Kielbasa Skillet Stew
A hearty, savory kielbasa stew with beans, vegetables, and smoky bacon, perfect for comforting gatherings and satisfying hearty appetites with rich flavors and tender ingredients.
Ingredients
- 5 bacon strips ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. smoked fully cooked kielbasa, thinly sliced
- 2 cans (15 1/2 oz. each) Great Northern beans, undrained ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain.
- In the drippings, cook onion and sausage until the onion is tender; drain.
- Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Crumble bacon and sprinkle on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using applewood-smoked bacon, which complements the kielbasa beautifully. If you want a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute Great Northern beans with cannellini beans if needed, and for a vegetarian option, replace the kielbasa with smoked tempeh or seitan. This stew is also great for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A simple side salad, such as a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, pairs well and adds freshness. This dish also complements the flavors of a light white wine or a crisp lager, making it a perfect choice for a casual dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kielbasa Skillet Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kielbasa Skillet Stew contains roughly 350 calories, with 7g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% 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 use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage, such as andouille or chorizo, for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the sausage variety you choose.
How can I make this stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pan after they've cooked for a while. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the simmering phase, or let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
Can I freeze Kielbasa Skillet Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).