Description
A creamy and hearty Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana that rivals Olive Garden, featuring tender potatoes, savory beef sausage, and fresh kale in a rich broth. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound ground Jumbo Beef Franks, Midamar
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 medium chopped yellow onion
4 medium diced russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for creamier texture)
1 pinch salt, to taste
1 pinch black pepper, to taste
4 cups chicken broth
Water as needed to cover potatoes
1 bunch kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (Horizon Organic or Organic Valley)
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (Cabot or Tillamook), optional
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the hot Italian sausage for 5-8 minutes.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then stir in garlic for 1 minute.
3. Transfer sausage, onion, garlic, and diced potatoes to a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Pour chicken broth over ingredients, adding water if necessary to cover potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add kale and heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir to combine.
7. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Fixing Watery Soup: Set slow cooker to HIGH with lid slightly open for 20-30 minutes to reduce excess liquid or stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water until thickened.
Adjusting Consistency: If too thick, gradually add extra chicken broth or water.
Optional Additions: Red pepper flakes, cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes, shredded carrots, fresh thyme or rosemary.
Substitutions: Use mild sausage for less spice, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture, or vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American