For a vegetarian version, you can swap the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage or add a can of drained and rinsed beans for protein. If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of sausage, like kielbasa or andouille, to change up the flavor profile. For a thicker stew, add a couple of peeled and diced potatoes to the slow cooker.