Hearty, Cozy Comfort Classic
Nothing says cozy like a steaming bowl of German Potato Soup with Sausage — also known as Kartoffelsuppe mit Wurst. This hearty soup is packed with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and simple vegetables simmered into rich, comforting perfection. It’s the kind of rustic, one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, easy weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meal prep. The creamy broth (without being too heavy) and savory beef sausage make every spoonful satisfying and flavorful. Best of all, it’s simple, budget-friendly, and ready in about 45 minutes!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked beef sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water (or more as needed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (or thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier soup)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Potato masher (optional for texture control)
- Ladle
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced beef sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables 🧅🥕
In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Potatoes & Broth 🥔
Stir in diced potatoes, marjoram, and bay leaf. Pour in chicken broth and water until potatoes are just covered. Bring to a gentle boil.
4️⃣ Simmer Until Tender
Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
5️⃣ Create Creamy Texture 🥣
Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This thickens the soup while keeping it chunky. Stir in heavy cream if using.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Return browned sausage to the pot and simmer 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
The soup should be thick, hearty, and slightly creamy with visible chunks of potato and sausage.
💡 Pro Tips
- Texture control: Blend a small portion with an immersion blender for extra creaminess.
- Make ahead: Flavors deepen the next day — perfect for meal prep.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Lighter version: Skip the cream and add extra broth instead.
🔄 Variations
- Add leeks for traditional German flavor.
- Stir in a spoonful of whole-grain mustard for tang.
- Use chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add chopped kale in the last 5 minutes for extra greens.
❓ FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cream and use olive oil instead of butter.
What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold gives a creamy texture, but Russet potatoes also work well.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes — sauté first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.