Print

Comforting Beef Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

Comforting Beef Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and creamy soup featuring smoky beef kielbasa, tender potato gnocchi, and a flavorful blend of sautéed vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup combines deep smoky flavors with creamy textures and a healthy pop of greens for a nourishing, satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Smoked Beef Kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds then quartered

Fats & Oils

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter

Vegetables & 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), washed

Spices & Seasonings

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

Thickening & Broth

  • 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 6 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth (can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)

Other

  • 16 oz (450g) Shelf-Stable Potato Gnocchi
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream
  • Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: Slice the smoked beef kielbasa into ½-inch rounds and quarter each round for bite-sized pieces. Dice the yellow onion, peel and dice the carrots, and dice the celery stalks. Mince the garlic cloves. Measure out all spices, flour, broth, gnocchi, cream, and garnish components to have everything ready before cooking.
  2. Brown the kielbasa: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the quartered kielbasa pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Use a slotted spoon to remove kielbasa and set aside, leaving the rendered fat and browned bits in the pot.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the pot and let it melt. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but be careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Make the roux: Sprinkle 3 tbsp all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, to cook out raw flour taste and blend with the fats.
  6. Whisk in broth: Gradually pour in the 6 cups of beef broth, about 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
  7. Simmer vegetables: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the vegetables, thickening the soup base.
  8. Return kielbasa and add gnocchi: Stir the browned kielbasa back into the pot. Add the full package of potato gnocchi and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until gnocchi become tender and float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy gnocchi.
  9. Finish with cream and greens: Lower the heat to low, stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Immediately add fresh spinach or kale and stir until just wilted (spinach 1-2 minutes, kale 2-3 minutes). Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Serve and garnish: Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and generously grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread or your preferred side.

Notes

  • Using pre-cooked smoked kielbasa adds depth and convenience; slice into small pieces for even distribution.
  • Choose shelf-stable gnocchi for quick cooking; fresh or frozen gnocchi variations can be used but adjust cooking time.
  • Simmer gently after adding broth to meld flavors without breaking down ingredients.
  • Do not overcook gnocchi—once they float, they are done.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, or omit cream entirely.
  • Substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth to customize flavor.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add subtle heat; adjust to taste.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness; Parmesan cheese adds savory umami.
  • Garnish with crusty bread or a simple green salad to make a complete meal.
  • Kale requires slightly longer wilting time compared to spinach.
  • Personalize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cannellini beans for extra nutrition and texture.

Keywords: beef kielbasa soup, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting soup, kielbasa gnocchi, hearty soup, easy stovetop soup, smoked sausage soup

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/comforting-beef-kielbasa-gnocchi-soup-recipe/