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Why You'll Love This slow cooker sweet potato and sausage stew for comfort food cravings
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it can be prepared in just a few minutes and then left to cook in the slow cooker.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of sweet potatoes, sausage, and broth is a match made in heaven, and is sure to become a new favorite comfort food.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers.
- Nutritious: This stew is packed with nutrients, including vitamin A from the sweet potatoes, protein from the sausage, and fiber from the vegetables.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, which can be refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep or planning ahead.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is designed to be made in a slow cooker, which means you can simply add all the ingredients and let the cooker do the work for you.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe is very budget-friendly, as it uses affordable ingredients and makes a large batch, which can be stretched to feed a crowd.
- Great for Crowds: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it's a family gathering, potluck, or game day party.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are sweet potatoes, sausage, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture, while the sausage adds a savory flavor and spicy kick. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor and aroma, while the chicken broth and diced tomatoes provide a rich and tangy broth. You can use any type of sausage you like, such as andouille or kielbasa, and you can also add other ingredients to customize the recipe to your tastes.
How to Make slow cooker sweet potato and sausage stew for comfort food cravings
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sausage. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Add the sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose a sausage that is made with high-quality 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 aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery to the stew for added depth of flavor.
Choose a broth that is low in sodium and has a rich, flavorful taste. You can also use homemade broth for added depth of flavor.
Add different spices and herbs to the stew to give it a unique flavor. Some options include paprika, cumin, and thyme.
Serve the stew with crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not Browning the Sausage:
Fix: Make sure to brown the sausage before adding it to the stew, as this will add flavor and texture.
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Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Fix: Cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender, but still hold their shape. Overcooking can make them mushy and unappetizing.
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Not Using Enough Broth:
Fix: Make sure to use enough broth to cover the ingredients and allow for a rich and flavorful stew.
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Not Seasoning the Stew:
Fix: Make sure to season the stew with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices to bring out the flavors.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the sausage with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, and add more broth for a hearty and flavorful stew.
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.
Use different types of sweet potatoes, such as yellow or purple, for a unique flavor and texture.
Use different types of broth, such as beef or vegetable, for a unique flavor profile.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent foodborne illness.
The stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
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 use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use different types of sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, to give the stew a unique flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasoning accordingly.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the stew, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to give it more flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the amount of broth accordingly.
How do I reheat the stew?
You can reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating in the microwave, heat it in 30-second increments, stirring between each heating, until warmed through.
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
How do I know if the stew is done?
The stew is done when the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the sweet potatoes. If it slides in easily, the stew is done.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Sausage Stew for Comfort Food Cravings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage. Cook the sliced sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Soften the Onions. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the Sweet Potatoes and Chicken Broth. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Transfer to the Slow Cooker. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes and olive oil.
- Step 6: Cook on Low. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- You can also use ground sausage instead of sliced sausage, just cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- If using ground sausage, you may need to adjust the cooking time in the slow cooker.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To make this recipe in a Dutch oven, brown the sausage and cook the onions and garlic, then add the sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and spices, and simmer, covered, until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
