One-Pot Smoky Tomato and Black Bean Stew

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

A hearty, deeply flavored stew simmered to perfection with smoky spices, tender vegetables, and protein-rich beans for a comforting meal in one pot. This latin american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, onion, 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion finely chopped and 2 garlic cloves minced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 cup corn kernels. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chopped kale and cook for 5-7 minutes until kale is wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Smoky Tomato and Black 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 Smoky Tomato and Black 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Smoky Tomato and Black 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 Smoky Tomato and Black 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Smoky Tomato and Black Bean Stew?

Latin American vegetarian 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.

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