Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa is a flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of Kielbasa with the creamy richness of beans and a savory broth. It’s the perfect choice for a cozy and satisfying meal, especially in cooler weather! For another delicious and hearty dish, try my White Bean Chicken Chili, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: Kielbasa (sometimes called ring sausage) is a flavorful, lightly smoked sausage that is pre-cooked. You could also use Andouille sausage, Mexican Chorizo, or other sausages as substitutes. I prefer to brown it before adding it to the soup. But, since it is usually pre-cooked (check the label), you could skip this step.
Vegetables: Unsalted butter is used to sauté onions and carrots, adding a rich and creamy base to the soup. If using salted butter, you may want to lessen or omit the salt in the recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour is added to create a roux, which helps thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
Chicken Broth: This liquid provides a savory and flavorful base for the soup, complementing the sausage and vegetables. You could substitute chicken stock, but you may have to adjust the amount of salt added.
Beans: I chose to use Great Northern beans for this soup. They are known for their sizable, pale white appearance and flattened shape. While you have the option to prepare this recipe with navy beans or Cannellini beans, it’s worth noting that the texture may vary slightly, as these beans tend to be a bit firmer in comparison to the soft and creamy Great Northern beans. Rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the soup.
Garnish: Have some parsley and parmesan cheese around for garnish!
How To Serve Creamy Bean Soup
This soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be complemented with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with creamy bean soup with kielbasa:
- Crusty Bread or Baguette: A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is a classic choice to soak up the delicious soup and add some extra texture to your meal.
- Salad: A fresh green salad like a Wedge salad is a wonderful starter before serving the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks or Garlic Knots
- Coleslaw
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts can add color and nutrition to the meal.
- Cornbread: Cornbread, with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, complements the soup’s flavors.
Can I Make Creamy Bean Soup Without Kielbasa?
Absolutely! You can definitely make creamy bean soup without kielbasa. It will still be a hearty and delicious soup for those who prefer a meatless option.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Bean Soup
To store creamy bean soup, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, store it in airtight containers. I like to divide the soup into smaller portions for easy-to-grab lunches! The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze creamy bean soup with kielbasa. To freeze this soup, first, let it cool completely. Then, store it in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. Properly frozen creamy bean soup can last for 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy the soup, let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Creamy Bean Soup with Kielbasa
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 rings (13 ounces each) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- To a large pot over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until the kielbasa is browned on both sides, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
- In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Continue cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Add the beans.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
Video
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Wow! I really loved this soup! It was creamy and full of flavor. The kielbasa was such a nice touch!
Elizabeth
I enjoyed this soup and loved that it was loaded with beans. It is filling enough to be a main course with the addition of kielbasa, which I really like!
Rachael
I LOVE this soup, so savory and delicious. The beans are perfectly complemented by the kielbasa. I will make this again for sure!
Bella
A delicious and savory soup great for any day, especially the colder ones! The kielbasa makes this soup more filling.
Annabelle
This is a hearty, delicious soup. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day!
Selena
This soup is just perfect. I love a good white bean soup and this one is really easy to put together. It's also full of flavor and filling with all the kielbasa!
Love Love love this. I keep making it. So good.
This is my second time for making this soup. Delicious!!
Thanks
How many servings does this make?
It says 8 in the recipe card. 🙂
I thought it was just okay. Don’t think I will be making it again, family wasn’t impressed.
I made this for dinner tonight & it was absolutely delicious & something I would definitely make again. I did use smoked sausage instead of the kielbasa using one beef & one regular – the only thing I would cut back a little is the pepper but my sister & I both said we could have eaten another bowl but we didn’t so we could have leftovers!
Amazing! I was looking for recipe to use up what I had on hand (right before payday). This was FABULOUS! I might blitz on can of bean with an immersion blender for a thicker stock and add the next can. Flavor was delicious. Will definitely make again
I think the soup recipe is a great base, and it tasted delicious. The second time I made it, I added, chopped fresh cabbage, which suited me better. I just felt like it needed some thing else.
Made this tasty soup yesterday! I used one ring of smoked and one ring of Andouille for a little extra kick. Great recipe.
Made this today. Very tasty!
I used one rope of smoked and one andouille for a little extra zing.
Can you use dried navy beans instead of canned? If so, how much do you use?
Can I make in a crockpot instead
Sure
Would this be a good recipe to use for bean and bacon soup instead of sausage? It looks delicious!
Why not? I think any pork meat would work. Ham, bacon, ring sausage. There’s no dish any better than ham and beans to me. I have some Eckrich smoked sausage I am going to use.
Looks and sounds delicious! Could I use almond milk instead of 2%? Lactose intolerant.
I haven’t tested that so can’t speak to results, but sure.
That looks so good thank you for sharing the recipe I want to make that!!!
Is it really two tablespoons of Worcestershire?
Can you substitute diced ham for sausage I wonder?
Why not. Ever hear of ham and beans soup?
Can you freeze this soup?
Yes
Made for dinner on this chilly Ohio night. I absolutely love it. Wish I had thought to grab cornbread or crusty bread for sopping up all the good liquid in the bottom of my bowl!
Now to find my next meal!
This soup was very good, will be making it again.
I only had smoke beef sauage, but it still turned out delicious.
You could add basically anything to this soup.
I just made this soup and my husband is so glad I found the recipe! It is very very yummy. Great for the chilly night lol here in GA.
This soup was very good. I’m making it again this weekend! Great recipe. 👍