This hearty white bean stew is flavored with smokey bacon but chicken sausage and baby spinach keep it healthy.
- Prep Time:
10 mins - Cook Time:
20 mins - Total Time:
30 mins
Bean stew = year round easy dinner
I know bean stew feels more like a fall dish rather than a middle of the summer one but, really, is there ever a bad time to enjoy bacon? I have been on a real bacon kick lately and this recipe got the bacon treatment.
The original recipe called for chorizo and no bacon. So, I swapped out the chorizo for healthier chicken sausage to justify balance the addition of some crispy smokey bacon. I kept the spinach for good measure.
By using pre-cooked sausage and canned beans, this meals comes together in less than 30 minutes. The bacon ensures it is full of flavor.
White Bean Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty white bean stew is flavored with smokey bacon but chicken sausage and baby spinach keep it healthy.
Ingredients
- 3 strips thick cut bacon, diced (I use hickory smoked bacon)
- 9 ounces chicken sausage (the pre-cooked kind), any flavor, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, rinsed (I use one can of cannellini beans and one can of great Northern white beans)
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2–3 ounces baby spinach (about 3–4 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook meats. In a cast iron skillet, cook diced bacon over medium high heat. When bacon is almost cooked through, add sausage and cook until sausage is warmed through and bacon is nicely browned. Transfer sausage and bacon to a plate. Drain off all but 2 teaspoons of bacon grease from pan. If you do not have enough bacon grease or prefer a lighter dish, substitute in olive oil.
- Cook beans. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook until onions begin to soften and get brown, 5-8 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until onions are soft. Add beans and broth and cook, until all the liquid is absorbed, 8-10 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add spinach. Add spinach by handfuls and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Mix. Stir in sausage and bacon mixture.
- Serve. Sprinkle with paprika and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit, February 2013.
Sarah says
I love how easy this recipe is! As someone with limited cookware, this recipe works great when I need a low-effort hearty meal.
Nguyet Vo says
Thrilled to hear that, Sarah. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hang Vo says
It’s 83 degrees here in Los Angeles (feels like 90 degrees) and this dish looked so good I couldn’t wait for cooler weather to make it. -And it is delicious!!
Taming of the Spoon says
That’s awesome. So glad you liked it!
CakePants says
In my opinion, meals this appealing transcend seasons – I wouldn’t say no to this even on the hottest day of summer! Looks great 🙂
Taming of the Spoon says
Thank you. You are so right about this meal being delicious all year round.