One-Pot Appalachian Bean and Sausage Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-09 · Updated 2026-06-09

A hearty, slow-cooked stew featuring smoky sausage, tender beans, and regional Appalachian flavors simmered together for a comforting meal. This American-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 135 minutes, pairs smoked sausage, sliced, dry pinto beans, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup dry pinto beans
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry pinto beans under cold water, then soak in 3 cups water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until browned and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges start to caramelize.
4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
5. Step 5: Drain soaked beans and add to the pot along with 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup diced tomatoes. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
6. Step 6: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours or until beans are tender and stew thickens, stirring occasionally.