Zippy Bean Stew
A hearty and flavorful bean stew featuring a medley of beans, smoked sausage, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz. cans kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 15 oz. can white beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 quart fresh or canned chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 or 4 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound chopped smoked sausage or beef ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- If using fresh tomatoes, cook them with onions, mushrooms, and garlic in a 3-quart saucepan until nearly tender.
- Add broth and drained beans along with the chopped smoked sausage or beef.
- Add seasonings and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve hot, yielding 8 to 10 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you want to keep it vegetarian, substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based alternative or simply add more vegetables. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some beans before adding them to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bean stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside rice for a more filling option. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. It’s also a great option for meal prep; prepare it ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl in 1-minute intervals until hot. If the stew thickens, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zippy Bean Stew contains roughly 324 calories, with 15g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1108mg per serving (48% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans! Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the stew. Adjust cooking times as needed; it may take longer than if using canned beans. Be sure to add additional broth to maintain the right consistency.
What can I serve with this stew?
This Zippy Bean Stew is versatile; serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad for a complete meal. You could also pair it with cornbread or garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a lighter option, consider a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this Zippy Bean Stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the broth and sausage you use are gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to confirm they meet your dietary needs.
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).