Smoked Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew
A hearty one-pot stew featuring locally sourced smoked sausage and sweet butternut squash, simmered with herbs for a comforting meal. This american-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs butternut squash, olive oil, large onion 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
- 2 lbs butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1/2 cup celery
- 12 oz smoked sausage
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and cube 2 lbs butternut squash into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add 1 diced onion and cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 12 oz sliced smoked sausage; cook 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Add 2 lbs cubed butternut squash, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 25-30 minutes until squash is tender.
- Step 8: Discard bay leaf, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9: Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Smoked Sausage and Butternut Squash 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 butternut squash from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Sausage and Butternut Squash 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 Smoked Sausage and Butternut Squash 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 Smoked Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew?
American soups 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Fall in a bowl! The squash caramelized beautifully with the smoked sausage—simple, hearty, and perfect for cold nights.
- ★★★★★
The smoky sausage cut through the squash sweetness perfectly—my family kept asking for seconds!
- ★★★★☆
Great flavors but the squash needed extra simmering time. Next time I'll slice it thinner.
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