Braised Italian Sausage Stew

Prepare to indulge in the comforting flavors of this Braised Italian Sausage Stew—a hearty, soul-warming recipe that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping. This one-pot wonder starts with flavorful Italian sausage, seared to perfection, then simmered alongside a medley of vibrant vegetables like zucchini, red bell peppers, carrots, and celery. The rich base of crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and optional red wine is elevated with aromatic herbs including oregano, basil, and bay leaves for a depth of flavor that will have your kitchen smelling irresistible. Ready in just 80 minutes, this easy-to-make stew is both filling and versatile—serve it with crusty bread, over a bed of pasta, or enjoy it on its own as a savory centerpiece. Bursting with rustic Italian charm, this stew is as wholesome as it is delicious, making it a family favorite you’ll turn to again and again. Perfect for searches like "easy Italian sausage stew," "hearty winter meals," or "one-pot dinner recipes."

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, links)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion (diced)
• 3 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 stalks Celery (sliced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 large Red bell pepper (diced)
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 3 cups Chicken stock
• 0.5 cups Red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 medium Zucchini (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the Italian sausages to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove the sausages and set them aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Slice the browned sausages into 1-inch pieces and return them to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 8

After 30 minutes, stir in the chopped zucchini and continue to cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and the zucchini to become tender.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Garnish the stew with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or over your favorite pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3624.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2409.3

Total Fat 151.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 363.9mg	0%
Sodium 7429.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.4g	0%
Total Sugars 70.7g
Protein 133.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 592.3mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 5663.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.3%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 21.5%