6-Ingredient Sausage Stew (Hearty & Easy One-Pot Recipe)

This 6-ingredient sausage stew is comfort food at its best: simple, hearty, and full of flavor. With just a few pantry staples like Italian sausage, canned beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this one-pot dinner comes together with minimal prep but delivers incredible flavor. You can simmer it on the stove or throw it in the slow cooker - either way, it's an easy weeknight dinner you'll turn to again and again.

Why You'll Love This Sausage Stew

• Just 6 ingredients! This recipe proves you don't need a long list to make something delicious. And it is surprisingly delicious!
• It's hearty and satisfying. Thanks to the Italian sausage, cannellini beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this sausage stew is packed with protein and fiber.
• It's weeknight-friendly. With minimal prep and only one pot to wash, it's perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. This is the recipe I always make when I don't feel like cooking but I do feel like eating something delicious and filling!
• Stovetop or slow cooker. Make it the way that works best for you. It simmers beautifully on the stove, but it's just as easy to set and forget in the slow cooker.
• It's a crowd-pleaser. It's flavorful, filling and everyone always loves it. Even picky eaters tend to go back for seconds!
• It makes great leftovers. As with most stews, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients You'll Need

This hearty sausage stew comes together with just a handful of flavorful ingredients - most of which you probably already have on hand.

• 1 lb Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your flavor preference. Ground sausage works best for quick browning and even distribution.
• 1 large onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the stew. Yellow or white onions work equally well.
• 2 cloves garlic: Just enough to boost flavor - fresh minced garlic brings out that classic savory depth.
• 2 cans cannellini beans: Creamy, protein-packed, and mild in flavor, they add great texture and turn this stew into a filling meal.
• 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These tomatoes have a deep, slightly smoky flavor that adds richness to the broth. Regular diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, but fire-roasted is worth it if you have it.
• 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds earthy flavor and rounds out the stew. If using dried, be sure to crush it lightly between your fingers to release the oils.
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a bay leaf, or a splash of balsamic vinegar are all nice additions, but I usually just stick with the main 6 ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This stew comes together very quickly and simmers into something delicious with very little effort. Here's how to make it:

1. Brown the Sausage
   In a large Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until almost no pink remains, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. If your sausage releases a lot of fat, feel free to spoon off a little, but don't drain it all. That's where the flavor is!
2. Add the Onions and Garlic
   Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it softens and starts to turn opaque. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring it frequently so it doesn't burn.
3. Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Thyme
   Pour in the cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine. (Note: if you can't find fire-roasted tomatoes, regular will work just fine!)
4. Simmer
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the sausage stew for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the stew has thickened slightly. Slow Cooker Option: After browning the sausage and sautéing the garlic and onion, transfer everything to a slow cooker (including the beans, tomatoes, and thyme) and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
5. Season and Serve
   Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread, Parmesan, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

This sausage stew is endlessly adaptable! Here are some easy ways to customize it to fit your tastes:

• Add a touch of creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream, a handful of grated Parmesan, or a swirl of cream cheese at the end for a richer, silkier finish.
• Boost the veggies: Add a few handfuls of baby spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some extra kick.
• Try different beans: Not a fan of cannellini beans? Swap them for great northern beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas - whatever you have on hand.
• Make It meatless: Use plant-based sausage or omit the meat entirely and double the beans. Add smoked paprika or fennel seed to mimic sausage flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Yes! While Italian sausage brings great flavor, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even smoked sausage. Just make sure it's cooked and crumbled or sliced before simmering.

Can I freeze sausage stew?
Yes, it freezes really well! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the sausage and use an extra can of beans or some lentils. Add a little smoked paprika, fennel seed, or umami seasoning to mimic the flavors in the sausage.

What should I serve with sausage stew?
This stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side of rice, couscous, or polenta. A simple green salad is also perfect to balance the richness of the stew.

If hearty, comforting meals are your thing, you'll definitely want to check out a few more of my favorite stew recipes. This authentic Italian beef stew is rich and savory with deep, slow-simmered flavor. For something Southern and a little smoky, easy Brunswick stew recipe is a classic, and you can make it on the stovetop or in the crockpot. Creamy oyster stew is a favorite that's perfect for seafood lovers, while traditional Wisconsin booyah is a Midwest crowd-pleaser loaded with meat and veggies. And if you're craving something truly hearty, don't miss my hearty beanless beef chili - it's thick, meaty, and everyone who's made it, loves it!

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Italian Sausage Stew

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This is a "go-to" recipe: when you want something that comes together with minimal effort but loads of flavor, this is the one you'll be reaching for!

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Ingredients

• 1 package ground Italian sausage, about a pound or more (removed from casings)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 15-oz cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes, not drained (or regular diced tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat a dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the sausage until almost no pink remains. If there's an excess of grease, soak some up with a paper towel or remove some with a spoon. You can leave a few tablespoons in though as it adds flavor.
2. Add the onions and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and slightly opaque. Add the garlic; cook one minute more, stirring frequently.
3. Add the beans, tomatoes and thyme to pan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; simmer at least one hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Season liberally to taste and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 204Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 550mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 9gSugar: 4gProtein: 13g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.

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Kristy Bernardo

Kristy Bernardo is a chef, recipe developer, and five-time cookbook author. A former personal chef and cooking instructor, she loves creating easy, delicious recipes to share!

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