Hearty Bean Soup with Kielbasa Recipe

Hearty Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa Recipe for Cold Days

Warm, hearty soups have a magical way of comforting the soul, especially when loaded with a creamy bean soup with kielbasa that promises rich, smoky flavors.

Polish sausage brings depth and robustness to this classic dish, creating layers of deliciousness in every spoonful.

Tender beans mingle with savory kielbasa, crafting a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Each ingredient adds its own character to this robust meal, turning simple components into something extraordinary.

Robust and satisfying, this soup delivers warmth from the first bite, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends.

The combination of creamy beans and smoky sausage guarantees a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this comforting recipe and experience a culinary journey that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa Ingredients List

For Protein and Flavor Base:
  • Kielbasa: Smoky Polish sausage that adds rich, hearty depth and protein to the soup, choose a high-quality brand with robust seasoning for maximum flavor punch.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that infuses the soup with savory undertones, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
For Vegetable Aromatics:
  • Onion, Carrots, Garlic: Aromatic trio that creates a flavor-packed foundation, select crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no soft spots.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense flavor.
For Soup Thickening and Creaminess:
  • Flour: Magic ingredient that helps create a silky smooth texture and thickens the soup, use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
  • Butter, Milk, Worcestershire Sauce: Creamy elements that add richness and tangy complexity, choose whole milk for a more luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Beans: Protein-packed legumes that contribute hearty texture and nutritional value, rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish that adds fresh, herbaceous finish and visual appeal, chop finely just before serving.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat used for initial sautéing, select a high smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Tools You’ll Need for Kielbasa Bean Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients and creating the soup's base.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for slicing kielbasa and chopping vegetables.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to slice kielbasa and chop onions, carrots, and garlic.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Plate: Used to set aside browned kielbasa while preparing other ingredients.

Step-by-Step: Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa

  • Kielbasa Sizzle

Brown sliced sausage in a hot pot, creating delicious caramelized edges. Remove and set aside while keeping warm.

  • Veggie Foundation

Soften onions, carrots, and garlic in melted butter, developing rich base flavors. Season with salt and pepper for depth.

  • Thickening Magic

Dust vegetables with flour, creating a silky undercoat that transforms liquid into creamy goodness. Stir carefully to prevent clumping.

  • Liquid Symphony

Pour chicken broth and milk into the pot, whisking smoothly. Add Worcestershire sauce for unexpected tang. Let mixture dance and bubble gently.

  • Comfort Blend

Return kielbasa back to pot, introducing beans to create hearty texture. Allow soup to simmer and meld flavors, thickening naturally over low heat.

  • Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh parsley across surface, adding bright color and herbal freshness. Serve steaming hot in deep bowls for maximum comfort.

Flavor Boosters for Kielbasa Bean Soup

  • Replace kielbasa with andouille, chorizo, or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile and regional twist.
  • Mix white beans, red kidney beans, or cannellini beans to create a more complex texture and nutritional variety.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a warming, zesty kick.
  • Prepare the soup a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and meld together for an even more delicious meal.

Ways to Serve Creamy Kielbasa Soup

  • Cozy Bread Companions: Serve this hearty soup alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread for delightful dipping and extra texture.
  • Winter Warmth Bowl: Create a complete meal by ladling the soup into deep ceramic bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good portion of kielbasa and beans.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright, green pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness that complements the rich soup base.
  • Cheese Lover's Topping: Grate some sharp cheddar or sprinkle crumbled feta over the soup just before serving to add a creamy, tangy dimension that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Keep Bean Soup with Kielbasa Fresh Longer

  • Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cooling completely before sealing helps maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm soup gradually in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Portion Control Magic: Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.
Print
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Hearty Bean Soup with Kielbasa Recipe

Hearty Bean Soup with Kielbasa Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty kielbasa bean soup delivers rich, comforting flavors from Polish culinary traditions. Robust ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 rings kielbasa (13 oz / 368 g), sliced into ¼-inch slices
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsps garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear Kielbasa: In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high and crisp kielbasa slices until achieving a deep golden-brown crust, about 7-9 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter and add onions, carrots, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  3. Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat evenly and cook briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
  4. Build Liquid Base: Gradually pour in chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free foundation.
  5. Simmer and Develop: Return kielbasa to the pot, add beans, and allow the soup to gently simmer. Reduce heat and let the mixture thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and ladle into bowls while piping hot, ready to warm and satisfy.

Notes

  • Sear Kielbasa Perfectly: Brown sausage slices on high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors and create a rich golden exterior that adds complexity to the soup.
  • Build Flavor Layers: Sauté vegetables thoroughly to release natural sugars, creating a robust base that enhances the overall depth of the soup’s taste profile.
  • Prevent Lumpy Texture: Whisk broth and milk slowly and consistently to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without unwanted flour clumps.
  • Low and Slow Finale: Simmer soup gently to allow ingredients to meld together, concentrating flavors and achieving the perfect creamy thickness without burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 889 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 47 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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