Name: Easy Bean Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, diced; 3 whole carrots, peeled, chopped; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 large potato, peeled, chopped; fresh parsley for garnish; 3 Tablespoon tomato paste; 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/2 Tablespoon dried Italian Seasoning; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 3 (15 ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, this Easy Bean Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this bean stew comes together with simple ingredients and cooks up into a cozy meal that’s perfect any time of year. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge.
Super Comforting: The rich broth and tender veggies make this stew perfect for chilly nights.
Versatile and Easy: Customize it easily to suit your taste or what’s on hand.
Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen all day.

A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of vegetable soup above a white pot on a white marbled surface. The spoon holds three clear layers: bright orange carrot slices with a soft texture at the top, pale yellow potato chunks mixed with a few textured white beans in the middle, and small red tomato pieces with green parsley bits scattered throughout on the bottom. In the background, the pot shows a rich broth filled with the same colorful vegetables and beans, all topped lightly with black pepper and chopped green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Bean Stew, hearty bean stew recipe, simple comfort food, easy wholesome dinner, best bean stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a stew that’s rich in flavor but still light and fresh. One thing I love about this mix is how the Italian seasoning really brings everything alive without overpowering the beans or vegetables.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, half a peeled and diced white onion, three fresh peeled and chopped bright orange carrots, two crisp diced celery ribs, a small white bowl of finely minced garlic, a small white bowl with deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of mixed dried Italian herbs, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with clear vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright red diced tomatoes with juice, one large peeled and chopped white potato, three piles of rinsed white beans, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Bean Stew, hearty bean stew recipe, simple comfort food, easy wholesome dinner, best bean stew

Olive oil: Using a good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness that’s essential in the base.
Onion: I like using yellow onions for their mild sweetness when sautéed.
Carrots: They add a natural sweetness and color—don’t skip peeling them for the best texture.
Celery: Adds crunch and a nice depth of flavor to the aromatic base.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic, not powder, gives the stew its inviting aroma.
Tomato paste: This little jar of magic amps the stew’s umami and gives it a nice body.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning evenly and enhancing all the other flavors.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper works best for a gentle kick.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth, especially oregano and basil.
Vegetable broth: I prefer homemade or low-sodium to control the salt balance.
Diced tomatoes (canned): The acidity balances the starchiness of the beans and potatoes.
Potato: Adds creaminess once it cooks down; Yukon Gold or Russet work great.
White beans (canned): I always rinse mine well to cut down on excess salt and improve texture.
Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that lifts the stew’s earthy flavors beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Easy Bean Stew Recipe is how flexible it is—don’t be afraid to swap or add your favorites to make it truly your own.

Protein Boost: When I want a heartier stew, I add cooked sausage or shredded chicken, and it’s a crowd fave every time.
Spicy Twist: Throw in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño if you like heat; it transforms the flavor in the best way.
Seasonal Veggies: I often toss in chopped zucchini or bell peppers in summer for extra color and freshness.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free—just double-check your broth and tomato paste labels for peace of mind.

How to Make Easy Bean Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery. You’ll want to cook and stir these for about 8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions start to become translucent. This step is crucial—don’t rush it! Softening the veggies first is what makes your stew taste layered and rich rather than flat.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper. Let these cook together for about one minute. This short step lets the garlic bloom and the tomato paste slightly caramelize, lending more depth to the broth. Just watch it carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn, which would introduce bitterness.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Add Beans & Veggies

Pour in the vegetable broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the liquid. Add the peeled and chopped potato along with the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir everything together well, then cover with a lid and lower the heat to let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This simmering allows the potatoes to soften perfectly and all the flavors to meld into that comforting stew you’re dreaming of.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your stew is thickened and veggies are tender, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. I love pairing this stew with crusty French bread for dunking—a combo that wins big with my family every time. If you want, add a dash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Bean Stew Recipe

Rinse Your Beans: I always rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve stew texture.
Don’t Skip Sautéing: Taking time with the veggies upfront creates that rich stew base I can’t get enough of.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low enough to let flavors blend without overcooking the beans or potatoes.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and seasoning after simmering, because flavors deepen and can shift.

How to Serve Easy Bean Stew Recipe

A close-up view of a dark bowl filled with a warm vegetable and bean stew. The stew has a light red broth with white beans scattered throughout. There are medium-sized chunks of yellow potatoes, small pieces of orange carrots, and green celery pieces mixed evenly in the bowl. On top, finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled, along with a light dusting of black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Bean Stew, hearty bean stew recipe, simple comfort food, easy wholesome dinner, best bean stew

Garnishes

I usually top my bean stew with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of tangy sour cream if I’m feeling indulgent. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten each spoonful beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is a baguette or warm crusty bread for soaking up all that flavorful broth. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add some vibrant texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I serve this stew in rustic bowls placed on wooden trays with bread slices and small dishes of garnishes on the side—makes for a lovely, casual presentation that impresses without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftover stew to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and I often find the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the stew gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and bring it back to that perfect cozy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use dry beans instead of canned beans in this Easy Bean Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer dry beans, soak them overnight and cook them fully before adding to the stew. This will require extra time but gives you complete control over texture and sodium content. Just add the cooked beans during the simmering step.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix together equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This DIY blend will echo the herbaceous flavors and keep your stew tasting wonderful.
Is this stew suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Easy Bean Stew Recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it tastes even better reheated. Make a big batch, portion it out, and you’ll have easy lunches or dinners ready to go all week long.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end of cooking for added color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep everything tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bean Stew Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want comfort without fuss. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for the entire family. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s just something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of warm, homemade stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!