Kielbasa Stew(Stove Top)
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring smoked kielbasa, beans, and vegetables, simmered to perfection with aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines smoky, savory, and spicy notes, making it a satisfying meal for family or friends seeking comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 5 bacon strips ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 smoked fully cooked kielbasa, sliced thinly ⓘ
- 2 cans Great Northern beans (undrained)
- 2 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain.
- Add sliced kielbasa and chopped onion to the skillet drippings and cook until onion is tender.
- Drain the kielbasa and onion mixture.
- Return to the skillet and add beans, tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, sliced carrots, and chopped green pepper.
- Stir in dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of smoked and spicy kielbasa. If you prefer a meatless option, you can substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of the drippings. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten the dish. This stew also pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kielbasa Stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor. It goes wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light, refreshing dish like Baked Ham Salad, which complements the hearty stew perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kielbasa Stew(Stove Top) contains roughly 590 calories, with 22g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (376% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (247% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 944mg per serving (41% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional, any smoked sausage or even chicken sausage can work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the sausage is heated through.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the bacon and kielbasa in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them into even pieces for consistent cooking. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure they are tender.
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).