Low-Heat Cooked Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-based stew simmered slowly until sweet potatoes melt into a rich, savory base. This american-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 2 cans (15 oz each) drained black beans, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors are melded.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Heat Cooked Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Low-Heat Cooked Black Bean and Sweet Potato 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 Low-Heat Cooked Black Bean and Sweet Potato 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 Low-Heat Cooked Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Low-Heat Cooked Black Bean and Sweet Potato 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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