Comforting Beef Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

Experience the warm, smoky comfort of Beef Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup—an irresistible blend of tender smoked kielbasa, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a creamy, herb-infused broth. Perfect for cozy evenings, this hearty soup delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Smoked Beef Kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds then quartered
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 Large Yellow Onion, diced
• 3 Carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 4-5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 6 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth
• 16 oz (450g) Shelf-Stable Potato Gnocchi
• ½ cup Heavy Cream
• 5 oz Fresh Spinach or Kale
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare all ingredients by slicing the kielbasa into ½-inch rounds then quartering them. Dice the onion, peel and dice carrots, dice celery, and mince garlic. Measure out spices, broth, flour, cream, and gnocchi.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove kielbasa with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and onions are translucent. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes while stirring to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, adding about 1 cup at a time, until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Lower heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
6. Step 6: Stir the browned kielbasa back into the pot. Add the gnocchi and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until they float and are tender. Avoid overcooking.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted (1-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen gnocchi if shelf-stable is unavailable; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Substitute kale for spinach for a heartier green; chop and cook a few minutes longer.
• Add diced bell peppers or cannellini beans to boost vegetable content and texture.
• Swap smoked beef kielbasa for chicken apple sausage or spicy Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
• For a lighter version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and reduce or omit the cream.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent gnocchi from sticking or breaking apart. Avoid freezing, as the cream and gnocchi textures may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef kielbasa with a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a flavorful vegetarian version.

How can I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Cook the gnocchi only until they float to the surface, typically 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, and add the gnocchi near the end of the cooking process to preserve their texture.

Comforting Beef Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 104 reviews

This Comforting Beef Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines smoky beef kielbasa with tender potato gnocchi in a rich broth full of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Fats

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Smoked Beef Kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds and quartered
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 Large Yellow Onion, diced
• 3 Carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 5 oz Fresh Spinach (or kale)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Thickener and Liquid Base

• 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 6 cups Beef Broth (low-sodium)
• ½ cup Heavy Cream

Main Starch

• 16 oz (450g) Shelf-Stable Potato Gnocchi

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients: Slice the smoked beef kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds and then quarter those rounds into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, peel and dice carrots, dice celery stalks, and mince garlic cloves. Measure out all the remaining ingredients and have them ready for use.
2. Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the quartered kielbasa pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
3. Sauté the Mirepoix: Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the pot and melt. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are softened and onion becomes translucent. Add minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to cook out the raw flour taste and absorb the fats.
5. Add Beef Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously after each addition to prevent lumps. Continue until all broth is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
6. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld and vegetables soften.
7. Return Kielbasa and Add Gnocchi: Stir the browned kielbasa back into the pot. Add the potato gnocchi and simmer the soup for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and become tender. Be careful not to overcook.
8. Finish with Cream and Greens: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined, then add fresh spinach or kale. Stir until greens wilt (1-3 minutes depending on the green used).
9. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked smoked kielbasa for best flavor and convenience.
• Quartering the kielbasa rounds gives evenly sized, easy-to-eat pieces.
• If using kale instead of spinach, remove stems and chop well; it will require 2-3 extra minutes to soften.
• Gnocchi cook quickly; watch carefully to avoid overcooking as they can become mushy.
• Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the final saltiness of the soup.
• Optional red pepper flakes add subtle heat; adjust according to preference.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener blend.
• This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty artisan bread or a simple green salad.
• Variations: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or cannellini beans for more texture and nutrition.
• To increase creaminess, add an extra splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

Keywords: beef kielbasa soup, gnocchi soup, creamy soup, kielbasa recipes, hearty soup, comforting soups, easy dinner recipes, stovetop soup