Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stew turns simple, rustic ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal. The caramelized sausage brings richness and depth, while the mix of root vegetables and butternut squash gives the stew a natural sweetness. It’s one of those one-pot recipes that feels like it cooked all day but is ready in just over an hour. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or slow weekends with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil

• 1 (12 oz) package of beef smoked sausage, sliced into circles

• 1 onion, diced

• Pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

• 2 medium-large carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 medium-large parsnips, peeled and diced

• 2 ribs celery, diced

• 6 baby yellow potatoes, cubed (skin on)

• 1/2 pound (8 oz) diced butternut squash

• 6 cups chicken or beef stock

• 1 cup chopped kale

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions

1. I begin by prepping all my ingredients so everything is ready to go once I start cooking.

2. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, I drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, I add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer and let it caramelize for a few minutes. Once the first side is golden, I stir and let it continue to brown for another 2 minutes.

3. I add in the diced onion and sauté it with the sausage for about 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden. Then I stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, a pinch of salt, and the garlic.

4. Next, I add the carrots, parsnips, celery, potatoes, and butternut squash to the pot. I stir everything together to coat the vegetables in the sausage mixture.

5. I pour in the stock and bring the stew to a gentle boil. Then I reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have deepened.

6. Once done, I turn off the heat, taste for seasoning, and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Then I stir in the chopped kale and parsley, letting the kale wilt for a few minutes before serving.

7. I ladle the stew into bowls and serve it with a thick slice of good crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes total. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner and makes fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.

Variations

Here’s how I like to switch things up:

• Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

• Swap butternut squash with sweet potato for a slightly different flavor.

• Add a splash of apple cider or a dash of Dijon mustard for a little extra depth.

• Stir in cooked white beans for added protein and texture.

• Use vegetable stock and plant-based sausage to make it vegetarian.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This stew also freezes well—I just leave out the kale and add it fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, I can. I brown the sausage and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. I cook it on low for 6–7 hours or high for about 3–4 hours, adding the kale and parsley at the end.

What kind of sausage works best?

I use beef smoked sausage for rich flavor, but chicken, turkey, or even andouille sausage work well too depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Nope! I keep the skin on baby yellow potatoes for extra texture and nutrients, but I give them a good scrub first.

Can I make this stew spicy?

Absolutely. I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage like andouille if I want a little heat.

What’s the best way to serve this stew?

I like it with thick, crusty bread or even over a scoop of mashed potatoes or rice. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but a starchy side soaks up that flavorful broth beautifully.

Conclusion

Harvest Stew with Smoked Sausage is one of those meals I come back to again and again during the colder months. It’s hearty, comforting, and filled with layers of flavor from caramelized sausage, tender vegetables, and savory broth. Whether I’m cooking for family or stocking up on leftovers, this one-pot wonder always delivers.