Hearty Tomato and Chicken Sausage Stew with Kale in the Crock Pot

Let’s face it—sometimes we just need a warm, cozy meal that wraps us up like a big, delicious hug. Enter: my latest kitchen adventure, the Hearty Tomato and Chicken Sausage Stew with Kale, a recipe that’s about to become your new best friend when you need something comforting and filling.

This stew is like the ultimate kitchen hack—minimal effort, maximum flavor. It all starts with those trusty cans of peeled plum tomatoes sitting in my pantry, just waiting for their moment to shine. Add in some perfectly browned chicken sausage, a generous amount of fresh veggies (including my latest obsession: kale), and a few hours in the crock pot, and you’ve got a meal that’s healthy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Stew:

• Flavor-Packed: The tomatoes and sausage come together in the most magical way, soaking up all those herbs and spices as they simmer for hours.
• Nutritious: With the addition of fresh kale and extra carrots, this stew is packed with vitamins, fiber, and that leafy green goodness we all need more of.
• Easy to Make: Thanks to the crock pot, you can toss everything in, set it, and forget it. Perfect for those busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.
• Great for Leftovers: This stew only gets better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner that keeps on giving.

Hearty Tomato and Chicken Sausage Stew with Kale (Crock Pot Version)

It's cozy, flavorful, and perfect for using up those canned tomatoes and chicken sausage. You can adjust the spice level to your taste, and it’ll come together in under an hour. A crock pot version will make the flavors even richer and it's super convenient. Here’s the Hearty Tomato and Chicken Sausage Stew recipe tailored for a crock pot:

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 261 kcal

Equipment

• 1 2 qt Crock Pot
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Chef's Knife
• 1 Vegetable Peeler
• 1 Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 can (28 oz) Peeled plum tomatoes crushed by hand or blended
• 3-4 chicken sausages (spicy or mild, depending on your preference), sliced
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 3 carrots peeled and chopped
• 1 zucchini chopped
• 1 Bell Pepper chopped
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• 2 cups fresh kale roughly chopped (stems removed)

Instructions

 

• Pre-Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you're in a rush.
• Prepare the Tomatoes: If you prefer a smoother stew, lightly blend the peeled plum tomatoes. You can also crush them by hand for a chunkier texture.
• Add Everything to the Crock Pot: In the crock pot, combine the cooked sausage, tomatoes, diced onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything well.
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Add the Kale: About 30 minutes before the stew is done cooking, stir in the chopped kale. Let it cook down until it's tender but still vibrant green.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
• Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.

Notes

This hearty, slow-cooked stew will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas, and it’s great for leftovers too.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 15gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1149mgPotassium: 445mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 10281IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Crock Pot, Pantry, Slow Cooker

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