Name: Crockpot Zuppa Toscana
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-493679H36M51S
Total time: PT-493679H36M51S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 5 slices thick cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces; 1 (20 ounce) package hot Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth (low sodium); 2 cups water; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into about 1-inch pieces (or unpeeled by cleaning, rinsing and cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 teaspoon salt, more or less, to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, more or less, to taste; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups heavy cream; 3 cups tightly packed chopped kale with large stems removed, chopped into about 2-inch pieces; Freshly grated Parmesan (optional topping)

Description

A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Zuppa Toscana, featuring spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale in a creamy broth.

Ingredients

5 slices thick cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces
1 (20 ounce) package hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth (low sodium)
2 cups water
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into about 1-inch pieces (or unpeeled by cleaning, rinsing and cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 teaspoon salt, more or less, to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, more or less, to taste
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups heavy cream
3 cups tightly packed chopped kale with large stems removed, chopped into about 2-inch pieces
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional topping)

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Instructions

Fry bacon and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked and sausage is browned and no longer pink (about 7 to 8 minutes), crumbling sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add onion and garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Drain off grease. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours.
Add heavy cream and kale and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Ensure potatoes are cut into relatively uniform sizes for even cooking.
Adjust seasoning to your personal preference.
For a milder flavor, use mild Italian sausage instead of hot.
If you don’t have kale, spinach can be used as a substitute, added in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.