One-Pot Smoked Sausage & Lentil Stew for Busy Nights

Let’s be real: some nights, the thought of a big cooking mess is the last thing you want to deal with. But you still want to put something hearty, healthy, and downright delicious on the table. What if I told you the answer is simmering away in just one pot? This One-Pot Smoked Sausage & Lentil Stew is my go-to lifesaver, packed with flavor and ready with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even on your most chaotic weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This

Besides the obvious win of only washing one pot? This stew is the complete package. It’s cozy, deeply satisfying, and packed with protein and fiber to keep everyone full and happy. The smoked sausage brings a ton of flavor without a ton of work, and the lentils cook up right in the same pot, soaking up all that goodness. It’s a budget-friendly, healthy dinner idea that truly feels like a hug in a bowl. So good.

Equipements Needed

You don’t need anything fancy here, I promise. Just one good-sized, heavy-bottomed pot is your key to success. A Dutch oven is perfect, but any large, deep skillet or stockpot with a lid will work beautifully.

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot (with a lid!)

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.
• 1 (12-14 oz) package smoked turkey sausage, sliced – brings the smoky, savory flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – the flavor foundation.
• 2 carrots, diced – for a touch of sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – adds a nice earthy note.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – because everything’s better with garlic.
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed – the hearty, healthy star.
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth – the cooking liquid that becomes the broth.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained – for a bit of tang and depth.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – enhances that smoky vibe.
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme – a classic herb for stew.
• 1 bay leaf – for subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – essential for seasoning.
• 3 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale – stirred in at the end for a green boost.

Step By Step

1. Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
2. You should have some lovely drippings in the pot. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes, until the veggies have softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute, until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
4. Now, pour in the rinsed lentils, broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, smoked paprika, thyme, and the bay leaf. Give it all a good stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s pure flavor!
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy.
6. Stir the browned sausage back into the pot. Then, add your chopped greens and stir until they’re just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pull out the bay leaf, season with salt and plenty of black pepper, and you’re done!

Flavor Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic template. Out of an ingredient? No worries. For a different veggie, try diced sweet potato instead of carrots. If you’re not a fan of greens, leave ’em out. You can use any type of smoked sausage you like; chicken and turkey work great. And honestly, if you want to turn this into a pasta dinner, stir in a cup of cooked small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni at the very end. It’s so, so good.

Cooking Instructions for One-Pot Method

This entire recipe is designed for the one-pot method! The instructions above are your complete guide. The magic happens all in that single vessel, from browning the sausage to simmering the lentils until they’re perfect and tender. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This stew is a complete meal all on its own, but I love serving it with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is also a wonderful way to cut through the richness. It’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Storage & Reheating

This stew is maybe even better the next day. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies in a skillet first for the best flavor. Then, transfer everything (except the greens) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the greens 15 minutes before serving.
• Are lentils healthy? They sure are! Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, making this a fantastic healthy dinner recipe that’s also incredibly affordable.
• My stew is too thick. What should I do? No problem at all. Just stir in a little more broth or even some water until it reaches your preferred consistency. It’s an easy fix for one of the best dinner dishes around.