Rustic Southern Bean and Sausage Stew with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, comforting stew combining smoky sausage, tender white beans, and robust southern flavors, perfect for a nourishing family dinner. This southern american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 105 minutes pairs soaked overnight dried white beans, medium, diced yellow onion, diced celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1 cup dried white beans soaked overnight and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  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 diced medium yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced large carrot to the pot. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked beans, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender and stew thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm with crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Southern Bean and Sausage Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Southern Bean and Sausage Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Southern Bean and Sausage Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Southern Bean and Sausage Stew with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rustic Southern Bean and Sausage Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Southern American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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