Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the depth of flavor, consider browning the sausage coins in a skillet for two minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This step adds a caramelized exterior that deepens the overall richness of the sauce.

While optional, this simple technique provides a more complex flavor profile, especially for those who appreciate a more robust, savory stew for dinner.

If the stew appears too thin at the end of the cooking time, remove a small amount of the squash and mash it with a fork before stirring it back into the pot.

The natural starch from the squash acts as a clean, effective thickener for the tomato sauce. This method avoids the need for flour or cornstarch and keeps the dish naturally aligned with the original ingredient list.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Variation: Replace the standard Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the seasoning step to increase the heat level and complement the sweetness of the butternut squash.
• Savory Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme during the assembly phase. The addition of these woody, aromatic herbs adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the squash.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.

Allow the stew to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, the stew will maintain its quality for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the stew is heated until steaming throughout to maintain food safety standards and preserve the texture of the squash.

This stew is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container.

When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until hot. This makes it an ideal option for meal planning or serving guests without last-minute stress.

Serving ideas

Serve the stew hot in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the sausage and squash. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a perfect textural contrast to the tender, saucy stew.

The bread is particularly useful for soaking up the flavorful tomato-herb sauce, ensuring that none of the delicious base goes to waste.

For an extra touch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if a bit of heat is desired. These additions enhance the presentation and add a fresh, bright note to the savory dish. Keep the serving temperature consistent by warming the bowls slightly before ladling in the stew, which helps keep the meal hot for longer.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced into coins
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Arrange the Italian sausage coins in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Scatter the cubed butternut squash over the sausage. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly across the top, then pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the ingredients to combine flavors.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the squash is tender and the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.