Why You’ll Love This One Pan Sausage Stew
When you’re juggling a hectic schedule but still craving something hearty and homemade, this One Pan Sausage Stew is about to become your new best friend. I love how everything cooks in a single pan—fewer dishes, anyone?
The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet bell peppers creates a meal that feels like it simmered all day, but only takes about 30 minutes of active time. Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Plus, it reheats beautifully, so I often make a double batch. Leftovers for lunch? That’s what I call kitchen efficiency.
What Ingredients are in One Pan Sausage Stew?
The beauty of this hearty sausage stew lies in its simple but flavorful ingredients. I love recipes where everyday pantry staples come together to create something truly satisfying. This stew combines savory meat with vegetables and aromatic seasonings, all building layers of flavor as they simmer together in one pan.
The ingredients work harmoniously – the slight sweetness from the onions and bell peppers balances the savory sausage, while the tomatoes create a rich base that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound kielbasa or Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 onions, cut into 6 wedges
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 red potatoes, cut into 8 wedges
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bell pepper, cut into large pieces
When shopping for this recipe, you have some flexibility with the ingredients. For the sausage, kielbasa offers a smoky flavor while Italian sausage brings more herbs and spices to the mix – choose whichever matches your mood.
The red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, but you could substitute Yukon golds in a pinch. And while the recipe calls for bell pepper, don’t feel limited to just one color – a mix of red, yellow, or orange peppers would add beautiful color variation and slightly different flavor nuances to your stew.
How to Make This One Pan Sausage Stew
Making this stew couldn’t be simpler, which is why it’s become one of my go-to weeknight meals when I need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven until it’s nice and hot. Add 1 pound of sliced kielbasa or Italian sausage along with 2 onions that have been cut into wedges. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This initial searing is where so much flavor develops—those slightly browned edges on both the sausage and onions? Pure gold regarding taste.
Next comes a little technique that makes all the difference: sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sausage and onion mixture, and stir well to coat everything. This will help thicken our stew as it cooks.
Then, pour in those 2 cans of undrained diced tomatoes (the juice is important here!), and add the 4 red potatoes you’ve cut into wedges along with 1/2 teaspoon of aromatic thyme. Bring this bubbling mixture to a boil, which happens pretty quickly, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
Partially cover the pan—I like to leave a small gap for some steam to escape—and let everything simmer for at least 15 minutes, or until those potato wedges are almost tender when pierced with a fork.
For the final touch, add 1 bell pepper cut into large pieces and continue cooking the stew uncovered for 8-12 minutes. This timing is important; we add the peppers later because we want them to maintain some texture and vibrant color rather than cooking down completely.
The uncovered cooking during this final stage also allows some liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and creating that perfect stew consistency—not too thin, not too thick.
Give it a gentle stir occasionally, and don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings before serving. The result? A complete meal in one pan with minimal cleanup, which might be the best ingredient of all.
One Pan Sausage Stew Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how flexible this hearty stew truly is.
I regularly swap kielbasa for spicy Italian sausage when I’m craving extra heat, or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Don’t have red potatoes? Sweet potatoes offer a delicious twist, adding subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage.
For vegetable variations, try adding carrots, zucchini, or even a handful of kale in the final minutes. Sometimes I’ll toss in a can of white beans for extra protein.
And the seasoning? Feel free to experiment with rosemary, paprika, or a splash of red wine instead of the thyme.
What to Serve with One Pan Sausage Stew
When serving up a steaming bowl of sausage stew, you’ll want complementary sides that balance the rich, savory flavors without competing for attention.
I always reach for a crusty loaf of bread—sourdough or French baguette—perfect for sopping up that delicious tomato-based broth.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and cuts through the hearty elements.
Think arugula, crisp romaine, or mixed greens.
For something more substantial, try garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
And honestly, who doesn’t love cornbread alongside a stew?
The slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with those savory sausage bits.
Final Thoughts
This hearty sausage stew has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason.
It’s the perfect one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, something I deeply appreciate on busy weeknights.
I love how versatile this recipe is—swap kielbasa for Italian sausage, try different potatoes, or add extra veggies depending on what’s in your fridge.
The rich tomato base, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage create a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and simple.
Trust me, you’ll find yourself making this again and again, especially when comfort food cravings hit.
It’s just that good.
Hearty Sausage Stew: One Pan Wonder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausage and onion wedges. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the sausage and onion mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes. Add potato wedges and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low.
- Partially cover the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are almost tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add bell pepper pieces and continue cooking uncovered for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
