Mildred'S Sausage And Bean Chowder
A hearty, flavorful chowder featuring spicy sausage, beans, tomatoes, and vegetables, perfect for warming up and satisfying a crowd with its rich, comforting taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. medium hot sausage ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a heavy pan; drain off excess grease.
- Combine all ingredients except the corn and sugar in a pot.
- Simmer the mixture for approximately 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Add the corn and sugar during the last 5 minutes, just to heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly spicier kick, consider using hot sausage or adding diced jalapeños. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans make excellent substitutes. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor profile. This chowder also works well with diced potatoes for added heartiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Herbed Turkey Casserole for a potluck or family gathering, making it a great main dish option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice if the chowder has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mildred'S Sausage And Bean Chowder contains roughly 680 calories, with 37g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (274% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value), and iron (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2716mg per serving (118% 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 chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Simply reheat before serving, adding more tomato juice if needed for consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I substitute for the sausage?
If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage works well in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or omit it altogether, adding more beans or lentils for protein.
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).