Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

This is simple fare that the whole family will enjoy. I make this, or a close rendition, and freeze in batches for my toddler's lunches. But it's also a nice option for those times when you don't have a lot of time or headspace, but want to cook something from scratch that's satisfying and tastes like it cooked for ages.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 499 Calories

Ingredients

• water to cover
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 carrots, chopped
• ½ large red onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 1 (14 ounce) can no-salt-added cannellini beans, undrained
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in carrots, celery, and red onion; cook until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in beans with their liquid.

Step 2

Add potatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Pour in enough water to cover, about 1 1/2 cups. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender and soup thickens, about 20 minutes.