Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew

Introduction

This old-fashioned stew is the definition of comfort food. Tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and fresh green beans are simmered in a flavorful broth that tastes like home. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through families because it’s inexpensive, nourishing, and stretches to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8 people)

• 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 lb fresh green beans (or 2 cans, drained), ends trimmed
• 6 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover ingredients)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil/butter over medium heat.
• Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

1. Sauté aromatics

• In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

1. Add vegetables

• Add potatoes and green beans to the pot. Stir well to coat with flavor.

1. Build the broth

• Pour in chicken broth until everything is just covered.
• Add seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

1. Simmer

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

1. Add sausage back in

• Return the browned sausage to the pot.
• Simmer for another 10 minutes to let flavors meld.

1. Finish and serve

• Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread.

Methods & Variations

• Slow Cooker: Add everything (except parsley) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
• Spicy Kick: Use andouille sausage and add cayenne pepper.
• Southern Style: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for tang.
• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk at the end for richness.

Benefits

• Balanced Meal: Contains protein (sausage), carbs (potatoes), and fiber (green beans).
• Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that feed a large family.
• Customizable: Works with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans.
• Comfort Food: Perfect for cold days, hearty and warming.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. for 8 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 890mg

Lovers of This Dish

• Families who grew up on Southern or Midwest comfort food.
• People who love one-pot meals.
• Anyone who enjoys a hearty, rustic stew with simple flavors.

Conclusion

This Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew is an easy, satisfying meal that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen. It’s versatile, wholesome, and guaranteed to warm your belly and your soul.