Stir in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

6. Taste & Adjust
   Add more salt, pepper, or broth as needed.

7. Serve Warm
   Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

This hearty soup holds its own, but you can elevate your meal with:

Crusty Bread

Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle on top adds richness.

Side Salad

Pair with a simple green salad for a light, balanced meal.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Makes it even more filling.

Add Heat

Top with crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a spicy version.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup

✔ Use dry lentils — canned lentils will become mushy.
✔ Brown the sausage before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
✔ Don’t lift the lid during cooking; it slows down the process.
✔ Adjust thickness by adding extra broth or water if needed.
✔ Make it healthier by using turkey or chicken sausage.
✔ Make it smoky with smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
✔ Make it creamy by blending 1 cup of the soup and stirring it back in.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils?

No. Red lentils cook too quickly and will dissolve, changing the texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

Do I need to soak the lentils?

No soaking needed—just rinse thoroughly.

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Yes, but you may want to add extra seasonings for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil Soup is comforting, filling, and packed with nutrition—everything you want in a family-friendly slow cooker meal. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s the perfect dish for busy days when you want dinner ready without the stress. Add it to your rotation of slow cooker recipes and enjoy a warm, homemade bowl of goodness anytime.