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Hearty Crockpot Kielbasa and White Bean Stew

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A warm, filling, and forgiving slow cooker stew featuring smoky kielbasa and creamy white beans, perfect for cozy winter evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 cups dried navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Soak 2 cups of dried white beans in cold water overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute.
  4. Slice kielbasa into ½-inch rounds; no need to cook beforehand.
  5. Add soaked beans, sautéed veggies, kielbasa, chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender and stew is thick.
  7. If using canned beans, add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid mushiness.
  8. Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add a splash of apple cider vinegar or red pepper flakes.
  9. Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight is important for even cooking and texture. Sautéing veggies before slow cooking enhances flavor. Use smoked kielbasa for authentic smoky taste. If stew is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Can be made in Dutch oven on stovetop for about 2 hours if no slow cooker is available. Leftovers store well in fridge for 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa stew, white bean stew, crockpot recipe, slow cooker stew, winter comfort food, easy stew recipe, smoky kielbasa, hearty stew

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/hearty-crockpot-kielbasa-and-white-bean-stew-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/