Smoked Sausage and Baked Bean Soup: The Easiest Dinner Recipe

Name: Smoked Sausage and Baked Bean Soup: The Easiest Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 12 oz smoked cocktail sausages (or kielbasa), sliced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 can (15 oz) baked beans; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

By Jason Griffith

Some recipes are more than just a list of ingredients; they’re a warm hug in a bowl. This Smoked Sausage and Baked Bean Soup is the perfect example. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly simple meal that comes together in one pot in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of dinner that feels substantial and comforting on a chilly evening, but is so easy to make that it’s a lifesaver on a busy weeknight.

The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity and the use of a few key ingredients that deliver big flavor. We start with smoky cocktail sausages, which add a fantastic savory depth to the base. Then we add the canned baked beans and diced tomatoes, which create a rich, thick, and slightly sweet foundation. A little smoked paprika enhances that deep, smoky flavor, and a touch of salt and pepper is all that’s needed to bring everything into perfect harmony.

This isn’t a soup that requires hours of simmering to develop its flavor. The ingredients are so good on their own that a quick 10-15 minute simmer is all it takes to meld everything together into a delicious, cohesive meal. It’s a true pantry hero and a perfect example of a fast dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

This soup has become a go-to in my home because it’s a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. I love a good one-pot meal, and the fact that I can have this on the table in under 20 minutes is a huge win. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor is so unique and satisfying, and the sausage adds a wonderful savory chewiness that makes the soup feel incredibly hearty.

I also appreciate how flexible this recipe is. You can easily adjust the spice level with a few dashes of hot sauce, or add in some different vegetables if you have them on hand. It’s a simple recipe, which means it’s forgiving and easy to customize to your own taste.

For another one of my favorite hearty, one-pot meals, you’ll love my recipe for Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, which is another of my go-to’s for a satisfying and easy dinner.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz smoked cocktail sausages (or kielbasa), sliced
1 (28-ounce) can baked beans
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: Hot sauce, for serving
For Serving: A piece of crusty bread or cornbread

Swaps & Notes

Sausage: While smoked cocktail sausages are great for this, you can also use sliced kielbasa, andouille sausage, or any other pre-cooked smoked sausage.
Baked Beans: Feel free to use any brand or flavor of baked beans you prefer. If your beans are a sweeter variety, you may want to adjust the spices.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best so you can control the salt level. Vegetable broth also works well here.
Spice: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onion, or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
Veggies: You can add a chopped bell pepper or a cup of frozen corn to the pot for extra flavor and nutrients.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent.
Add Garlic and Sausage: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Add the sliced smoked sausages and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned.
Build the Soup: Pour in the baked beans, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the chicken broth. Stir in the smoked paprika until everything is well combined.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce. Serve warm with a piece of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Success

Use a Good Sausage: A quality smoked sausage is key to the flavor of this soup. It’s the main ingredient, so choose one you love.
Don’t Over-Simmer: This soup doesn’t need a long simmer. The ingredients are already cooked, so the goal is just to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
Low-Sodium is Best: Using low-sodium broth and baked beans allows you to control the final saltiness of the soup.
Garnish for a Pop: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some chopped chives at the end can add a nice fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a thick slice of toasted sourdough bread for dipping. For a simple and light side, a basic green salad would be a perfect complement.

And for another fun, easy-to-make dinner idea, you’ll love my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter, which is another of my go-to’s for a cozy meal.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

(Approximation based on ingredients, serves 4)

Calories: ~450
Protein: ~20g
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fiber: ~10g

Storage and Leftover Tips

This soup stores beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop. The flavors actually get better the next day.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting and crowd-pleasing dinners, you’ll love these other recipes:

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Sausage and Baked Bean Soup is a perfect example of a recipe that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that will warm you from the inside out. I hope you give it a try and discover a new favorite for your weeknight rotation.

What’s your go-to recipe for a fast and comforting soup? Let me know in the comments below!