Sausage Bean Chowder
Sausage Bean Chowder is a hearty, comforting soup bursting with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish offers a rich, satisfying taste with a blend of spices and hearty beans, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned. Pour off excess fat.
- In a large kettle, combine kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, water, chopped onion, bay leaf, salt, garlic salt, thyme, and pepper.
- Add the cooked sausage to the kettle.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Add diced potatoes and chopped green pepper.
- Cook, covered, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier chowder, consider adding other vegetables like carrots or celery. You can substitute the Bob Evans sausage with any flavorful sausage or even a vegetarian option for a lighter dish. If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This chowder can also be made in a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese. It pairs beautifully with Southern Cornbread Dressing for a complete meal. A side salad or crusty bread complements the chowder well, making it a satisfying and comforting dinner option. You can also serve it with a scoop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. This chowder also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Bean Chowder contains roughly 338 calories, with 8g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegetarian by substituting the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. You might want to enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the savory taste of sausage.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans. Both will add a slightly different flavor but will work well in the chowder. Just ensure they are canned and rinsed before adding to the pot.
How can I thicken the chowder?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash a portion of the kidney beans after cooking. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the chowder, allowing it to simmer until thickened to your liking.
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).