There’s something magical about a pot of Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans bubbling away on the stove — it promises deep, cozy flavors and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. This rustic stew features savory sausage, creamy cannellini beans, sweet vegetables, and a delicate balance of herbs, all pulled together in a hearty broth. Perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining, it’s that dependable recipe you’ll reach for when you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try it, this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is bound to become a regular favorite at your table!

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients — yet each plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor, color, and satisfying texture. Gather up these basics and you’re well on your way to a truly irresistible meal.

Italian sausage: Go for sweet or spicy, depending on your mood — sausage adds major depth and a lovely, meaty bite.
Olive oil: This is your secret for bringing out the best in your veggies and sausage right from the start.
Onion: A small diced onion builds a savory foundation and gently sweetens as it cooks.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves make the broth fragrant and inviting — don’t skip!
Carrots: Sliced carrots deliver both color and a subtle earthy sweetness that shine in each spoonful.
Celery: These aromatic stalks help anchor the stew and pair beautifully with onion and carrot.
Canned diced tomatoes: Tomatoes lend their bright acidity and lovely color, balancing the sausage.
Canned white beans (cannellini or Great Northern): They offer creaminess and make this stew feel extra hearty and wholesome.
Low-sodium chicken broth: This is the flavor carrier, bringing everyone together in a soothing, savory bath.
Dried oregano: Just a teaspoon infuses a classic Italian herbaceous note without overpowering the stew.
Dried thyme: A hint of thyme adds warmth and depth — a small touch goes a long way.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, these will do the trick without overwhelming.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t be shy and taste as you go!
Baby spinach or chopped kale (optional): Stir these in at the end for extra color, nutrition, and a burst of freshness.
Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley: For garnish, this finishing touch brings salty, nutty, and herby accents.

How to Make Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Kick things off by heating that olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven on medium. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Let it sizzle until every bit is cooked through and beautifully caramelized, around 6 to 8 minutes. That golden color equals flavor, so don’t rush — and be sure to scoop out the sausage when done, leaving some of its savory drippings behind to flavor your veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add your onion, carrots, and celery right into the same pot, letting them soak up all the sausage goodness. Sauté everything for about 5 to 6 minutes until the veggies soften and start smelling incredible. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Just a minute or so is all it takes to become fragrant, signaling it’s time for the next step.

Step 3: Build the Stew’s Flavor Base

Now come the tomatoes, beans, and broth. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), followed by the drained and rinsed white beans. Add those two cups of chicken broth, sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), plus salt and black pepper. Return the browned sausage to the pot and give everything a gentle stir to marry those flavors together.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens — all the ingredients mingle and meld, and the broth thickens just enough. If you love a heartier stew, mash a spoonful of beans against the side of the pot to thicken things up.

Step 5: Add the Greens

Now, for a fresh and colorful finish, stir in your baby spinach or chopped kale. It wilts in just 2 to 3 minutes, bringing a pop of green and a nutritional boost. Once those greens are relaxed and silky, you’re ready to serve your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans piping hot, ladled into generous bowls.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans

Garnishes

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a shower of fresh chopped parsley really make this stew sing. The salty, nutty cheese and vibrant parsley add both beauty and a final layer of flavor. If you love a little zing, a crack of black pepper on top is the way to go.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with big hunks of crusty bread — it’s almost mandatory for serious dunking in that flavorful broth! For an extra-robust meal, serve with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans into wide, shallow bowls for that rustic bistro feel. Or, serve it inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, hearty twist — talk about comfort food! Little crostini perched on the side or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top turn this stew into something dinner party special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans, simply let it cool, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making weekday lunches feel downright luxurious.

Freezing

This stew is a freezer’s best friend! Once completely cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers (leave some space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind, if you included spinach or kale, the greens may soften a bit more upon reheating — still delicious, just a touch more tender.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s bubbling and hot throughout, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up. Microwave reheating works too — just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Swap out pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version; even spicy styles work well for an extra kick. Just remember to check that it’s fully cooked and browned for the best texture and flavor.

Are there bean alternatives besides cannellini or Great Northern?

Yes! Any creamy white bean, like navy or butter beans, fits right in. Even chickpeas can work in a pinch, though they’ll be a bit more firm and nutty. The most important thing is that they’re drained and rinsed before adding.

How can I make the stew vegetarian?

Skip the sausage and try a plant-based sausage alternative or double up on beans and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the result is just as comforting and flavorful.

Will this recipe work in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies on the stovetop, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in the greens near the end so they stay nice and fresh.

Is this stew gluten-free?

It absolutely can be! Just double-check your sausage and chicken broth labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients, and you have a cozy gluten-free meal ready to go.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that hugs you from the inside out, don’t hesitate to make this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple to prepare but explodes with flavor — and feels like an edible celebration of home. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and make a pot soon… you’ll be so glad you did!

Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with this comforting Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans. Hearty and flavorful, this stew is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables:

1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)

Additional Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or Great Northern, drained and rinsed)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional)
Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Sausage: In a large pot, brown Italian sausage in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, white beans, broth, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Return sausage to the pot.
Simmer: Let the stew simmer for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors.
Add Greens: If using, stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving hot.