Oh, nothing beats that first *real* crisp autumn chill, right? The kind that makes you want to just pull on a cozy sweater and get yourself a truly hearty autumn dinner with sausage to warm up tonight. I remember one year, the leaves were just *vibrant* shades of red and gold, and there was this biting wind starting to blow. I was craving something deeply satisfying, something that felt like a hug in a bowl. That’s when I whipped up this sausage and veggie stew. It’s become my go-to, seriously! It’s so simple, but it’s packed with flavor and just makes everything feel right again. Trust me, this is exactly what you need when the weather starts to turn.

Why This Hearty Autumn Dinner With Sausage Will Warm You Up Tonight

Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver on a chilly night.

It’s super easy to whip up – perfect for when you’re tired and just want comfort food fast!
The flavors? Oh my gosh, they’re so warm and comforting, exactly what you want when autumn rolls around.
It’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that?
You’ll feel so satisfied and cozy after just one bowl.

Gather Your Ingredients for a Hearty Autumn Dinner With Sausage

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing sausage dinner, you’ll need just a few simple things. Grab your favorite Italian sausage – a pound of it, and make sure to take out those casings before you start, it makes it so much easier to crumble.

You’ll also need a splash of olive oil to get things going, one big onion that you’ll chop up nice and fine, and a couple of garlic cloves, minced up super small because that flavor is gold! Don’t forget a red bell pepper and a green one, both chopped up. For the tomatoes, just grab a big 28-ounce can of diced ones, and don’t drain them – all that juice is flavor!

And we need some kidney beans, about a 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained. A little dried oregano and basil will give it that perfect herby kick. Of course, salt and pepper to taste, because we all like things just right! If you’re looking for more sausage inspiration, this Italian sausage potato soup is another winner!

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Hearty Autumn Dinner With Sausage

Okay, let’s get this deliciousness happening! It really is as simple as it sounds. You’ll want a decent-sized pot or a Dutch oven for this. First things first, dump that Italian sausage into the pot. Get it over medium-high heat and just crumble it up as it cooks until it’s all nicely browned. Nobody wants extra grease, so drain off all that excess fat. Easy peasy!

Next, add a little splash of olive oil to the pot – not too much. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up. This usually takes about 5 minutes. While that’s happening, go ahead and get your garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper all minced or chopped. Throw those into the pot with the onions and let them cook for another 5 minutes. Keep stirring now and then so nothing sticks.

Now for the main event! Stir in those diced tomatoes (remember, juice and all!), the rinsed and drained kidney beans, your oregano, and basil. Give it all a good season with salt and pepper. Taste it now and adjust if you need to – this is your chance to get it just how you like it!

Bring the whole glorious mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, turn the heat down low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it all just meld and get cozy. You want to let this simmer for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, longer is even better! The longer it simmers, the more the flavors get to know each other and become friends. If you love a good one-pan meal, you might also enjoy this baked potatoes and onions with smoked sausage, or try out these ultimate kielbasa cowboy beans!

And that’s it! Serve it up piping hot. You’ll see.

Tips for the Perfect Hearty Autumn Dinner With Sausage

Want to make this goodie even better? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years!

Spice it up! If you like a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and peppers. It adds a nice little warmth that’s perfect for autumn. You could also swap out regular Italian sausage for a spicy version if you’re feeling adventurous!

Veggies, veggies! Feel free to add other veggies you have hanging around your fridge. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even some chopped kale stirred in during the last 10 minutes of simmering would be delicious. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Make it creamier? For an extra rich finish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream right at the end, just before serving. It makes it super decadent! If you serve it with mashed potatoes, make sure they taste amazing, like these creamy mashed potatoes!

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Autumn Dinner With Sausage

This sausage dinner is fantastic on its own, but oh my goodness, it’s even better with the right companions! For dipping, you absolutely *have* to serve it with some crusty bread. It’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. You could also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or even some fluffy rice.

And if you want to make a simple marinara sauce to go with it, that’s another great option! Check out this recipe for quick homemade marinara – it’s a game-changer and adds another layer of amazing flavor!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store this hearty sausage dinner in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your friend for a quick warm-up, or you can gently simmer it on the stovetop over low heat. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is fantastic here, feel free to experiment. Spicy Italian sausage will give you a nice kick, and a good quality chorizo can add a whole new smoky dimension. If you’re not a fan of pork, chicken or turkey Italian sausage works great too. And always remember to drain off that excess fat!

What if I don’t have bell peppers?

No worries! If you’re out of bell peppers or just not a fan, there are plenty of other veggies that will work. Zucchini or yellow squash chopped up would be lovely additions. Mushrooms would also be delicious, maybe a cup or so sliced. You can even add some chopped celery for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re chopped into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Can this be made vegetarian?

You bet! To make this a hearty vegetarian meal, just skip the sausage and sauté your onions and garlic in a bit more olive oil. You might want to add in some extra beans, like cannellini or chickpeas, for more protein. A handful of chopped mushrooms would also add a nice “meaty” texture. Some people even love adding plant-based sausage crumbles!

How can I make it spicier?

If you like things with a bit more heat, it’s super easy to spice this up! Besides using spicy Italian sausage, you can add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and peppers. A chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end would also do the trick nicely. You can also explore recipes like this spicy chicken and spinach dish for inspiration!

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can! This hearty sausage dinner freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should keep its best quality in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. For another easy one-pan option, try this one-pan chicken with spinach and mushrooms – it’s a lifesaver!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but based on the ingredients in this fabulous hearty autumn dinner with sausage, here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting per serving. Remember, this can change a bit depending on the exact sausage you use and how much goodness you pack into each bowl!

Each serving is about 1.5 cups and comes in around 450 calories. You’re looking at about 25g of fat (9g of that’s saturated), 25g of protein, and 35g of carbs, with a good 10g of fiber! And there’s around 900mg of sodium. It’s a pretty satisfying meal!

Hearty Autumn Dinner With Sausage

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and satisfying dinner perfect for a cool autumn evening.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Remove sausage from casings and crumble into a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
Add olive oil to the pot. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until flavors have melded.
Serve hot.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: sausage, autumn, dinner, hearty, one-pot, comfort food, quick meal