If you’re on the hunt for comfort in a bowl, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe. It’s a chunky, robust stew bursting with tender sausage, creamy white beans, and a rainbow of veggies, all swimming in a savory, herby broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual weeknight dinners, this dish will quickly become a family favorite for its flavor-packed simplicity and heartiness!

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here: each ingredient shines and brings something essential to the party, from the rich sausage and sweet carrots to the earthy beans and a pop of fresh greens. These kitchen staples transform effortlessly into a supremely satisfying stew that feels cozy yet a bit special.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop flavor as the veggies and sausage cook.
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed): The star protein, bringing a burst of savory flavor and just the right amount of fat for depth.
Onion (diced): Adds gentle sweetness and forms the aromatic foundation of the stew.
Carrots (sliced): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color, plus a tender bite.
Celery stalks (sliced): Offer subtle earthy flavor and help round out the “soffritto” base.
Garlic (minced): Every spoonful is infused with that irresistible garlicky aroma.
Dried oregano: Delivers an earthy, classic Italian flair you can’t skip.
Dried thyme: Adds a woodsy note and pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a gentle heat and extra layer of flavor if you like a little kick.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: A must for that subtle touch of warmth and earthiness.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Introduce acidity, color, and extra juiciness for a rich broth.
White beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed): Add heartiness, creamy texture, and fabulous plant-based protein.
Chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
Chopped kale or spinach: Lively greens that add nutrition and freshness at the end.
Fresh parsley (chopped): A sprinkle for brightness and color when serving.
Grated Parmesan (optional): Salty, nutty, and the perfect finishing touch for extra richness.

How to Make Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat your olive oil in a nice big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle and get beautifully browned—those little crispy bits at the bottom are pure gold for flavor! In about 6 to 8 minutes, your sausage should be cooked through and starting to caramelize. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and spoon that out.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery next. Give them a few minutes—5 to 6—stirring occasionally. You’re looking for softened veggies that are just starting to turn glossy and aromatic. Sprinkle in the garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let all those herbs and spices bloom for about a minute, releasing their best scents.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

Pour in your diced tomatoes (don’t forget all those tasty juices), along with the white beans and broth. Give everything a gentle stir and increase the heat until it comes to a bright, energetic boil. Once you’re there, reduce to a low simmer, cover, and let time do its magic for 20 to 25 minutes. The veggies will soften, the flavors meld, and the whole pot will start smelling incredible.

Step 4: Add Greens and Finish

Now for the fresh finish! Toss in your chopped kale or spinach and let it wilt for just 3 to 5 minutes, stirring to help them along. They’ll add a pop of green and just the right hit of freshness. Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning—sometimes just a pinch of salt or black pepper is all you need.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe into bowls, then scatter fresh parsley and a generous shower of grated Parmesan over the top, if you’d like. This is the perfect moment for a big hunk of crusty bread to mop up every delicious drop!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference. I love sprinkling lots of chopped fresh parsley over each bowl for color and zing, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan melts into the hot stew for richness. If you want more heat, a tiny pinch of extra red pepper flakes on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is practically non-negotiable for sopping up the savory broth, but you can also pair your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe with a light salad, roasted broccoli, or even a simple plate of polenta. A drizzle of olive oil or a few marinated olives on the side will make your meal feel extra cozy and authentic.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive dinner, try serving the stew in individual bread bowls or alongside grilled garlic toasts. If you’re going for a rustic vibe, set the pot right on the table and let everyone help themselves—family-style comfort at its best!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift when it comes to this recipe! Let the Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe cool to room temperature, then pack it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle and rest.

Freezing

This stew is a dream for batch cooking and freezing. Once cooled, freeze in labeled, airtight freezer containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a stress-free meal on a busy night.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the stew thickens, splash in a bit more broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make the Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap in a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth. The beans and greens will still shine, and you’ll retain the hearty, comforting nature of the stew.

What’s the best type Main Course

Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work beautifully—pick based on your taste! Chicken or turkey sausage are great lighter options but keep an eye on the seasoning, as leaner sausage can have a milder flavor.

Can I substitute other beans for cannellini or great northern?

Definitely. Navy beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas are excellent substitutes. Each brings a slightly different texture, but the stew will still be just as comforting and delicious.

How do I thicken the stew if I want it even heartier?

Mash a few spoonfuls of the white beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. This will give the broth a naturally thicker and creamier texture without needing extra ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free! Zucchini, bell peppers, or diced potatoes would all be lovely. Just add them with the carrots and celery so they have enough time to soften and soak up the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a big bowl of this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe to bring people together and warm up even the coldest day. If you give it a try, I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Enjoy every spoonful—it just might become your new go-to comfort food!

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of Italian sausage, white beans, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth creates a satisfying stew that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 small onion (diced)
2 carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, white beans, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors are blended.
Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread.