Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced

1 (20 oz) bag 13-bean soup mix, rinsed

1 small onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

6 cups chicken or beef broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

To finish:

1 cup small pasta (ditalini or macaroni)

2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Optional garnish:

Grated parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Add sausage, bean mix, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

2. Stir well to combine.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until beans are tender.

4. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve hot with parmesan or parsley.

Notes

• Rinse beans well before adding.

• Soup thickens as it sits—add broth if needed.

• Even better the next day.

Author: Mila Bryn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: 13 bean minestrone, slow cooker minestrone with sausage, hearty bean soup