Sausage And Bean Chowder
A hearty, flavorful chowder combining savory pork sausage, beans, tomatoes, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying a crowd with robust taste.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 or 3 potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 large bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage, stirring to crumble and drain.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or adding a dash of hot sauce for a kick. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired. If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash a portion of the beans or potatoes before adding them back into the pot. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage and bean chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. This hearty chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, like a Make Ahead Salad Bowl, for a complete meal. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Bean Chowder contains roughly 2038 calories, with 85g protein, 253g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (358% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (256% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1592mg per serving (69% 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! You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative for a lighter version. Each type will bring a different flavor profile, so choose one that suits your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this chowder in advance?
Yes, this chowder is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors deepen when it sits. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for a quick meal.
Can I freeze the chowder for later use?
Yes, this chowder freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
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).