Slow-Cooked Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew featuring Italian sausage simmered with creamy white beans and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting dinner. This italian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 60 minutes pairs Italian sausage links, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage links and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove sausage and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Return sliced sausage to the pot and add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned white beans along with 4 cups chicken broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring stew to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let cook gently for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Slow-Cooked Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew?

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 italian sausage links from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew?

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 Slow-Cooked Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Slow-Cooked Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew?

Italian 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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