🍲 Ultimate Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage & Bean Stew – Crowd‑Pleaser [5-Star Recipe]

Ingredients

• • 1 ⅞ lbs (680g) smoked sausage links, sliced
• • 1 ⅞ cup (200g) dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
• • 1 ⅞ large onion, diced
• • 3 ⅞ cloves garlic, minced
• • 1 ⅞ can (15oz/425g) fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed
• • 4 ⅞ cups (950ml) chicken broth
• • 1 ⅞ tsp smoked paprika
• • 1 ⅞ tsp dried thyme
• • 1 ⅞ tsp dried oregano
• • 1 ⅞ bay leaf
• • ⅞ tsp cumin
• • ⅞ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Dice onion and mince garlic. If using dried beans, soak them in cold water overnight. Slice the sausage into coin-shaped pieces.

2. 2

   Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, including sausage links (no pre-cooking needed), soaked beans, tomatoes, broth, spices, and herbs. Stir gently to combine.

3. 3

   Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. For faster cooking, stir halfway through high setting.

4. 4

   Taste and adjust seasoning. If the stew is too thick, add more broth. Serve hot with fresh parmesan, chopped herbs, or a squeeze of lime.