Smoky Mushroom and Black Bean Stew

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

A deeply savory stew with earthy mushrooms, protein-rich black beans, and a hint of smoky paprika, perfect for chilly evenings. This asian-inspired soups (vegetarian, high-protein) ready in about 40 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 140 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian-inspired cuisine 140 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.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 onion (diced) and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 garlic cloves (minced) and 1 carrot (diced), cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup mushrooms (sliced) and cook for 5 minutes until liquid evaporates.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup black beans (rinsed), 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
  6. Step 6: Simmer covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Mushroom and Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Smoky Mushroom 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 Smoky Mushroom 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 Smoky Mushroom 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.

Is Smoky Mushroom and Black Bean Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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