Serious Mushroom and Lentil Stew

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

A hearty, umami-rich stew blending earthy mushrooms and protein-packed lentils for a deeply satisfying meal. This quick recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs brown lentils, cremini mushrooms, onion 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Global cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp thyme. Cook for 8 minutes until mushrooms are tender and the paste darkens.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup brown lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are just tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Serious Mushroom and Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Serious Mushroom and Lentil 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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Mushroom and Lentil 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 Serious Mushroom and Lentil 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 Serious Mushroom and Lentil 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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