One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean Stew
A comforting, pantry-friendly stew simmered to perfection with hearty beans and fresh herbs. This american-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoon olive oil, diced 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. 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed cannellini beans
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) rinsed cannellini beans, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and season with salt to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the stew thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Garnish with 1 tablespoon fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean Stew take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean 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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Bean 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 partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
