Crockpot Sausage Stew has quickly become my go-to recipe when I need something hearty, easy, and packed with flavor. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method, this cozy stew is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons. It’s the kind of dish that lets your slow cooker do all the work while you tackle everything else on your to-do list—pure magic, right?

I first came up with this easy shortcut when I wanted all the rich, savory goodness of a traditional stew without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this method saves you time without sacrificing flavor. Your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients like turkey sausage, canned beans, and fresh zucchini into a deeply satisfying meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

Why This Crockpot Sausage Stew Is a Game-Changer

Minimal prep work: With pre-sliced and canned ingredients, you’ll spend just 30 minutes getting everything ready.
Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the crockpot, your job’s done—no babysitting required.
Balanced and hearty: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this stew is as nutrient-dense as it is delicious.
Feeds a crowd: Makes 10 servings, so it’s perfect for family meals or meal prepping for the week.
Customizable: Sub in your favorite veggies, beans, or pasta to switch things up easily.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Sausage Stew

To make this slow cooker sausage stew, you’ll need a trusty slow cooker. I recommend one that’s at least 6 quarts; we’re making a big batch here! A programmable model with a timer is even better, so you can set it to switch to “warm” when the cooking time ends. If you’re shopping around, the budget-friendly Crock-Pot brand or high-tech Instant Pot Duo (on slow cook mode) work great.

Bonus tools: A sharp chef’s knife for slicing your zucchini and sausage, plus a ladle for serving those dreamy, hearty bowls of stew.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Sausage Stew

This recipe is all about convenience without compromise. Here are the MVPs of this dish:

Turkey sausage links: Lean yet flavorful. Slice them into bite-sized rounds for easy eating. Feel free to swap in smoked sausage or chicken sausage if that’s what you have.
Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: These add a mild kick. RoTel is my go-to brand, but any option will work.
Kidney beans and garbanzo beans: Double the protein and fiber, with no pre-soaking required. Just drain and rinse!
Small shell pasta: Close to the end, you’ll stir in cooked pasta for a hearty, filling stew. Got another shape on hand? Elbows or ditalini work just as well.

Crockpot Sausage Stew Recipe Details

Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low and slow)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Crockpot Sausage Stew Ingredients

2 pounds turkey sausage links
29 ounces low sodium beef broth
29 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as RoTel brand)
19 ounces canned red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
15 ounces canned garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
2 medium zucchini (halved and sliced)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound small shell pasta

How to Make Crockpot Sausage Stew

Grab your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the turkey sausage, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, zucchini, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the zucchini is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the small shell pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker just before serving.
Ladle the stew into bowls, top with freshly grated Parmesan (optional), and serve with crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Sausage Stew

Pre-brown the sausage: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot for deeper flavor.
Use low-sodium broth: This lets you control the salt level better, especially since canned beans and tomatoes already have salt.
Double the batch: This stew freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat tips: Warm leftovers on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen if needed.

Easy Crockpot Sausage Stew Variations

Swap the sausage: Use smoked sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage for a different twist.
Spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.
Extra greens: Toss in a few handfuls of spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Crockpot Sausage Stew FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille, smoked, or chicken sausage all work beautifully in this easy sausage stew recipe.

Is it okay to skip cooking the pasta separately?

For best results, cook the pasta separately. Cooking it directly in the stew can make it mushy and soak up too much liquid.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This slow cooker sausage stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Just reheat and serve.

Can I freeze Crockpot Sausage Stew?

Totally. Freeze without the pasta for best texture results. Add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it.

Now that you know the magic of Crockpot Sausage Stew, it’s time to grab your slow cooker and make it happen. What’s your favorite slow cooker shortcut? Let me know in the comments below!