🥣 Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Stew: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

As the days get cooler and our schedules get busier, nothing beats coming home to a warm, hearty meal that’s been simmering away all day. That’s where this Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Stew comes in — a cozy, protein-packed dish that brings together rustic ingredients and bold flavor with minimal effort.

Loaded with savory sausage, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables, this stew is a delicious reminder that healthy comfort food isn’t just possible — it’s easy.

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🍴 Why You'll Love This Stew

• ✅ Hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker

• ✅ Hearty and filling, packed with fiber and protein

• ✅ Budget-friendly and made from pantry staples

• ✅ Perfect for meal prep and freezer storage

• ✅ Naturally gluten-free and easily made dairy-free

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or stocking the fridge with leftovers for the week, this stew is a go-to you'll come back to again and again.

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker meal:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled

• 1 ½ cups dry lentils (brown or green work best), rinsed

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 bay leaf, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Chop all your veggies and slice the sausage (or brown it first for extra flavor — optional).

2. Load the Slow Cooker

Add everything to the slow cooker: lentils, sausage, veggies, garlic, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.

3. Cook

• Low: 7–8 hours

• High: 4–5 hours
  Cook until lentils are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

4. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, check for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

5. Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

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🧊 Storage & Leftovers

This stew stores wonderfully:

• Fridge: Up to 5 days in an airtight container

• Freezer: Up to 3 months — cool completely before freezing in portions

• Reheat: On the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water

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🍞 Serving Ideas

• Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls

• Top with parmesan cheese or a swirl of olive oil for extra richness

• Add a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes for added greens

• Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal

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💡 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Sausage options: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or go with turkey sausage for a lighter option.

• Vegetarian? Skip the sausage and use extra veggies (zucchini, mushrooms, or potatoes work great). Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for depth.

• Make it thicker: Mash some of the lentils with the back of a spoon before serving.

• More heat? Add chili flakes or use a hot sausage.

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🥄 Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Sausage and Lentil Stew is proof that a few humble ingredients can create something incredibly nourishing and satisfying. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers every time — rich in flavor, nutrition, and heartwarming goodness.

Whether you're making it for a family dinner, packing it for lunches, or freezing it for future you, this stew is a must-have in your cozy recipe collection.