Spicy Cajun Sausage and Red Beans Stew
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this Spicy Cajun Sausage and Red Beans Stew. This hearty dish brings together smoky sausage, zesty red kidney beans, and punchy Rotel tomatoes, all infused with a delightful blend of Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner party, it's equally satisfying served over fluffy rice or enjoyed as a thick, flavorful soup. Pair it with warm cornbread or corn muffins and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a complete meal that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked sausage
1 lb (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
red kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 can (use extra hot, mild, or original to taste)
green bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 small (chopped)
chicken broth or water
1/4 cup (used as liquid base)
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (for flavoring)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (serve on the side or add directly)
Instructions
1
In a large crockpot, combine the sliced smoked sausage, drained red kidney beans, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, and chicken broth or water.
2
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausage to become tender.
4
Once done, taste the stew and add Tabasco sauce to your liking for an extra kick of heat.
5
Serve hot, either over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a hearty meal or as a thick and zesty soup. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and serve alongside cornbread or corn muffins.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
17g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cajun Sausage and Red Beans Stew?
It is a hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring smoky sausage, red kidney beans, and Rotel tomatoes slow-cooked with Italian herbs.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large crockpot or slow cooker to prepare this stew.
How long does the stew need to cook?
The stew should be cooked on low heat for 7 to 8 hours.
What kind of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
Yes, the red kidney beans should be drained before being added to the crockpot.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use one can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies; you can choose mild, original, or extra hot depending on your preference.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The recipe includes one cup of chopped green bell pepper and one small chopped onion.
What is used as the liquid base?
You can use 1/4 cup of either chicken broth or water.
How much Italian seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning for flavoring.
When should I add the Tabasco sauce?
Add the Tabasco sauce to your liking once the stew has finished cooking.
How should I serve the Spicy Cajun Sausage and Red Beans Stew?
It can be served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or enjoyed as a thick, zesty soup.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This stew pairs perfectly with warm cornbread or corn muffins.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
Garnish the stew with freshly chopped green onions for added freshness.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 18g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this stew?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this slow cooker recipe is excellent for meal prep.
Can I make this dish milder?
Yes, you can use mild Rotel tomatoes and omit or reduce the Tabasco sauce.
How do I prepare the sausage?
The smoked sausage should be sliced into 1/2 inch pieces before cooking.
What size onion is needed?
The recipe specifies using one small onion, chopped.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, it is designed to be a spicy Cajun dish, though the heat can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, beef broth or even water can be used as the liquid base.
Do I need to pre-brown the sausage?
The instructions do not require browning; simply slice and add the sausage directly to the crockpot.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to create this stew.
What kind of bell pepper is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using green bell pepper.
How do I ensure the flavors meld properly?
Cooking the ingredients on low for 7-8 hours allows the flavors to fully meld together.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food meal.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
The recipe is written for canned red kidney beans; if using dried, they would need to be soaked and cooked separately first.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe calls for pepper and onion, you can customize it with celery or other traditional Cajun vegetables.