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 of traditional stew 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 browned, then drain the liquid.

Step 2: Create 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 flavorings

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 until you have a smooth slurry, then gradually stir it into the stew. Bring everything to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, for two minutes, or until thickened. Remove the stew from the heat and serve.

How to Store Sausage Stew

Once cooled, leftover sausage stew can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for three to four days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to four months. After it’s thawed, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until 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 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 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.