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To make a hearty slow cooker sausage bean stew, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup diced carrots - 1 cup diced celery - 1 cup chopped onion - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can add these ingredients to change the stew's flavor: - 1 cup corn for sweetness - 1 bell pepper for crunch - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth If you have dietary needs, consider these swaps: - Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. - Substitute beans with lentils for a quicker cook time. - Use vegetable broth for a vegan stew. - Swap out the crushed tomatoes for tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture. These ingredient choices help you make a stew that suits your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth! Start by gathering your ingredients. This stew needs fresh veggies and hearty beans. You will need: - 1 lb Italian sausage - 1 can cannellini beans - 1 can kidney beans - 1 cup diced carrots - 1 cup diced celery - 1 cup chopped onion - 2 garlic cloves - 1 can crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - Spices: smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish Take a skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pan. Cook it until brown. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps mix the flavor later. Once cooked, drain any extra fat. Transfer the sausage into your slow cooker. Now, it’s time to add the veggies. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Then, add the minced garlic. Next, pour in the drained cannellini and kidney beans. Add the crushed tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Season your stew with smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix everything. Cover the slow cooker. Set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the veggies are tender, and the flavors blend well. Taste your stew before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy this warm dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. To boost flavor, add a splash of hot sauce. It gives a nice kick. You can also toss in a bay leaf for depth. If you like herbs, try adding fresh thyme or rosemary. These herbs will brighten the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds freshness. For this stew, I love using Italian sausage. You can choose mild or spicy, based on your taste. Other great options include chorizo or smoked sausage. Each type brings a unique flavor to the stew. Just be sure to brown the sausage first. This step makes the flavor richer. Serve the stew with crusty bread or over rice. Both options soak up the tasty broth. A simple green salad pairs well too. For drinks, try a hearty red wine or a light beer. These drinks complement the flavors nicely. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a nice pop of color and taste. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this stew, swap the sausage for plant-based options. You can use meatless sausage or even mushrooms for a hearty texture. Replace the vegetable broth with a rich vegetable stock to keep the flavor strong. This change keeps the stew filling and tasty without meat. While cannellini and kidney beans work great, feel free to mix in your favorite beans. Black beans or pinto beans add a unique taste and color. You can even throw in chickpeas for extra protein. Experimenting with beans can change the dish and keep it exciting. You can easily adjust the heat level of the stew. If you enjoy spice, choose spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder stew, stick to the mild sausage and skip the heat. This choice makes the dish enjoyable for everyone, no matter their spice tolerance. To store your leftover sausage bean stew, let it cool first. Use airtight containers for storage. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep flavors fresh. Label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use them. If you have a lot, consider splitting it into smaller portions. This makes reheating easy. When it's time to enjoy your stew again, reheating is simple. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it on medium-low. Stir often to avoid burning. For the microwave, place the stew in a safe bowl. Heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between. Make sure it's hot all the way through. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave about an inch of space at the top. This allows for expansion when it freezes. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label them with the date. Frozen stew lasts about three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use fresh beans. However, fresh beans take longer to cook. Soak them overnight. Then, add them to the slow cooker with more broth. This way, they will cook perfectly. You can store the stew for up to five days in the fridge. Make sure to use an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and delicious. A slow cooker with a capacity of 4 to 6 quarts is best for this stew. This size allows all the ingredients to fit and cook evenly. Programmable slow cookers are great too for setting cook times. Yes, you can cook this stew overnight. Set your slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours. This makes for a warm and hearty meal ready for breakfast or lunch. This blog post covers all you need to know about making a delicious sausage stew. We reviewed the key ingredients, including options and substitutions. I gave you step-by-step instructions for easy cooking. We discussed tips to enhance flavor and even variations for different diets. Storage tips help you keep leftovers fresh. In conclusion, with these insights, you can create a hearty meal that fits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this stew your own!

Slow Cooker Sausage Bean Stew

Warm up with this delicious Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage Bean Stew that’s perfect for any occasion! Packed with Italian sausage, nutritious beans, and vibrant veggies, this comforting stew is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Just throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work! Click to discover this satisfying recipe and bring warmth to your table with every spoonful.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy based on preference)

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups vegetable broth

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.

    Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.

      Stir in the drained cannellini and kidney beans, followed by the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.

        Season the stew with smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.

            Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8