Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a hearty, comforting dish packed with rustic Mediterranean flavors. It combines savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner, this one-pot wonder is satisfying, easy to make, and even better the next day.

ingredients

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

Italian sausages (mild or spicy)
white beans (cannellini or Great Northern, canned or cooked)
olive oil
yellow onion
garlic cloves
carrots
celery
crushed tomatoes
chicken or vegetable broth
dried oregano
dried thyme
bay leaf
fresh parsley
salt and pepper
optional: red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, kale or spinach

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Remove sausage from casings, crumble, and cook until browned. Set aside.

In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

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

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

Add white beans and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Optional: Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes for extra greens.

Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
Add potatoes or pasta for a heartier stew.
Stir in a splash of cream for a richer texture.
Top with crusty bread or serve over rice for a filling meal.
Use smoked sausage for a different depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak and cook them in advance until tender before adding to the stew.

What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage—either sweet or spicy—works best, but chicken sausage can also be used.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.

How do I thicken the stew?
Mash some of the beans before adding them or simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid.

What greens go well in this stew?
Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard all pair wonderfully with the flavors.

Is this stew spicy?
It depends on the sausage used. Add red pepper flakes for more heat.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely, the flavors deepen overnight—just reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a cozy, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare and loaded with bold flavor. It’s perfect for make-ahead dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. With its flexibility and soul-warming taste, this stew is sure to become a staple in your comfort food rotation.

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