Common Surnames Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pot stew blending diverse ingredients to reflect the nation's surname diversity, with a rich, savory broth. This american comfort-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken broth, (15 oz), drained kidney beans, (15 oz), drained black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 35 min Serves 6 American Comfort cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 tsp thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups diced tomatoes, 15 oz kidney beans, and 15 oz black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve as is or with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Common Surnames Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Common Surnames 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 chicken broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Common Surnames 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 Common Surnames 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.

Is Common Surnames Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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