There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty stew, especially one packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Our Black Bean Stew Recipe Vegetarian combines earthy black beans, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant spices to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also nourishing.
Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this stew is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying option for any time of year.
Plus, black beans absorb all the wonderful spices and aromatics, resulting in a rich, velvety stew that will warm you from the inside out. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly approachable.
Let’s dive into how to make this fantastic vegetarian black bean stew!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This black bean stew is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite veggies or add extra spice if you like a kick.
It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Not only does it provide a hearty dose of plant-based protein, but the combination of black beans and vegetables also offers a wealth of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.
Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it anytime.
If you enjoy other comforting recipes, don’t miss our Chili Recipe New Mexico for a spicy twist or our creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to pair with pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black beans (or 4 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, vegan sour cream, chopped green onions
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander (if using canned beans)
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamier texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: If using dried black beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight or use the quick-soak method (boil beans for 2 minutes, then soak for 1 hour). Drain and rinse again before cooking. If using canned beans, simply rinse and drain.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables and toast the spices for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
- Add beans and liquids: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the stew: Let the stew simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours if using dried beans (or 30 minutes if canned), stirring occasionally. The beans should be tender, and the stew thickened. Add water or broth as needed if it becomes too thick.
- Optional blending: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the stew, or transfer a portion to a blender and return it to the pot. This helps thicken the stew and makes it extra comforting.
- Finish and season: Stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like diced avocado or vegan sour cream for extra richness.
Tips & Variations
“Make this stew your own by adding chopped sweet potatoes, corn, or kale for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or smoked salt.”
Another great tip is to prepare this stew in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables and spices first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
If you want more protein, you can add cubed tofu or tempeh in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a creamier stew, stir in coconut milk at the end of cooking.
This variation adds a lovely subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (about 1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fiber | 13 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This black bean stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Cornbread or warm crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
For a lighter option, enjoy it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It also works well as a filling for tacos or burritos when thickened slightly, reminiscent of our popular Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe.
Conclusion
This Black Bean Stew Recipe Vegetarian is a flavorful, nutritious, and comforting dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. It’s an excellent way to enjoy plant-based protein packed with fresh vegetables and warming spices.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this stew is sure to please with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Easy to customize and perfect for batch cooking, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes like our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert or the savory Cheese Penny Recipe to complement your meals.
Enjoy the process and the wonderful taste of this hearty black bean stew!
📖 Recipe Card: Black Bean Stew Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian black bean stew packed with spices and vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cook for 3 minutes.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and corn.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 50 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Bean Stew Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegetarian black bean stew packed with spices and vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “2 teaspoons ground cumin”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon chili powder”, “2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and corn.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}