This hearty Butternut Squash Stew with Sausage is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with fiber-rich farro, nutrient-dense kale, and protein-rich Italian sausage, it delivers warmth, flavor, and nourishment in every bite.
With wholesome ingredients and good fats from olive oil, this stew is satisfying, easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prep or cozy family dinners.
Butternut Squash Sausage Stew
Equipment
- 1 × 7–8 quart Dutch oven
- 1 × cutting board
- 1 × Chef’s knife
- 1 × slotted spoon
- 1 × measuring cups and spoons
- 1 × stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb 454 g Italian sausage, mild or spicy
- 1 tbsp 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion about 2 cups / 230 g, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots about 1 1/2 cups / 185 g, peeled and diced
- 2 large celery stalks about 1 1/2 cups / 125 g, trimmed and diced
- 3 cloves garlic about 1 1/2 tbsp / 25 g, peeled and minced
- 1 cup 155 g farro
- 1 medium butternut squash about 6 cups / 1 kg, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 ½ quarts 2 1/3 L chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 ½ tsp 9 g kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 8 cups 150 g kale, chopped and stems removed
- 2 tbsp 30 ml balsamic vinegar
To Garnish:
- Shredded parmesan or pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage for Cooking: Begin by carefully scoring the Italian sausage into roughly 1-inch portions using a sharp knife or spatula. This process ensures you form evenly sized meatballs that cook consistently. Using clean hands, roll each portion of sausage into a tight ball about the size of a golf ball. Continue until all sausage portions are shaped into uniform meatballs. This step is essential for even cooking and ensures the stew has flavorful bites of sausage in every spoonful.
- Brown the Sausage Meatballs: Place a 7–8 quart Dutch oven on your stovetop and heat it over medium-high. Add the extra virgin olive oil and let it shimmer without smoking. Carefully add the sausage meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding the pot. Allow them to sear undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes to develop a deep golden crust, then gently turn each meatball to brown all sides. Continue until the sausage is fully browned and slightly crisped. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs to a platter and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: Without cleaning the Dutch oven, lower the heat to medium and add diced onion, carrots, and celery directly into the pot along with the sausage drippings. Stir often for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic during the last minute or two of sautéing to infuse its fragrance without burning. This step builds a rich, flavorful base for the stew.
- Toast the Farro: Add the farro to the pot of softened vegetables and stir to coat it evenly in the mixture and oil. Let the farro toast for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it gives off a subtle nutty aroma. Toasting the farro enhances its flavor and helps it absorb liquid more evenly during cooking.
- Add Butternut Squash and Meatballs: Gently fold in the cubed butternut squash so the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the vegetables and farro. Return the browned sausage meatballs to the pot, placing them evenly among the squash and grains. This layering allows flavors to meld during simmering while keeping each component intact and flavorful.
- Pour in Stock and Add Seasonings: Carefully pour the chicken stock into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Add rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper, then gently stir to distribute seasonings without breaking the meatballs. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a gentle boil to begin the simmering process.
- Simmer the Stew: Once the liquid boils, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This allows the butternut squash to soften, farro to become tender, and sausage to infuse the stew with rich flavor.
- Add Kale and Balsamic Vinegar: After about 20 minutes of simmering, uncover the pot and stir in the chopped kale. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the stew and gently mix to incorporate without breaking the ingredients. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt without losing its vibrant color and texture.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Remove the lid and taste the stew, adjusting seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper to achieve a well-balanced flavor. The stew should have a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes with tender squash, hearty farro, and perfectly seasoned sausage.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving contains a mix of squash, farro, kale, and sausage. Garnish with freshly shredded parmesan or pecorino cheese for a creamy, savory finish. Serve hot with crusty bread for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- This stew is best made with fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Cutting butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking.
- Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, herbal depth, but dried rosemary works well as a convenient alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- Farro can be swapped with bulgur, spelt berries, or wheat berries for texture variation.
- The stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Chef’s Secrets For Rich Flavor
The secret to a deeply flavorful stew lies in layering flavors.
Start by browning the sausage meatballs until they have a crisp, caramelized surface — this adds a rich umami base.
Don’t rush the vegetable sauté; letting the onions, carrots, and celery soften gradually builds complexity.
Toasting the farro before simmering gives the stew a nutty depth.
Adding balsamic vinegar late in the cooking process brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the sausage and sweetness of the squash.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking kale — add it in the last 10 minutes so it remains vibrant and slightly tender.
Serving Suggestions For Delicious Pairing
This stew works beautifully as a standalone hearty meal, but you can elevate it with simple pairings.
Serve with crusty artisan bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the rich broth.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
For a fuller dinner, pair it with roasted root vegetables or a side of creamy polenta.
For added indulgence, top with a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of aged parmesan.
This stew is also a perfect candidate for a family-style serving, letting guests dish up their portions at the table.
Storage Tips For Freshness
Store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing to preserve flavor and texture.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute heat evenly.
Microwaving works well for single portions — reheat for 1–2 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
To reheat frozen stew, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop until piping hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors deepen. Prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving for a rich, comforting meal with minimal effort.
2. What can I substitute for farro?
Farro can be replaced with bulgur, spelt berries, wheat berries, or even barley for similar texture and fiber content. For a gluten-free option, substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or steel-cut oats.
3. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash is a convenient option. Add it directly to the stew without thawing, but reduce the initial simmer time slightly to avoid overcooking.
4. How can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?
Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or seasoned lentils. Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and ensure garnishes like cheese are vegan-friendly if needed.
5. How spicy is this stew, and can I adjust it?
The spice level depends on your choice of sausage. Mild sausage will yield a gentle flavor, while spicy sausage adds warmth. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or reduce spice for a milder dish.
