Sausage Stew

This isn’t your grandmother’s stew—though she may ask you for the recipe. A fresh twist on classic comfort food, this sausage stew takes everything you love about hearty, homemade meals and stirs in the bold, zesty flavor of Italian sausage. It’s an unexpected upgrade to a traditional stew recipe that’s familiar enough to feel cozy, but fresh enough to be exciting.

Sausage Stew Ingredients

• Italian sausage
• Water
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Ketchup
• Green or sweet red pepper
• Parsley
• Cornstarch
• Cold water

Directions

Step 1: Cook the sausage

In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned, then drain the liquid.

Step 2: Start the stew

Add the water, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook for one hour, or until the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add the remaining flavoring ingredients

Add the ketchup, pepper and parsley, then cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes or until the pepper is tender. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 4: Thicken the stew

Combine the cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry, then gradually stir it into the stew. Bring it to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, for two minutes or until it’s thickened. Remove the stew from the heat and serve it.

How to Store Sausage Stew

Once any leftover sausage stew has cooled completely, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers can be frozen for up to four months. After it has thawed, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through.

When reheating, you may want to add a splash of water to thin out the stew, as the potatoes and cornstarch will continue to thicken as the stew cools.

Sausage Stew Tips

Can I use broth instead of water in this sausage stew recipe?

Yes! In fact, using a homemade vegetable broth or chicken broth will add another layer of flavor and complexity to the stew. If you’re not up for making broth from scratch, there are many good store-bought chicken broths to choose from.

What’s the best way to serve sausage stew?

This stew with Italian sausage is best served with a thick slice of good crusty homemade bread, or ladled over chewy farro or creamy polenta.

Can I make Italian sausage stew ahead of time?

Definitely. This stew will actually taste better the next day, as the flavors continue to deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.