If you’re craving a bowlful of cozy comfort, this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a rustic, hearty one-pot wonder loaded with savory sausage, creamy white beans, and tender veggies simmered together in a soul-warming tomato broth. Every spoonful is bursting with robust Italian flavors and just the right amount of kick. The best part? It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it’s been simmering all day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this stew brings its own magic, creating layers of flavor, color, and texture that make the dish truly special. With just a handful of essentials, you’ll have everything you need to cook up a pot of pure comfort.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy, casings removed): The star of the show—sausage infuses the stew with rich, savory depth and a hint of spice.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing and building a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic backbone to the stew.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that signature Italian aroma and punch.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Bring color, natural sweetness, and a lovely tender bite.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Lends a subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juice): Provide tangy brightness and help build a flavorful broth.
- White beans (2 cans, 15 oz each, cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed): Creamy and hearty, these make the stew extra satisfying.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): The liquid gold that ties all the flavors together.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds unmistakable Italian herb flavor.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle, woodsy note that complements the sausage.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Fresh spinach or kale (2 cups, optional): Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Grated Parmesan cheese & chopped parsley (for garnish): The finishing touches that add creamy, nutty, and fresh notes.
How to Make Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly—this step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire stew. Drain off any excess grease, but leave all the browned bits in the pot for extra richness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Stir occasionally and let everything cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the veggies have softened and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained white beans, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re in the mood for a little heat), and season generously with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let the stew bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes, uncovered, so the flavors can meld and the broth thickens slightly. This is when the magic happens—don’t rush it!
Step 5: Add Greens and Finish
In the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach or kale if you’re using it. The greens will wilt quickly, adding color and freshness. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with a generous shower of grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for the perfect finish.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
Garnishes
This stew absolutely shines with a final flourish of grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The cheese adds creamy, nutty depth, while the parsley brings a pop of color and herbal freshness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper makes it even better.
Side Dishes
The Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe begs for a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every drop of that flavorful broth. It’s also fantastic served over a scoop of fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even a bed of cooked pasta. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or small cast iron pots for a rustic feel. If you’re hosting, set up a stew bar with toppings like extra cheese, chili flakes, and lemon zest, letting everyone customize their bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight. Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—plenty of time for easy lunches or quick dinners!
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stew over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual bowls in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up a bit, then top with fresh garnishes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
Absolutely! Swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version—the Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe will still be packed with flavor and plenty hearty.
What beans work best for this stew?
Cannellini and great northern beans are both excellent choices thanks to their creamy texture, but navy beans or even chickpeas would also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free, this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
How can I make the stew thicker?
If you’d like a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans before adding them, or use an immersion blender to puree a small amount of the finished stew right in the pot. It creates a lovely, velvety consistency!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible—feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even potatoes. Just keep an eye on cooking times so everything is perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, fills your kitchen with amazing aromas, and makes even an ordinary night feel special. Grab your biggest pot, gather your loved ones, and let this stew work its comforting magic!
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Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Stew with creamy white beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs simmered to perfection. This gluten-free stovetop stew combines spicy or mild Italian sausage with nutritious beans and greens, making it a perfect main course to enjoy any day.
Ingredients
Sausage and Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Liquids and Beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Greens and Garnishes
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary to prevent the stew from becoming too oily.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, drained and rinsed white beans, and chicken broth. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Add Greens: During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach or kale if using. Allow the greens to wilt but remain vibrant in color.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the white beans before adding or blend a small portion of the stew.
- This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, or served over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
- The stew can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
