Lentil & Vegetable Stew

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

A simple, nutrient-packed stew to restart Whole30 with clean ingredients after a reset. This comfort food-inspired one pot (whole30) ready in about 27 minutes pairs beef bone broth, carrot, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 12 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Comfort Food cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks into 1/4-inch cubes, then mince 3 garlic cloves and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat a medium pot over medium heat, add carrots and celery, and cook for 3 minutes until edges soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in 2 cups beef bone broth.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 diced zucchini and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover for 12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring until flavors meld and stew is warm throughout.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lentil & Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (12 min prep + 15 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 Lentil & Vegetable 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 beef bone broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lentil & Vegetable 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 Lentil & Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lentil & Vegetable Stew whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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