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Hearty Beef and Bean Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs

This comforting beef and bean stew is a warm embrace in a bowl, featuring savory Italian sausage, tender beans, and a rich tomato sauce. Enhanced with fresh herbs and a hint of smoked paprika, it’s a delicious dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed and crumbled
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Add the dried herbs (oregano, thyme, paprika) and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Add the fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. This adds a fresh component to the stew.
  7. Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and optionally with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty dish!

Nutrition

Keywords: To avoid overcooking, be careful not to simmer the stew too long as the beans may break apart. You can also adjust the amount of beans or vegetables to your liking.