This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe is a creamy and hearty recipe, which is made with mild Italian sausage and frozen hash brown potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 4 hours.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 (2-pound) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (such as Ore-Ida brand)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 heaping cups kale
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Crusty bread, for serving, optional
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Soup
- Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until no pink remains, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
- Slow cook the soup base: Add the cooked sausage, frozen hash brown potatoes, chicken broth, pepper, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cover and set the slow cooker to high. Cook for about 3 1/2 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the kale and cream: Stir the chopped kale and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Be gentle to avoid mashing the potatoes. Continue to cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the kale is tender and wilted.
- Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt if needed. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Recipe Tips
- How do I keep the potatoes from turning to mush? The key is to stir the soup very gently, especially after the potatoes have become tender. Using diced hash browns instead of shredded also helps them maintain their shape.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen? Yes, you can. Use about 2 pounds of peeled and diced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. You may need to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the initial cooking time to ensure they become fully tender.
- How can I make this soup spicy? For a bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper.
- Can I use a different green? Absolutely. Fresh spinach is a great substitute for kale. Stir it in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, as it will wilt much more quickly than kale.
What To Serve With Sausage and Potato Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a few additions:
- Slices of warm, crusty bread or cornbread
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon
- A dollop of sour cream
How To Store Sausage and Potato Soup
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. However, be aware that cream-based soups can sometimes separate, and the potatoes may become slightly softer upon reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
Sausage and Potato Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 36g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Brown the sausage in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream and kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
Can I use something other than heavy cream to make it lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream. The soup won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Do I have to use frozen diced hash browns?
No, but they are a fantastic time-saver as they require no peeling or chopping. If you substitute fresh potatoes, be sure to dice them into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mini Sausage Rolls Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
Description
A rich, creamy, and incredibly easy slow cooker soup loaded with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat; drain the grease.
- Add cooked sausage, frozen potatoes, chicken broth, pepper, and salt to a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 1/2 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Gently stir in the kale and heavy cream.
- Continue to cook on high for another 30 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing frozen diced hash browns is a great shortcut—no peeling or chopping required!u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eStir the soup gently after adding the cream to prevent the tender potatoes from breaking apart.u003c/liu003e
