Italian Sausage Stew

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Italian Sausage Stew on a chilly winter evening. It reminds me of cozy nights spent with family, gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The aroma of simmering vegetables and savory sausages fills the air, creating a sense of warmth that wraps around you like a favorite blanket. I love how this dish brings together hearty ingredients, each adding its unique flavor to the pot, making it not just a meal, but a gathering point for loved ones. The best part? It comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of those around you.

Italian Sausage Stew Shopping List

The beauty of the ingredients in this Italian Sausage Stew is how they complement each other. Each component plays a vital role, from the earthy mushrooms to the sweet and crunchy bell peppers. Together, they create a hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for warming up on a winter evening. Here’s your shopping list to make this delicious dish come to life:

• 12 oz. Mushrooms – Fresh mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture to the stew.
• 1 Medium Onion – Onions provide a sweet base flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper – These peppers add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
• 1 Green Bell Pepper – Offering a slightly bitter note, green peppers balance the sweetness of the red variety.
• 1 T + 1 tsp. Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the vegetables and adding a depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp. Dried Basil – This herb brings a classic Italian flavor that ties the dish together.
• 1 tsp. Greek Oregano – Oregano adds a fragrant and slightly spicy note, enhancing the stew’s complexity.
• 1 tsp. Ground Fennel – A unique spice that introduces a hint of sweetness and adds depth.
• 2 tsp. Spike Seasoning – A proprietary blend of spices that boosts the overall flavor of the stew.
• Ground Pepper to taste – A necessary touch to elevate the flavor profile.
• 2 lbs. Turkey Italian Sausage – The star protein in the dish, adding richness and flavor.
• One 14 oz. can Petite Diced Tomatoes – Provides acidity and sweetness that balances the flavors.
• 2 cups Rao’s Marinara Sauce – A high-quality sauce that brings a rich, tomato flavor.
• One 14 oz. can Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and depth to the stew.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese for serving (optional) – A final touch of indulgence that enhances the flavor.

How to Cook Italian Sausage Stew

Creating this Italian Sausage Stew is incredibly straightforward and rewarding. You’ll be amazed at how easily the flavors meld together in the Instant Pot, making it a delightful option for a busy weeknight. Follow these simple steps to whip up a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

1. Start by chopping the onion into pieces about half an inch or slightly larger. This will ensure they cook evenly and meld well with the other ingredients.
2. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot on the SAUTE setting at MEDIUM HEAT. Allow it to get hot before adding your chopped onions.
3. Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook until they start to soften and brown, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This will release their natural sweetness.
4. Once the onions are softened, add the dried basil, Greek oregano, ground fennel, Spike Seasoning, and a pinch of ground pepper. Stir and let these spices get fragrant for a minute or two.
5. Next, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the turkey Italian sausage. Break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown nicely. This step is crucial as the browning adds deep flavor to the stew.
6. While the sausage is cooking, chop your mushrooms and the red and green bell peppers. Aim to cut them into slightly over half-inch pieces for even cooking.
7. Once the sausage is beautifully browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, add the mushrooms, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, petite diced tomatoes, Rao’s Marinara Sauce, and chicken broth to the pot.
8. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to MANUAL, HIGH HEAT for 5 minutes. This will build pressure and cook the ingredients perfectly.
9. When the cooking time is up, let the stew naturally release for 5 minutes before opening the lid. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
10. Finally, serve the stew hot with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top if desired. Enjoy your Italian Sausage Stew with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad!

Helpful Hints

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Italian Sausage Stew turns out perfectly every time. These are practical suggestions that can help with storage, serving, and enhancing flavors.

• Storage: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. Consider a side of garlic bread for a delightful meal.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add more vegetables.
• Bulk it up: You can add cooked pasta or rice to the stew for a heartier meal.

Great Combinations for Italian Sausage Stew

When it comes to serving this Italian Sausage Stew, there are plenty of delicious options to consider:

• Crusty Bread: Serve your stew with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Fresh Salad: A light garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the stew beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: For an indulgent side, serve buttery garlic bread that adds a wonderful aromatic touch to the meal.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables make a nutritious and colorful addition to your plate.
• Occasions: This stew is ideal for casual family dinners or special occasions like holiday gatherings when you want a warm, filling dish.
• Meal Prep: Consider making a big batch on the weekend; it makes for easy reheating during busy weekdays.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Italian Sausage Stew is a delicious, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. I encourage you to prepare this stew and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite. Enjoy the rich blend of ingredients and the satisfaction of a homemade meal that warms the heart!

Italian Sausage Stew

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Stew, packed with flavorful turkey sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich marinara sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for cozy evenings, it’s a dish that everyone will love!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz. Mushrooms
• 1 Medium Onion
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 T + 1 tsp. Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Dried Basil
• 1 tsp. Greek Oregano
• 1 tsp. Ground Fennel
• 2 tsp. Spike Seasoning
• Ground Pepper to taste
• 2 lbs. Turkey Italian Sausage
• one 14 oz. Petite Diced Tomatoes
• 2 cups Rao's Marinara Sauce
• one 14 oz. Chicken Broth
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Chef's Knife
• Grater
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Chop onions into pieces about 1/2 inch or slightly larger.
2. Heat one tablespoon olive oil in the Instant Pot on SAUTE, MEDIUM HEAT.
3. Add onions and cook until they're starting to soften and brown. Then add dried basil, Greek oregano, ground fennel, Spike Seasoning and black pepper and cook a few minutes longer.
4. Add a little more olive oil to the Instant Pot and cook the Italian Sausage until it's well-browned and most of the liquid has evaporated. Break the sausage apart as it cooks. (Don't rush this step. The browning adds flavor.)
5. While sausage cooks chop mushrooms and red and green bell peppers. We made the peppers just slightly over 1/2 inch square and chopped the mushrooms into thick half-slices.
6. When sausage is nicely browned add mushrooms, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, canned tomatoes, Rao's Pasta Sauce, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
7. Set Instant Pot to MANUAL, HIGH HEAT, 5 minutes.
8. After the cooking time ends, let the stew natural release for 5 minutes.
9. That's it! Serve hot with some freshly-grated Parmesan to sprinkle on at the table if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Tip 2: This stew freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve your stew with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Tip 4: If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• Tip 5: Consider making a big batch on the weekend; it makes for easy reheating during busy weekdays.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.