Rustic Italian Sausage and Beef Comfort Stew
This hearty Rustic Italian Sausage and Beef Comfort Stew is the ultimate dish for cozy autumn and winter evenings. Originating from a cherished family recipe, it brings together tender chunks of stewing beef and golden-brown Italian sausage, simmered to perfection with vibrant vegetables. The blend of onions, green peppers, and potatoes meld together beautifully with rich kidney beans, all infused with fragrant herbs. This flavorful stew not only warms the soul but also tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
8
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
1 lb (cut into bite-size pieces)
Mild Italian sausage
1 lb (sliced into rounds)
Onions
2 (sliced)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Green pepper
1 (cut into strips)
Potatoes
3-4 (peeled and cut into chunks)
Kidney beans
2 (15.5 oz) cans (drained)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Beef broth
1 cup (none)
Basil
to taste (dried or fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by preparing the sausage: slice it into round pieces and set aside. Next, cut the stewing beef into smaller, bite-size pieces.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced sausage until golden and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4
In the same skillet, add the bite-sized stewing beef and minced garlic, sautéing until browned on all sides.
5
Remove the beef and set aside with the sausage. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
6
In a Dutch oven, combine the browned sausage, beef, sautéed onions, potatoes, green pepper strips, and drained kidney beans.
7
Season the mixture generously with salt, pepper, and basil, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
8
Pour the beef broth (or bouillon dissolved in water) evenly over the mixture in the Dutch oven for added flavor.
9
Cover the Dutch oven tightly and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour, allowing the stew to develop rich flavors and tender textures.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting stew warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
28g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Sausage and Beef Comfort Stew?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring stewing beef, mild Italian sausage, potatoes, and kidney beans, inspired by a cherished family recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the primary proteins used in this stew?
The stew uses one pound of stewing beef and one pound of mild Italian sausage.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the stew need to cook in the oven?
The stew needs to cook for 1 hour in a tightly covered Dutch oven.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of mild?
Yes, you can substitute hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
How should I prepare the beef for the stew?
The stewing beef should be cut into bite-size pieces before browning.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling the potatoes and cutting them into chunks.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15.5 oz cans of kidney beans, which should be drained before use.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried or fresh basil.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before baking?
Yes, browning the sausage and beef in a skillet first develops a rich flavor and golden texture.
What type of cookware is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe as it can go from the stove to the oven and retains heat well.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses one minced garlic clove to sauté with the beef.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 28 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 17 grams of protein in each serving.
Can I substitute the green peppers?
Yes, while green peppers are traditional, you can use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of beef broth or bouillon dissolved in water.
Should the onions be sautéed before being added to the Dutch oven?
Yes, sauté the sliced onions until they are soft and translucent before combining them with other ingredients.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve the next day.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While it requires a skillet for browning, it is essentially a one-pot meal once everything is combined in the Dutch oven.
What seasons is this stew best for?
It is specifically described as being perfect for autumn and winter evenings.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can use dried basil in the stew and fresh basil as a garnish before serving.
Do I need to add water to the kidney beans?
No, the kidney beans should be drained before being added to the stew.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not defined, but the recipe is calculated for 8 equal servings.
Can I add more vegetables like carrots?
While not in the original recipe, carrots or celery would be excellent additions to this rustic stew.
How should I store leftover stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Is the beef broth added before or after baking?
The beef broth is poured over the mixture just before the Dutch oven is placed in the oven.
What garnish is recommended?
The recipe suggests garnishing with additional fresh basil for extra flavor.