The Tastiest Sausage Kale Soup (With Tender Sausage Balls)

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There are soups you make once… and then there are soups you make on repeat, year after year, because nothing else quite compares.

This Sausage Kale Soup is that recipe.

It’s rich without being heavy, hearty without being complicated, and deeply flavorful in a way that tastes like it’s been simmering all day even though it comes together fairly quickly. Between the tender sausage balls, creamy broth, earthy kale, and comforting potatoes, this soup is the definition of cozy.

This is my special sausage kale soup recipe, and it’s one of those meals people ask for after the very first bite. Once you make it, I have a feeling it’ll become part of your regular rotation too.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage Kale Soup

This soup checks every box when it comes to comfort food that still feels nourishing and homemade.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• The sausage balls stay tender and hold their shape

• The broth is rich, savory, and lightly creamy

• Kale adds texture without becoming mushy

• Potatoes make it hearty enough for a full meal

• It stores beautifully and can even be canned before adding cream

• It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or sourdough

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for the perfect Soup Sunday recipe, this one delivers every time.

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Why I Use Sausage

Balls (and How I Keep Them Perfect)

One of the things that makes this Sausage Kale Soup truly special is the sausage balls. Instead of crumbling sausage directly into the soup, I roll it into small meatballs so every spoonful gets a little bite of sausage.

Not only does this make the soup feel more intentional and hearty, but it also improves the overall texture. To make sure the sausage balls hold their shape and stay tender while simmering, I add one egg and breadcrumbs to the sausage mixture.

The egg acts as a binder, while the breadcrumbs absorb moisture and prevent the sausage from becoming dense or falling apart in the broth. This simple step keeps the sausage balls soft on the inside, beautifully round, and sturdy enough to hold up through simmering, kale, and cream.

Pro Tip: Keep the sausage balls small about ¼ to ½ inch. Smaller meatballs cook evenly, stay tender, and make sure every bowl has plenty.

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A Cozy Soup That Feels Like Home

Soup has always been more than just food in our house. It’s comfort, tradition, and a way to slow down. This sausage kale soup is rustic, unfussy, and meant to be made in a big pot with time to let the flavors come together.

It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of garlic and herbs, where you tear bread at the table and go back for seconds without even thinking about it.

If cozy soups are your thing, you’ll love exploring more of my soup recipes here on the blog and following along on Instagram at @491westmainst, where I share weekly soup inspiration and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Balls

• 1 lb ground sausage

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped

• 6 cups chicken stock (homemade or Better Than Bouillon)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons oregano

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

How to Make Sausage Kale Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Balls

In a bowl, combine the ground sausage, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into small balls, about ¼–½ inch in size.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sausage balls and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Spices

Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cooking the spices briefly helps bloom their flavor and deepen the broth.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Return the sausage balls to the pot and add the diced potatoes. Pour in the chicken stock and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Add the Kale

Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until wilted and tender.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

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A Quick Note About Kale

Kale is perfect for soups because it holds up beautifully without becoming mushy. It absorbs flavor while keeping a bit of structure, making each bite hearty and satisfying.

For best results:

• Remove the tough stems

• Chop into bite-sized pieces

• Add it near the end of cooking

If you’re new to cooking with kale, this soup is a great place to start.

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Storage, Freezing & Canning Notes

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

If freezing, do so before adding the cream. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw, reheat, and add cream just before serving.

Canning

This soup can be safely canned without the cream. Prepare the soup through the step where the kale is added, then follow proper pressure-canning guidelines for soups containing meat and potatoes. Add cream only when reheating to serve.

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What to Serve With Sausage Kale Soup

This soup is best served with something warm and crusty to soak up the broth:

• Flaky baguette

• Fresh sourdough

• Garlic toast

• Buttered rustic bread

It’s a full, comforting meal all on its own.

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My Favorite Dutch Ovens for Soup

I always make this soup in a good Dutch oven, it distributes heat evenly and gives the soup space to simmer properly. You can shop my favorite Dutch ovens HERE the same ones I use for soups all season long.

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More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If this sausage kale soup is your vibe, be sure to check out more comforting recipes on the blog, including:

• Creamy Garlic and Potato Soup

• Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

• White Bean and Ham Soup

• Hearty Vegetable Soup

You can find them all in my Soup Recipe Collection.

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Final Thoughts

This Sausage Kale Soup is everything I love about cooking… simple ingredients, thoughtful techniques, and a result that feels like home. It’s nourishing, cozy, and made to be shared.

If you make it, tag me on Instagram @491westmainst or leave a comment on the blog so others can see how it turned out in your kitchen. There’s nothing better than knowing a recipe you love is being made in other homes too.

Here’s to warm bowls, full hearts, and the coziest soup season yet 🤍🍲