Amazing Easy One Pot Soup Recipes

There are some nights when the thought of doing dishes feels like climbing Mount Everest, am I right? That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for easy one pot soup recipes! They’re seriously a weeknight savior. You know, the other day I was rushing around after a long day at the supper club, and the last thing I wanted was a sink full of pots and pans. That’s when this hearty sausage and lentil soup popped into my head. It uses just one pot from start to finish, meaning way less scrubbing and way more relaxing. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl – packed with savory sausage, tender lentils, and chunky veggies that’ll make you feel good without all the fuss. Plus, cleanup is an absolute breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Soup Recipe

Seriously, where do I even start? This soup is a game-changer for so many reasons!

• Quick & Easy: It’s one of those seriously quick weeknight soup recipes that comes together in under an hour, start to finish. Perfect for when you’re tired!
• Minimal Cleanup: This is the *big* one, right? Everything happens in just one pot. That means less scrubbing and more time for you!
• Flavor-Packed: Don’t let the ease fool you. It’s bursting with savory sausage, hearty lentils, and good-for-you veggies. A truly cozy soup idea!
• Healthy & Filling: It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy one pot meal that won’t leave you hungry.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy One Pot Soup Recipes

Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row before we dive into making this delicious soup! Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the whole cooking process so much smoother, especially when you’re aiming for minimal cleanup recipes. For this hearty sausage and lentil number, you’ll want to grab these goodies:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon of good olive oil
• 1 pound of Italian sausage (casings removed, whatever kind you like best!)
• 1 medium yellow onion, just give it a good chop
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced into little pieces
• 2 celery stalks, also diced up
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine
• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (your choice!)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, don’t drain ’em!
• 1 cup of brown or green lentils, rinsed really well
• 1 bay leaf (for that lovely depth of flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or a bit more if you like
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

For Garnish (Optional, but yummy!):

• Fresh parsley, chopped up nice

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Easy One Pot Soup

Alright, let’s get this pot bubbling! Making this hearty sausage and lentil soup is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Trust me, it’s all about building those flavors layer by layer, right in one glorious pot.

Searing the Sausage and Sautéing Aromatics

First things first, grab your big pot or Dutch oven and give it a little swirl of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in that Italian sausage, and as it starts to sizzle, use your spoon to break it all up. You want it nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it looks good and done, carefully drain off most of the grease, but leave about a tablespoon behind – that’s where the flavor party starts! Now, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them soften up for another 5 to 7 minutes, giving them a stir now and then. Then, add that minced garlic and cook for just about a minute longer until you can smell its wonderful aroma. That little step makes a *huge* difference!

Building the Soup Base

Okay, now for the magic part! Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, followed by those juicy diced tomatoes (and all their liquid – don’t leave any of that flavor behind!). Next, add in your rinsed lentils, the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is happily mingling together. Bring this whole glorious mixture up to a nice boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it simmer away.

Simmering to Perfection and Finishing Touches

Let that soup simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are nice and tender – they should be soft but not mushy. Go ahead and fish out that bay leaf; it’s done its job! Now, stir in your fresh spinach or kale. It only takes a couple of minutes for it to wilt beautifully into the hot soup. Finally, give it a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Adjust it to your liking! Ladle this amazing soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy. Oh, and if you wanted to see another super simple soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening, you should totally check out this
white chicken chili recipe. It’s another winner!

Tips for Success with Your Easy One Pot Soup

You know, I get asked all the time about what *really* makes a difference when you’re making a soup like this in one pot. It’s really not complicated, just a few little things I learned from watching Grandma Max work her magic! First off, don’t skimp on browning that sausage properly. That step is where you build so much flavor, that delicious little crust gets everything going. And for the veggies? Give them a good sauté so they soften up and release all their goodness – don’t just toss them in and expect a miracle! If you’re looking for another really simple chicken dish, you absolutely have to try my
easy baked chicken breast. It’s hard to mess up!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for One Pot Soup Recipes

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these ingredients, because even in a simple soup, a few little details can make a big difference. For this recipe, I really love using brown or green lentils. They hold their shape so nicely and cook up perfectly tender, plus they’re usually pretty budget-friendly! Just remember to give them a good rinse before they go in the pot – it gets rid of any dust.

Now, about that sausage: Italian sausage brings such a fantastic savory kick, but if you’re looking for a change, spicy chorizo or even plain ground pork would work too! For my vegetarian friends out there, you can totally skip the sausage altogether. What I love to do then is add a little extra olive oil when you sauté the veggies, and maybe even a pinch of smoked paprika for that lovely depth. And hey, if you’re curious about more veggie goodness, you’ve gotta check out my vegetarian mozzarella sticks sometime – they’re a huge hit!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for This Easy One Pot Soup

One of the best things about this hearty sausage and lentil soup is how well it plays with your schedule. You can totally make it ahead! Just let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for about 3-4 days, and honestly, sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day as the flavors really meld.

Even better? This soup freezes like a dream! Ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then gently warm it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it needs it. If you’re looking for another cool make-ahead meal, you should totally check out my slow cooker black bean burritos!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy One Pot Soup Recipes

I know you might have a few questions swirling around about this hearty soup, and that’s totally normal! It’s always good to get the scoop before you start cooking. Here are some of the things folks ask most often about making their own easy one pot soup:

Can I make this vegetarian?

Oh, absolutely! This recipe is super adaptable. To make it a delicious vegetarian or vegan option, just skip the Italian sausage. I like to add a little extra olive oil when I sauté the veggies and maybe toss in some smoked paprika for that deep, smoky flavor that sausage usually brings. You can also throw in some extra hearty veggies like mushrooms or even a can of drained chickpeas for more substance. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have on hand, making it a fantastic budget friendly soup!

What kind of pot is best for one pot soup?

Honestly, you don’t need anything super fancy! A good, heavy-bottomed pot is your best friend here. A Dutch oven is fantastic because it heats so evenly and holds the heat well, which is perfect for simmering. But a large stockpot or even a deep, oven-safe skillet with a lid will work just fine. The main thing is that it’s big enough to hold all those delicious ingredients without overflowing. For more soup ideas that work great in an appliance, you could check out this crockpot white chicken chili recipe!

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

This hearty soup is a champion for leftovers! It’ll keep quite happily in an airtight container in your fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Truth be told, many people, myself included, find that the flavors actually get even better after the first day as they have more time to meld together. So, it’s a perfect candidate for quick weeknight soup, as you might already have a delicious lunch ready to go!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, these numbers are a ballpark! Since we all use slightly different ingredients or brands, your exact nutritional breakdown might wiggle a bit. But for a good idea, one serving (about 1.5 cups) of this hearty sausage and lentil soup usually comes in around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty satisfying bowl, don’t you think?

Share Your Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you all! Did you whip up this hearty sausage and lentil soup? How did it turn out? Drop a comment below and tell me your experience, or give us a star rating – it really helps other home cooks find their next favorite meal! If you snap a photo, tag me on social media; I’d be thrilled to see your delicious creation! For more about my kitchen adventures, you can always check out my About Me page.

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