Cast Iron Smoky Tomato & White Bean Stew

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, slow-simmered stew with smoky tomatoes, creamy white beans, and aromatic vegetables, cooked to deep flavor perfection in a cast iron skillet. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely diced (1 cup) onion, diced (1 cup) carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and golden at edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 (15 oz) drained cannellini beans, 14 oz diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove lid, simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to further reduce sauce. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cast Iron Smoky Tomato & White Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cast Iron Smoky Tomato & White Bean Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cast Iron Smoky Tomato & White Bean Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cast Iron Smoky Tomato & White Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cast Iron Smoky Tomato & White Bean Stew?

Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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