Italian Stew
Italian Stew is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender vegetables, savory Italian sausage, and aromatic herbs. Its rich tomato base and Parmesan topping make it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering a delicious taste of Italy with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 large jar Prego with 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 2 medium green peppers ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 4 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large zucchini, cubed ⓘ
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, browned ⓘ
Instructions
- Put the jar of Prego with water, basil, chopped parsley, chopped tomatoes, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, and large jar of Prego in a large pot.
- Add cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
- Cook until the vegetables are almost tender, about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Add browned Italian sausage and cubed zucchini to the pot.
- Cook until all vegetables are tender.
- Add cooked macaroni to the stew and let simmer for about 1 to 2 hours.
- Stir occasionally to combine flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade sauce like Lou'S Spaghetti Sauce instead of jarred. You can substitute the sweet Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter dish. Adjust the vegetables based on what you have; bell peppers and squash can be added or replaced. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes before adding them back to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Italian stew with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked macaroni for a fulfilling meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top enhances the flavors. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months, but it's best to leave out the macaroni until you're ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Stew contains roughly 401 calories, with 15g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (254% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (175% of the Daily Value), and iron (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or simply omit it. Increase the variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms or chickpeas, to maintain a satisfying texture and protein content. Use vegetable broth instead of water for an extra flavor boost.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too watery, you can mash a portion of the potatoes and stir them back into the pot. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it simmer until thickened.
What other vegetables can I add to this stew?
Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or spinach based on your preference. Root vegetables like turnips or parsnips can also enhance the flavor and add variety. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetables you choose.
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).