Tomato Zucchini Stew
A hearty and flavorful tomato zucchini stew featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish combines savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors, making it a satisfying choice for family meals or entertaining guests who appreciate rustic, comforting cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 8 medium fresh tomatoes peeled and cut ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 4 small zucchini sliced in 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups canned or frozen corn ⓘ
- 2 medium green peppers sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- Shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart Dutch oven, brown and crumble the Italian sausage.
- Add sliced celery and cook for 15 minutes; then drain.
- Add peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes, tomato juice, sliced zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, sugar, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add canned or frozen corn and sliced green peppers.
- Cover again and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the stew and bring to a boil.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade tomato juice or roasted tomatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the Italian sausage with lentils or a meat substitute. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the dish. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. This stew also works well with other Italian recipes, making it versatile for your meal planning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tomato Zucchini Stew hot, garnished with shredded mozzarella cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, such as Pasta Salad(Italian Style) for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it over cooked rice or pasta. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water if the stew thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Zucchini Stew contains roughly 600 calories, with 11g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (219% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 61g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version, or even a spicy sausage for more heat. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used to ensure it's fully cooked.
What can I substitute for zucchini if I don't have any?
If you don't have zucchini, you can use yellow squash or even diced bell peppers as a substitute. These will provide a similar texture and flavor profile to the stew.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the celery first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken the stew.
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).