Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a hearty, rustic dish packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this stew brings together savory sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato broth. It’s easy to prepare, nourishing, and deliciously filling.

ingredients

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

Italian sausagesee cannellini or great northern beanscrushed tomatoesoniongarliccarrotsceleryolive oilchicken brothbay leafdried oreganofresh parsley (for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.

Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Return the sausage to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, and oregano.

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

Add the drained white beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

Add chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.

Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine for added depth of flavor.

Serve over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but soak and cook them in advance according to package instructions.

What kind of sausage works best?

Mild or spicy Italian sausage links or bulk sausage both work well.

Is this stew gluten-free?

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

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely—brown the sausage and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added for more Italian flavor.

Can I add potatoes?

Yes, diced potatoes can be added during simmering for extra heartiness.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Is this stew spicy?

That depends on the sausage used—choose mild or hot based on preference.

What’s the best bean to use?

Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture and mild flavor.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. With its savory broth, rich sausage, and creamy beans, it’s a cozy classic that belongs in your cold-weather recipe rotation.