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Why You'll Love This batch cookingfriendly slow cooker sweet potato and sausage stew
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and can be made in just a few simple steps.
- Customizable: You can make this stew with your favorite type of sausage, add in some diced vegetables, or serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- Batch Cooking Friendly: This recipe makes a large batch of stew that can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of sweet potatoes, sausage, and aromatic spices is a match made in heaven, and this stew is sure to become a new favorite.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that can simmer away in the slow cooker while you attend to other tasks.
- Great for Meal Prep: This stew is perfect for meal prep, and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Nutritious: This stew is packed with nutritious ingredients, including sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber and vitamins, and sausage, which is a good source of protein.
- Delicious: This stew is incredibly delicious, and is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are sweet potatoes, sausage, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creamy texture, while the sausage provides a savory, meaty flavor. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor and aroma, while the chicken broth helps to thin out the stew and add moisture. You can also customize this recipe by adding in some diced bell peppers or carrots, or using different types of sausage or broth.
How to Make batch cookingfriendly slow cooker sweet potato and sausage stew
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add in the sausage. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and browned sausage to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or scallions, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose a high-quality sausage that is made with wholesome ingredients and has a good balance of flavor and spice.
Cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender, but still hold their shape. Overcooking can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Add some aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots to the stew for added depth of flavor and nutrition.
Choose a broth that is low in sodium and made with wholesome ingredients. You can also use homemade broth for added flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the perfect blend for your taste preferences.
Let the stew rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the broth.
Serve the stew with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying and filling meal.
Freeze the stew for later use and reheat it when you need a quick and easy meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Fix: Check the sweet potatoes regularly while they are cooking and remove them from the heat when they are tender but still hold their shape.
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Not Browning the Sausage:
Fix: Take the time to brown the sausage properly before adding it to the stew. This will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish.
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Not Using Enough Broth:
Fix: Use enough broth to cover the ingredients and allow for a rich, saucy consistency. You can always add more broth if the stew becomes too thick.
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Not Letting it Rest:
Fix: Let the stew rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the broth.
Variations & Substitutions
Use spicy sausage instead of regular sausage for an added kick of heat.
Replace the sausage with some diced portobello mushrooms or eggplant for a vegetarian version of the stew.
Use gluten-free broth and be sure to check the ingredients of the sausage to ensure that it is gluten-free.
Replace the chicken broth with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegetable broth or coconut milk, for a dairy-free version of the stew.
Use low-sodium broth and be sure to check the ingredients of the sausage to ensure that it is low in sodium.
Cook the stew in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It should be cooled to room temperature before refrigerating, and then reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. It should be cooled to room temperature before freezing, and then reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, it's best to thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool the stew to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
What type of sausage should I use?
You can use any type of sausage you like, but I recommend using a sweet or mild sausage for this recipe. Some good options include Italian sausage, Chorizo, or Knockwurst.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for the slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and cook the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting the sausage with a plant-based alternative, such as tofu or tempeh, and using a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I serve this recipe as a main dish or a side dish?
This recipe can be served as either a main dish or a side dish, depending on your preferences. It's hearty and filling enough to be a main dish, but it's also a great side dish to serve alongside other dishes, such as roasted chicken or grilled steak.
How do I reheat this recipe?
You can reheat this recipe in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. If reheating in the slow cooker, simply cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. If reheating on the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the stew is hot and bubbly.
batch cookingfriendly slow cooker sweet potato and sausage stew
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the sausage. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the onion and garlic. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the sweet potatoes and spices. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Transfer to the slow cooker. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the browned sausage and stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cook on low. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 7: Serve and garnish. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Cool the stew completely, then refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make ahead: Brown the sausage and cook the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Assemble and cook in the slow cooker the next day.
- Substitution: Swap the sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or carrots if preferred.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce to taste.
