As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like a hearty stew to bring warmth and comfort to your table. This Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew combines savory sausages with tender beans and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a rich tomato-based sauce.
The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and full of depth. It’s an ideal meal for busy families, offering both convenience and nourishment. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting dinner experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons sunflower oil (olive oil is fine too)
- 454g sausages (usually 6 or 8 sausages)
- 1 large red onion, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 800g tinned chopped tomatoes (2 tins)
- 400g tinned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
- 1 beef stock cube
- 300g carrots, peeled and chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat the sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them all over. If your slow cooker pan is hob-safe, you can do this directly in the pan.
- Once browned, transfer the sausages to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped red onion, crushed garlic, chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, tomato puree, cumin, sweet smoked paprika, crumbled beef stock cube, and chopped carrots to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
- Before serving, stir the casserole well. For easier serving, you can cut the sausages into pieces using scissors. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 363 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, blending the smoky and savory notes from the sausages with the sweetness of tomatoes and the earthiness of beans. The result? A dish that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this stew is a perfect choice. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and made with easy-to-find pantry ingredients!
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
This stew is packed with wholesome and hearty ingredients. Here’s a closer look:
- Sausages: Choose high-quality pork, beef, or chicken sausages for the best flavor. Spicy sausages can add an extra kick!
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans soak up the flavors beautifully. You can substitute with butter beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
- Red Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth to the dish.
- Carrots: A natural sweetness that balances the rich, smoky flavors.
- Tomatoes & Tomato Purée: They create a flavorful, slightly tangy base for the stew.
- Smoked Paprika & Cumin: These spices add a warm, smoky undertone. Feel free to experiment with chili powder or cayenne for a spicier version.
- Beef Stock Cube: Enhances the umami flavor and brings everything together. You can substitute it with vegetable or chicken stock if preferred.
How to Serve This Dish
- With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the thick, rich stew.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the hearty stew.
- With Rice or Quinoa: A great option if you want to stretch the meal even further.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Make-Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy chorizo sausages.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out sausages for plant-based sausages or add more beans and mushrooms for a hearty texture.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be great additions.
- Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew is the perfect cozy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is a guaranteed hit. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and bold flavors, it’s a staple recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
The History Behind Sausage and Bean Stew
Sausage and bean stew is a dish rooted in traditional European peasant cuisine, where hearty, filling ingredients were slow-cooked to create nutritious and satisfying meals. Similar dishes can be found in various cultures:
- France: Cassoulet, a slow-cooked dish made with white beans, sausages, and meats like duck or pork.
- Spain: Fabada Asturiana, a rich bean and sausage stew from the Asturias region.
- Italy: Salsiccia e Fagioli, an Italian classic made with sausage and cannellini beans.
- United Kingdom: Bangers and Beans, a British comfort food variation that pairs sausages with a tomato-based bean sauce.
This slow cooker version brings together the comfort of traditional stews with the ease of modern cooking methods, making it a great meal for busy families.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This dish is not only simple but also incredibly flavorful and adaptable. Here’s why it’s a go-to meal for many home cooks:
1. Slow Cooking Enhances the Flavors
Cooking the stew low and slow allows the flavors to develop beautifully. The sausages infuse the sauce with richness, while the beans soak up all the delicious seasonings.
2. One-Pot Convenience
With minimal prep and just one slow cooker pot, this recipe requires little cleanup—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
3. Affordable and Budget-Friendly
Sausages and beans are inexpensive staples, making this dish a great wallet-friendly option without compromising on taste or quality.
4. Nutritious and Hearty
Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is filling and nourishing. The beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, while the sausages add a savory depth of flavor.
Best Sausages for This Stew
The type of sausage you use can greatly influence the overall flavor of the dish. Here are some excellent choices:
- Classic Pork Sausages: A traditional choice that offers a juicy and flavorful bite.
- Spicy Chorizo: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick that pairs well with beans.
- Italian Sausage: Mild or hot, Italian sausage brings a herby depth with notes of fennel and garlic.
- Chicken or Turkey Sausage: A leaner option for those looking to cut down on fat while keeping the dish high in protein.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Sausages: Plant-based alternatives work well in this recipe, especially those made from lentils or beans.
How to Adjust the Recipe for Different Diets
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the sausages and stock cube are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or rice.
Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of beans and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: This dish is naturally dairy-free, but always check ingredient labels to be sure.
Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Swap out the meat sausages for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve With This Stew
This dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it even more!
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a great base to complement the hearty stew.
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Light and fluffy grains help balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh contrast.
- A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the deep flavors of the stew.
How to Store & Reuse Leftovers
One of the best things about this stew is that it tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reuse it:
In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
To Use Leftovers Creatively:
- Make a pasta sauce by stirring the stew into cooked pasta.
- Serve over baked potatoes for a quick and filling meal.
- Turn it into a soup by adding extra broth and letting it simmer.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew
Brown the sausages first: This step enhances the depth of flavor, giving the stew a richer taste.
Use fresh herbs if possible: Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish even more.
Don’t skip the seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper at the end to ensure the best balance of flavors.
Try different beans: While cannellini beans are a classic choice, kidney beans, butter beans, or black beans can work well too.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce: It adds an extra layer of umami richness to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew is a true comfort meal that is easy, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, meal prep option, or a dish to warm you up on cold nights, this recipe will not disappoint.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew is the perfect combination of rich, hearty flavors and effortless cooking. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you get a deeply satisfying dish that’s packed with protein, fiber, and warming spices. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or as part of your meal prep routine, this stew is a reliable, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious option.
The best part? This recipe is highly customizable—you can experiment with different sausages, beans, and vegetables to suit your taste. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Serve it with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad for the perfect comfort food experience.
Give this recipe a try, and it just might become a new family favorite! Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Sausage and Bean Stew!