Description
A hearty slow cooker stew made with Italian sausage, butternut squash, and beans, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 large butternut squash (peeled and diced, approximately 4 cups)
- 3 medium carrots (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white cannellini beans or great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or farro
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup chopped spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced butternut squash, chopped carrots, celery, white beans, and shredded chicken breast.
- Pour in the broth and add the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cooked quinoa or farro, chopped spinach, and balsamic vinegar.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve each bowl topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg