15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Sausage Recipe

Cozy Up with This Hearty 15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Sausage Recipe You’ll Make All Winter

There’s something magical about winter days when the air feels crisp, the nights come early, and you can smell a warm, savory soup bubbling away in the kitchen.

For me, nothing says comfort like a 15 bean soup crock pot sausage recipe that fills the house with rich, smoky aromas and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

I’ve been making variations of this soup for over a decade—sometimes with smoked sausage, sometimes with Italian sausage, and occasionally with both when I can’t decide which flavor profile I’m craving. Over the years, I’ve experimented with cooking dried beans without soaking, perfected the seasoning balance, and adapted the recipe for both slow cooker and pressure cooker methods.

Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true, no soak, healthy, homemade, and incredibly savory version that you can enjoy all winter long.

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Why 15 Bean Soup Is the Best Winter Meal

What makes this soup the best? It’s a triple win:

• Flavor: The 15 bean mix creates layers of earthy, nutty, and creamy flavors.
• Nutrition: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals, it’s a healthy choice without sacrificing taste.
• Versatility: Works beautifully in a slow cooker for hands-off cooking, or a pressure cooker for a weeknight quick fix.

This dish also channels that country cooking vibe—simple ingredients, long-simmered flavors, and the kind of heartiness that keeps you full and satisfied for hours. And best of all? You can use dry beans straight from the bag—no overnight soaking required.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Beans

You can buy a pre-packaged 15 bean mix (usually around 20 oz / 567 g) from the store, or mix your own with lentils, kidney beans, navy beans, chickpeas, black beans, and more.

The beauty is in the variety—different beans cook to different textures, creating a complex mouthfeel in every spoonful.

Sausage Options

Here’s where you can tailor your flavor profile:

• Smoked sausage gives a deep, smoky richness.
• Italian sausage brings that herby, slightly spicy flair.
• For a healthy twist, try turkey or chicken sausage.

I often choose half smoked, half Italian for the perfect balance.

Vegetables & Seasonings

A classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery) is non-negotiable—it creates the aromatic backbone. Garlic, tomatoes, and herbs round out the savory profile, while a touch of acidity balances the richness.

Exact Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 1 package (20 oz / 567 g) 15 bean mix, rinsed and drained (no soak needed)
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
• 1 large onion (about 8 oz / 225 g), diced
• 3 medium carrots (about 6 oz / 170 g), diced
• 3 celery stalks (about 4 oz / 115 g), diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 8 cups (1.9 L) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste after cooking)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning sausage)
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley, shredded Parmesan

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Method (No Soak)

1. Brown the Sausages

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the smoked sausage slices until they have some crispy edges. Remove, then brown the crumbled Italian sausage until fully cooked. This step deepens the flavor—don’t skip it.

2. Load the Slow Cooker

Add the dry 15 bean mix to the crock pot, followed by browned sausages, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until beans are tender.

4. Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Pressure Cooker Method for Busy Days

1. Brown the sausages on sauté mode.

2. Add the beans, vegetables, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings.

3. Seal the lid and cook at High Pressure for 45 minutes.

4. Natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

This method makes cooking dried beans a breeze—no soaking, no babysitting, just rich and homemade flavor in under an hour.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Results

• No Soak Perfection: The long, moist heat in the slow cooker or pressure cooker eliminates the need for pre-soaking.
• Tomatoes Timing: If you want extra-soft beans, add tomatoes halfway through cooking—acid can slow bean softening.
• Thickening: Mash a cup of beans and stir back in for a creamier texture.
• Storage: This soup freezes beautifully—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

My Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

1. Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

I’ve been using mine for years—it’s reliable, easy to clean, and big enough for hearty family meals.

Check it out on Amazon here and make weeknight dinners stress-free.

2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

If you want to master both slow and fast cooking, this is your best friend. I use it when I forget to start the crock pot early in the day—beans still come out perfect.

Grab yours here and cook like a pro.

3. OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set

Sounds simple, but a good wooden spoon is my go-to for stirring without scratching my pots.

Order this set here and enjoy utensils that last for years.

Serving Suggestions

This 15 bean soup crock pot sausage recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with:

• Crusty French bread to soak up the broth.
• Cornbread for a Southern-inspired touch.
• A fresh country side salad with vinaigrette for balance.

Variations & Healthy Twists

• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage, add extra beans, and season with smoked paprika for depth.
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or Cajun seasoning.
• Lean Protein: Swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey for a lighter, healthy version.

Final Thoughts – The Soup You’ll Make All Winter

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition in the making. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s my go-to when the weather turns cold.

It’s the best of both worlds: savory, homemade comfort with the flexibility of slow cooker or pressure cooker methods. Plus, the no soak approach makes it weeknight-friendly without compromising on flavor.

Next time you’re craving a bowl of something warm, filling, and soul-soothing, give this 15 bean soup crock pot sausage recipe a try. Your kitchen will smell incredible, your family will ask for seconds, and you just might find yourself making it on repeat—all winter long.