Estate Sale Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika
A hearty, slow-simmered stew featuring dried beans and smoked paprika, evoking the comforting flavors of a forgotten family recipe found in an estate sale. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 100 minutes pairs dried navy beans, medium, finely diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried navy beans
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 1 medium, diced into 1/4-inch pieces carrot
- 2 stalks, diced into 1/4-inch pieces celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (14.5 oz) can canned diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried navy beans under cold water, then place them in a large pot with 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely diced onion, 1 medium diced carrot, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring to combine, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid, simmering for 1 hour until beans are tender.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then continue simmering uncovered for 20 minutes until flavors meld and the stew thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Estate Sale Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 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 Estate Sale Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 dried navy beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Estate Sale Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 Estate Sale Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 Estate Sale Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika?
American slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
