Easy Slow Cooker Sausage Lentil

This easy slow cooker sausage lentil soup has become a go-to comfort dish when I want something hearty, healthy, and hands-off. It combines savory sausage with tender lentils and vibrant vegetables all simmered low and slow to build warm, satisfying flavors that stick with you.

I first made this on a weekend when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. Now it’s a repeated favorite in our house that really feels like a big hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage casing removed: adds rich, meaty flavor choose mild or hot depending on your preference
• Brown or green lentils rinsed well: these soak up the broth nicely and bring protein and fiber
• Medium onion diced: forms the savory base of the soup for depth
• Carrots diced: bring natural sweetness and texture
• Celery diced: adds aromatic freshness
• Garlic minced: intensifies the flavor with its pungent warmth
• Canned diced tomatoes: add a subtle acidity and body
• Chicken broth: the liquid foundation carry flavors while keeping it light
• Dried thyme and oregano: bring herbal earthiness, use fresh if you have for even brighter notes
• Smoked paprika: delivers a gentle smoky depth pick Spanish if you can find it
• Bay leaf: infuses subtle savory complexity
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors
• Fresh spinach optional: stirred in at the end for a pop of color and nutrition
• Olive oil optional: for browning sausage if you want an extra layer of flavor

Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering

Brown the Sausage:

Add the sausage ground meat and use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks

Brown the Sausage:

Let it brown evenly for about 5 to 7 minutes watching so it does not burn

Brown the Sausage:

Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from getting oily

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the browned sausage into your slow cooker pot

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:

Add the rinsed lentils spread evenly along with diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic for a hearty vegetable base

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and add the chicken broth until everything is submerged

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and toss in the bay leaf for aromatic complexity

Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:

Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste

Cook the Soup:

Place the lid on the slow cooker and set to low temperature

Cook the Soup:

Cook gently for 6 to 8 hours allowing the lentils and vegetables to soften fully and flavors to meld beautifully

Cook the Soup:

If short on time, use the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours until tender

Finish the Soup:

When cooking is done, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf to avoid bitterness

Finish the Soup:

If using fresh spinach, add it in now and stir gently

Finish the Soup:

Allow the warm soup to wilt the spinach for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but still bright

Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

Give the soup a good stir and taste for seasoning balance

Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

Add extra salt or pepper if you feel it needs a bit more warmth or punch

Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

Serve the soup hot preferably with some crusty bread or a light salad for a perfect meal

One of my favorite things about this soup is how the smoked paprika and sausage together create such a warm, comforting depth. It always reminds me of cold winter evenings gathered around the table with family chatting and savoring every bite. These are the dishes that make memories.

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors tend to mellow and deepen overnight which makes leftovers even better. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Italian sausage you can use ground pork or turkey seasoned with fennel seeds and red pepper flakes for a similar vibe. Red lentils also cook more quickly but will tend to break down more and create a creamier texture. Vegetable broth works well if you want a lighter or vegetarian base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lentil soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra richness. A side of garlic bread or warm pita rounds out the meal perfectly. Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon or balsamic vinaigrette to add freshness.

This soup is a comforting and flexible meal perfect for any season, providing warmth and nourishment.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?

Yes, hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick and intensifies the overall flavor without altering cooking times.

→ Do lentils need soaking before cooking?

Rinsing lentils is sufficient; they don't require soaking and cook perfectly in the slow cooker.

→ What can I substitute for chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or water with added herbs works well for a vegetarian-friendly or lighter version.

→ Is browning the sausage necessary?

Browning enhances flavor and texture but can be skipped if short on time.

→ When should I add the fresh spinach?

Stir spinach in during the last few minutes of cooking to retain its color and tender crispness.