Low-Simmered Tomato Basil Stew
A deeply flavorful tomato stew simmered slowly to meld flavors, featuring fresh basil and a touch of cream for richness. This general-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook for 8 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, scraping any browned bits from the pot bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and flavors meld. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Simmered Tomato Basil Stew take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 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 Low-Simmered Tomato Basil 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-Simmered Tomato Basil 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-Simmered Tomato Basil 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-Simmered Tomato Basil 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
