Easy Crock Pot Italian Late Summer Stew

If you're looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Hearty Italian Sausage & Veggie Stew will hit the spot. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, a medley of fresh vegetables, and savory spices, this stew is perfect for any season.

It's easy to throw together in your slow cooker, making it ideal for busy days when you want something satisfying but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Yield(s): Serves 8-10

15m prep time

4h cook time

Photo byGreat Life Publishing

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs spicy Italian sausage (ground)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2-3 small zucchini, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried basil and oregano blend
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¾ cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese (for serving)

Preparation:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Continue sautéing until it's mostly browned, leaving a bit of fat for flavor. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables, beans, tomatoes, seasonings, and broth. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
4. Serve the stew hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of pecorino romano and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Substitutions:

• Swap out the sausage for a plant-based version for a vegetarian twist.
• You can use kidney beans or chickpeas instead of great northern beans.
• If you don't have zucchini on hand, yellow squash or eggplant makes a great replacement.
• Try fresh garlic and herbs instead of powdered garlic and dried seasonings for a fresher flavor.

Storage Directions:

Let the stew cool completely before storing it. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more broth if needed to maintain the perfect consistency.

https://12tomatoes.com/slow-cooker-italian-summer-soup/