Tomato Bean Stew
This Tomato Bean Stew is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines hearty beans with rich tomatoes and fresh vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknights and offers a balanced mix of taste, nutrition, and simplicity, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14-15 oz) diced tomatoes
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. This builds the flavor base that will infuse the entire stew.
- Add Bell Peppers and Spices: Stir in chopped bell peppers, cumin, and paprika. Allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes until peppers soften slightly and spices bloom in the oil, releasing their aroma.
- Pour in Tomatoes and Broth: Add canned diced tomatoes along with vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Beans and Simmer: Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the stew. Stir well and allow the stew to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes so the beans heat through and soak up the tomato flavor.
- Season and Finish: Taste your Tomato Bean Stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat, then stir in fresh herbs for a bright, fresh contrast before serving.
Notes
- Use quality canned tomatoes: The flavor of your stew depends heavily on good tomatoes.
- Rinse canned beans: This removes excess sodium and can prevent bitterness.
- Don’t rush simmering: Letting the stew simmer allows flavors to deepen and combine beautifully.
- Adjust thickness: If your stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water for the perfect texture.
- Fresh herbs at the end: Adding herbs last preserves their brightness and fragrance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tomato bean stew, quick stew, easy bean recipe, vegan stew, gluten free dinner, healthy stew, weeknight dinner