Tacoma Tomato Basil Stew

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

A rich tomato and mushroom stew with a hint of oregano, inspired by the University of Washington Tacoma's coastal proximity and culinary creativity. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs plum tomatoes, mushrooms, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 220 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.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook for 8 minutes until browned. Add 4 chopped plum tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 15 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tacoma Tomato Basil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Tacoma 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 plum tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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.

What goes well with Tacoma Tomato Basil Stew?

Italian one pot 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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