When winter sets in and the cold creeps into your bones, there’s nothing more comforting than a big, steaming bowl of sausage, potato, and kale soup. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl. With smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a savory broth, it’s the kind of meal that makes you linger at the table just a little longer.

I love that this soup is both hearty and wholesome. The sausage adds bold flavor, the potatoes make it satisfyingly filling, and the kale brings that earthy freshness to balance it all out. And here’s the best part—you can have it ready in under an hour, whether you’re simmering it on the stovetop or letting your Instant Pot do the work.

This recipe also happens to be incredibly flexible—swap the potatoes for cauliflower for a lighter potato kale recipe, or play around with the level of smoked paprika to suit your taste buds. Either way, you’ll end up with a smoked sausage soup that will become a cold-weather staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

Quick to make – Stovetop or Instant Pot, it’s on the table fast.
One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more cozy time.
Hearty but balanced – Protein, carbs, and greens all in one bowl.
Customizable – Low-carb option included.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) smoked beef sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into coins
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4–6 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 heaped tsp (2–4 g) sweet smoked paprika
4 medium potatoes (680 g), cubed or 4–6 cups (400–600 g) cauliflower florets
32 oz (950 ml) no-sodium chicken bone broth
2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream or half & half
4 cups (120 g) chopped Tuscan or curly kale
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Stovetop Directions

Brown the sausage – Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sausage (no oil needed) and sauté 2–3 min until golden.
Add aromatics – Stir in onion and garlic, cooking 5 min until onions are soft and fragrant.
Build the base – Add 1 heaped tsp paprika, potatoes, and broth. Cover and simmer 15–20 min until potatoes are tender. Mash a few pieces in the pot to naturally thicken. Adjust paprika to taste.
Finish with greens & cream – Stir in kale and cream. Simmer 2–3 min until kale is wilted.
Serve hot – Add fresh cracked black pepper to taste.

Instant Pot Directions

Sauté sausage – Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” and cook sausage 2–3 min until golden.
Add onion & garlic – Sauté 5 min, adding 2–3 tbsp water if needed.
Pressure cook – Stir in paprika, potatoes, and broth. Lock lid and cook 6 min on high pressure.
Finish the soup – Release pressure, stir in kale, and simmer 2–3 min to wilt. Add cream and pepper.

Tips for the Best Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

Choose quality sausage – Kielbasa gives a milder smokiness, while andouille brings a spicy kick.
Don’t skip mashing a few potatoes – It thickens the soup without extra cream.
Add kale at the end – Keeps it bright and tender, not mushy.
Make it ahead – The flavors deepen after a night in the fridge.

From My Kitchen to Yours

The first time I made this, it was one of those icy nights where the windows fog from the inside, and you just want something rich and comforting. I had a pack of smoked sausage, a bunch of kale, and some potatoes that were begging to be used. By the time the soup hit the table, the kitchen smelled so good my family was hovering with bowls in hand. That night, we sat around the table, sipping soup and laughing until we forgot all about the cold outside.

What to Serve With It

A loaf of crusty bread or warm cornbread is the perfect partner for soaking up the broth. For something lighter, pair it with a simple side salad. If you’re going full comfort mode, serve alongside a grilled cheese for the ultimate winter meal.

How to Store

Fridge – Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze in single-serve containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—swap the cream for coconut milk or omit entirely.

Can I use spinach instead of kale?

Absolutely—just add it at the very end since it wilts faster.

How can I make it spicier?

Use hot andouille sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

What’s the best potato for this soup?

Yukon Golds hold their shape nicely while still being creamy.

When the cold winds blow and you’re craving something hearty, this sausage, potato, and kale soup is the answer. Smoky, savoury, and soul-warming—it’s the hearty winter soup you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.