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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Vegetarian

Vegetarian Sausage and Lentil Stew

Oct 15, 2024 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 27 Comments

106 shares
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Diet: Low Fat / Vegetarian
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A hearty and warming Sausage and Lentil Stew that is easy to adapt, veggie packed and makes use of store cupboard essentials. You can use meat or veggie/vegan sausages in this protein packed meal and it freezes really well. Sausage stew with lentils is a delicious budget friendly meal.

A plate of sausage and lentil stew on a wooden board next to a pot of more stew.

Although the sausages are the star of this stew, it's the lentils that really bulk it out. Lentils are so good for that - when money is tight or when you just want pack a meal out with some veggie protein, grab a handful of lentils.

This comforting meal is super easy to adapt with whatever veggies you have on hand or what your family like. You can change up the sauce flavour, and change what you serve it with so it's different every time. Lentil and sausage stew is a real family comfort food favourite.

If you are looking for some other hearty stews to try, then why not try our comforting Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole, spicy Chipotle Black Bean Stew or warming Moroccan Chickpea Stew.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to make Sausage and Lentil Stew - Step by step
  • Sausage and Lentil Stew Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Lentil Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Oil - Some olive oil to cook the vegetables in.
  • Onion - Just a small brown onion. You could swap it for a couple of shallots which would give it a sweeter flavour.
  • Carrot - Make sure that the carrot is very finely diced, so that it cooks at the same rate as all the other vegetables. You can add some celery too.
  • Bell pepper - Any colour will work in this recipe. We like the sweeter peppers though.
  • Green beans - These add some extra crunch and colour.
  • Lentils - We used red lentils in this sausage and lentil casserole recipe, as that is what we had and they are quick cooking. However, you can use red, brown or green lentils. With these instructions, you can use red or brown lentils, as they take the same amount of time to cook. If you were to use green (puy) lentils, you would need to add an extra 10 minutes cooking time and you may need to add some extra stock.
  • Herbs/spices - Some oregano, basil and paprika add lots of flavour. Thyme works too.
  • Tomatoes - Try to use the best quality tinned tomatoes you can, as you will be able to taste the difference. Cheaper tomatoes tend to be watery.
  • Tomato puree - This boosts the tomato flavour and also thickens the sauce.
  • Mustard - We love a little wholegrain mustard for flavour. Dijon works too and adds a creaminess.
  • Stock - To keep this vegetarian, use vegetable stock. You could use chicken stock (chicken broth) instead.
  • Sausages - We used vegetarian sausages, but we have give tips for variations below.

Variations

The great thing about this sausage lentil stew is that you can use any sausages you like. Love pork and apple sausages? Love lean chicken sausages? You can use those! Want to make this vegetarian or vegan? Use your favourite meat free sausage.

We used vegetarian sausages in this (actually a mixture of 2 different brands as this was a bit of a freezer and cupboard raid dinner), as it makes a great vegetarian protein packed meal. But, you can use pork sausage, Italian sausage or any sausage you like. Just cook them according to their package instructions and they get added in at the end.

This sausage lentil casserole is such a great meal to bulk out with vegetables. Stews are always really forgiving in the sense that you can swap out ingredients for whatever you have - it's a great fridge raid meal.

We used onion, carrot, green beans and bell pepper. However, you could use mushrooms, aubergine sweet potato, broccoli and cauliflower. You could even stir in some spinach and/or kale at the end for a bit of a leafy green vegetable boost.

How to make Sausage and Lentil Stew - Step by step

A large red pot with chopped vegetables cooking in it.
  1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pan and add the vegetables. Gently cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Chopped vegetables and red lentils cooking in a large pot.
  1. Step 2: Add the lentils.
Chopped vegetables and red lentils cooking in some stock and tomatoes.
  1. Step 3: Add the stock, tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, mustard, garlic, herbs, spices and seasoning. Stir well and gently simmer for 20 minutes, until the lentils are cooked.
Sausages cooking in a frying pan.
  1. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the sausages according to package instructions.
Sausages, lentils and vegetables cooking in a large red pot.
  1. Step 5: Add the cooked sausages. Mix well and serve.

Sausage and Lentil Stew Serving Suggestions

When it comes to a comforting sausage lentil stew like this, it has to be served with mashed potatoes. We have got a few recipes to keep you going! Why not try our Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

If you want potatoes, but not mashed, then we have some other recipes for you:

  • Roasted New Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Potato Wedges
  • Easy Hasselback Potatoes
  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes
  • Cheesy Potato Bake

Sausage casserole with lentils is quite a heavy dish, so why not lighten it up with some vegetables on the side. These go perfectly with this stew: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Buttered Leeks, Garlic Spring Greens or Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli.

A large pot of sausage and lentil stew with a wooden spoon stirring it.

Storage

Store: Allow the sausage and lentil stew to fully cool and then you can keep this in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freeze: This stew freezes really well, which makes it great for batch cooking. Simply wait for it to cool and then portion it out into freezable containers and then it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Defrost: Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Reheat: Allow it to fully defrost and then you can reheat it in the microwave or a frying pan until heated through.

Extra Tips

  • Add a different flavour by stirring some homemade Healthy BBQ Sauce into the stew.
  • If you don't have dried lentils, you can use a can of lentils instead.
  • Add a kick of heat to this by either adding some cayenne at the same time as the herbs, or a sprinkle or red chilli flakes just before serving.
  • This recipe freezes well and is great for batch cooking. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • The thickness of a stew is a personal preference. This is fairly thick, however if you want it a bit more soupy, then add some extra stock.
  • You could add a few shavings of Parmesan on top before serving.
  • You can use red or brown lentils in this recipe, as they take the same amount of time to cook. If you were to use green (puy lentils) lentils, you would need to add an extra 10 minutes cooking time and you may need to add some extra stock.
Sausage stew and mashed potato on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lentil stew gluten free?

As long as you use gluten free sausages and make sure there is no cross contamination, then this can be a gluten free recipe.

Can I use cooked lentils?

Yes, you can use a can of cooked lentils, but you will only need to add them towards the end to heat through. If you add them any earlier then they will become mushy.

Can you cook sausage and lentil stew in the slow cooker?

Yes, this can all be done in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7.

More Lentil Recipes

  • Easy Lentil Salad in a large round bowl.
    Easy Lentil Salad
  • Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup
  • Pasta and lentil bolognese on a blue plate with cheese.
    Lentil Bolognese
  • A plate of easy lentil curry and rice next to a blue striped towel.
    Easy Lentil Curry

If you’ve tried this Sausage and Lentil Stew recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A plate of sausage ant lentil stew and mashed potato.

Vegetarian Sausage and Lentil Stew

By: Dannii Martin
A hearty and warming Sausage and Lentil Stew that is easy to adapt, veggie packed and makes use of store cupboard essentials.
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
4.92 from 34 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Total: 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 274kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a mustard bottle.
Mustard

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 Onion - small; diced
  • 2 Carrot - small; peeled and diced
  • 1 Red bell pepper - diced
  • 100 g (0.75 cups) Green beans - diced
  • 80 g (0.5 cups) Dried red lentils
  • 2 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 400 g (1.75 cups) Peeled plum tomatoes - canned
  • 1 tablespoon Wholegrain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato puree
  • 500 ml (2 cups) Vegetable stock
  • 8 Vegetarian sausages

Instructions

  • Cook 8 Vegetarian sausages according to the packet instructions.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a large pan and add 1 Onion, 2 Carrot, 1 Red bell pepper and 100 g Green beans. Gently cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add 80 g Dried red lentils and mix in.
  • Add 500 ml Vegetable stock, 400 g Peeled plum tomatoes,1 tablespoon Tomato puree, 1 tablespoon Wholegrain mustard, 2 Garlic clove, 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon Dried basil, 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika and 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper.
  • Stir well and gently simmer for 20 minutes, until the lentils are cooked.
  • Add the cooked sausages. Mix well and serve.

Recipe Tips

  • You can use any sausages in this recipe, just cook them according to the packet instructions.
  • If you don't have dried lentils, you can use a can of lentils instead.
  • Add a kick of heat to this by either adding some cayenne at the same time as the herbs, or a sprinkle or red chilli flakes just before serving.
  • This recipe freezes well and is great for batch cooking. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • The thickness of a stew is a personal preference. This is fairly thick, however if you want it a bit more soupy, then add some extra stock.
  • You could add a few shavings of Parmesan on top before serving.
  • You can use red or brown lentils in this recipe, as they take the same amount of time to cook. If you were to use green (puy) lentils, you would need to add an extra 10 minutes cooking time and you may need to add some extra stock.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1445mg | Potassium: 699mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 7442IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 7mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Suzy says

    April 10, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    5 stars
    We are full of lentils in the house and are always looking for new ways to use them! This is perfect! Love this kind of comfort food!

    Reply
  2. Shannon says

    April 10, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    5 stars
    This was super tasty! My husband doesn't usually like lentils but he loved this. Will make again.

    Reply
  3. Aimee Mars says

    April 10, 2020 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    You really can't go wrong with lentil stew because it's so good. I love your sausage version though because my husband will be happy with that addition and I'm happy with all the veggies. This is a perfect meal for now!

    Reply
  4. SHANIKA says

    April 10, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    5 stars
    This Sausage and Lentil Stew looks amazing! I love how easy it is to make and all that flavor in one pot!

    Reply
  5. Erika says

    April 10, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    5 stars
    What a great looking stew. It looks so hearty and flavorful!

    Reply
  6. Cookilicious says

    April 06, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    That looks super hearty and comforting

    Reply
  7. Charla @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says

    April 06, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    5 stars
    Sausage and Lentil stew is like when East meets the West. I'm a huge fan of fusion food, love it!

    Reply
  8. Jennifer Allen says

    April 06, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    5 stars
    I had a bag of lentils sitting around and decided to make this recipe. It was fabulous! I wasn't sure how the flavors would work but it was amazing. Hearty, wholesome and delicious!

    Reply
  9. Kushigalu says

    April 06, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    5 stars
    I am lentil lover. Thanks alot for sharing this. How delicious

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    April 05, 2020 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    I was actually able to find lentils on my last trip to the store so this is perfect! Looks so filling and exactly what I need on this rainy and dreary day. Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Sophie says

    April 05, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    Love lentils in anything. Thanks for this recipe with veggies. I will swap sausage for something vegan and make this soon.

    Reply
  12. Kacey Perez says

    April 05, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    5 stars
    What an amazing recipe to feed my family! So many good nutritious ingredients and love you can throw it all into one pot!

    Reply
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