Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew is rich with savory sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rustic Italian charm.

ingredients

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

Italian sausages (mild or spicy)olive oiloniongarliccarrotscelerytomatopastecrushed tomatoeschicken or vegetable brothsalt and pepperdried oregano and basilkale or spinachcannellini or great northern beans (drained and rinsed)fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Remove the sausage from casings if necessary, and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.

Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until the vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add the drained white beans and kale or spinach to the pot, stirring until the greens wilt.

Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.

Include a splash of red wine for richer depth.

Top with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

Swap kale for Swiss chard or escarole.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand.

What type of sausage is best?

Use a high-quality Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, depending on your preference.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and add more vegetables or use a plant-based sausage alternative.

Is this stew spicy?

It depends on the sausage you use; choose mild if you prefer less heat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then combine everything in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I add pasta to the stew?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free sausage and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What herbs can I substitute?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of crushed red pepper can enhance the flavor profile.

How do I thicken the stew?

Mash a few of the beans into the broth to create a thicker texture.

Should I remove the sausage casings?

Removing the casings allows the sausage to crumble better into the stew, but it’s optional.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a warm, hearty dish that’s easy to make and bursting with classic flavors. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew delivers satisfying comfort with every spoonful. It’s a delicious reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create truly memorable meals.