Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a rustic, comforting dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Featuring spicy or sweet Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato broth, this stew is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights. It’s an easy one-pot meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
white beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed if canned)
carrots
celery
onion
garlic
crushed tomatoes
chicken or vegetable broth
olive oil
bay leaf
dried oregano
dried basil
salt
black pepper
optional: red pepper flakes, chopped kale or spinach, grated Parmesan for garnish

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

Add white beans and chopped greens (if using), and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optional: Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Add zucchini or bell peppers for more veggie content.
Make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Swap white beans for chickpeas or lentils for a twist.
Serve over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Can I use dry beans instead of canned?

Yes, just soak and cook them beforehand, as dry beans need more time than canned.

Is this stew spicy?

It depends on the sausage and whether you add red pepper flakes—adjust to your heat preference.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based sausage or omit it and add extra beans and veggies.

What’s the best sausage to use?

Italian sausage, either spicy or sweet, gives the most flavor. Choose based on your taste.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients (except greens and beans) and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add beans and greens in the last 30 minutes.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a flavorful, warming dish that combines rustic Italian ingredients into a hearty, one-pot wonder. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping meals ahead. One bowl of this comforting stew will have everyone coming back for seconds.