Sausage Stew

This hearty Sausage Stew is proof that a handful of simple ingredients can make the most comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. Smoky kielbasa brings plenty of savory flavor to the pot, infusing the broth as it simmers with tender onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, one-pot goodness that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all afternoon, yet it’s ready in under an hour. Serve it up on a chilly evening, pull it together for a busy weeknight supper, or make a pot anytime you’re craving a little homemade comfort without a lot of fuss.

Easy Sausage Stew Recipe

Around here, some of the best suppers start with simple ingredients and a little time spent bringing everything together in one pot. That’s the beauty of this Sausage Stew! Smoky kielbasa, garden vegetables, and tender potatoes come together to make a hearty, satisfying meal without a long list of ingredients or a sink full of dishes. Serve it with a slice of warm cornbread, a skillet of Southern biscuits, or a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. It’s just the ticket for crisp fall evenings, chilly winter nights, or those busy days when you want to put a wholesome, home-cooked supper on the table with ease.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Sausage Stew: (Scroll down for the full recipe card and quantities.)

• Sausage – Use smoked kielbasa for maximum flavor. Its smoky, garlicky notes act as the backbone of the stew.
• Vegetables – Onion, carrots and celery stalks add texture and flavor.
• Potatoes – Starchy potatoes add bulk.
• Garlic – Fresh cloves garlic for an earthy slightly spicy taste.
• Oil – Olive oil to sauté the sausage and vegetables.
• Aromatics – Dried thyme or 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme and bay leaf. You could also use oregano.
• Beans – Canned white beans like cannellini beans, great northern, or navy beans.
• Liquid – Chicken stock thins the stew broth.
• Spices – Seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder and black pepper.
• Fresh Herbs – Chopped fresh parsley.
• Vinegar – A splash of vinegar is the acidic addition that balances the rich flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Tomato paste to slightly thicken the stew broth.

How to Make Sausage Stew Recipe

• Brown Sausage – Cook kielbasa in olive oil until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
• Sauté Veggies – Stir in the onion, carrots and celery cook just until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic, thyme; cook until fragrant.
• Combine – Pour in broth, bay leaf, potatoes, kielbasa, beans, tomato paste and spices.
• Simmer Covered – Cover and simmer per the cooking time in the recipe until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
• Serve – Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread, cornbread or rice.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Sausage Stew

• Dutch oven or soup pot.
• Chef’s knife and chopping board plus a vegetable peeler.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Ladle.
• Plate or platter.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Sausage – Any fully cooked smoked kielbasa will work. Pork, beef, turkey, or a blend will work well. Avoid raw fresh sausages for this recipe.
• Italian Sausage – If you want to make this using raw Italian sausage remove it from the casings and cook until no pink remains then proceed with the recipe scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Beans – You can use cannellini beans, great northern beans, or navy beans.
• Dried Beans – Cook 1 1/2 cups dried beans separately until tender then proceed with the recipe.
• Add Greens – You could add a handful of chopped kale or spinach stirred in at the end of cooking.
• Tomato Paste – Tomato paste doesn’t make the stew “tomato-y”, but it adds a slight sweetness that balances the smokiness.
• Add Vinegar to Finish is Key – Without acid, the stew can taste flat or heavy. That final splash sharpens everything. You can use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar. You could also replace vinegar with Worcestershire sauce.
• Spice – You could amp up the heat adding crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
• Similar Size Vegetables for Even Cooking – Keep diced vegetables similar in size so they finish cooking at the same time. No mushy carrots or undercooked potatoes.
• Vegetarian Stew – Use a plant-based smoked sausage and vegetable broth. Increase the smoked paprika to help replace the sausage’s depth.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Sausage Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating – Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove top on medium heat.
• Freezer – Can I freeze the stew? Yes. This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. The beans may soften slightly, but the flavor remains excellent. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Stew Recipes to Make

• Hearty Chicken Stew is a one-pot meal.
• Southern Brunswick Stew.
• Rich and hearty Easy Beef Stew.
• Guinness Beef Stew ideal for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
• Tasty Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet.
• Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a popular Southern side dish.
• Old-fashioned Oven Braised Beef Stew.
• Southern Chicken and Dumplings is comfort in a bowl.
• Coq Au Vin from Food Network.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!