Great Northern Bean Stew
A hearty and flavorful bean stew combining savory pork sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for cozy dinners, it offers a comforting blend of spices and herbs that appeal to family and friends alike, providing a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bulk pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, cut up (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (15.5 oz.) can Great Northern beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or 4-quart Dutch oven, brown the sausage and onions; drain excess fat.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of smoked paprika or using spicy sausage. If you're short on time, canned beans can be replaced with pre-cooked beans. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; if you have no fresh parsley, dried works in a pinch. Adjust the spice level by adding more hot red pepper sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is hearty and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It can also be served over rice for a filling meal. For a delightful contrast, consider serving alongside a light Eight Layer Salad, which adds freshness to the dish. Garnish each bowl with additional parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Great Northern Bean Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Northern Bean Stew contains roughly 830 calories, with 17g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2082mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the pork sausage with plant-based sausage or omitting it entirely. You might want to enhance the flavor with additional spices or vegetable broth to maintain depth in the stew.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot, or adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Another option is to let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Is it possible to freeze the stew?
Absolutely! Great Northern Bean Stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).