Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew

Name: Cozy White Bean and Mushroom Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt to taste

Author: Tessa

Published: August 26, 2025

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There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of stew on a chilly evening, don’t you think? This Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew has been my winter lifeline ever since I first threw it together during a snowstorm years ago. I was craving something hearty but meatless, and wow – did this deliver! The earthy mushrooms, creamy beans and that rich broth warmed us right up while filling the kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Now it’s my go-to when the temperature drops – simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests. One spoonful of this vegan wonder and you’ll understand why it’s become my cold-weather staple.

Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan) - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Trust me, this stew is about to become your new best friend. Here’s why:

One-pot wonder – Less dishes means more time curled up on the couch!
Weeknight easy – Ready in 35 minutes flat (yes, really).
Nutrition powerhouse – Packed with protein, fiber, and three kinds of veggies.
Comfort in a bowl – That rich, savory broth hugs you from the inside out.
Meal prep champ – Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).

Seriously – this stew checks all the boxes for busy, cozy, delicious living.

Ingredients for Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this soul-warming stew – I bet most are already in your pantry! The key is prepping everything before you start cooking (my grandma called this “mise en place” – fancy term for “save yourself from scrambling later”).

2 tbsp olive oil – Or whatever oil you’ve got, but olive adds nice flavor
1 onion, diced – Yellow or white, doesn’t matter – just get those pieces small!
3 garlic cloves, minced – More if you’re a garlic fiend like me
8 oz mushrooms, sliced – Cremini are my favorite, but any will work
2 carrots, diced – About 1/4-inch pieces so they cook evenly
2 celery stalks, diced – Don’t skip! Adds such good depth
1 tsp dried thyme – Rub between your fingers first to wake it up
1 tsp dried rosemary – Crush it a bit so no one gets a woody surprise
1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you can
4 cups vegetable broth – Low-sodium so you can control the salt
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed – Cannellini or great northern both work great
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – With their juices for extra liquid gold
2 cups fresh spinach – Or swap kale, just chop it first
1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens everything up at the end
Salt to taste – Always taste before adding!

See? Nothing crazy – just good, simple ingredients that come together into something magical. If you’re missing something, don’t stress – I’ve got substitution notes in the variations section coming up!

Equipment Needed for Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

You won’t need anything fancy for this stew – just the basics from your kitchen:

Large pot – At least 5 quarts so everything fits comfortably
Wooden spoon – My favorite for stirring without scratching
Sharp knife – For all that veggie chopping
Cutting board – The bigger, the better!

Optional but handy: an immersion blender if you want to thicken the stew by blending some beans (just pulse a few times – don’t go crazy!). That’s it – now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Okay, let’s turn those beautiful ingredients into the coziest bowl of comfort you’ve ever tasted! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be ladling up perfection in no time.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

First, grab that big pot and warm the olive oil over medium heat – you’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of onion sizzles when you drop it in. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic and give them a good stir. Now comes the hard part: waiting 2-3 minutes while they soften and turn translucent. Don’t rush this – those sweet, golden onions are flavor magic!

Next up: mushrooms, carrots, and celery. They all go in together with the thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. I like to stir every minute or so while they cook for about 5 minutes total. You’ll see the mushrooms release their liquid and the carrots start to brighten – that’s when you know you’re right on track!

Step 2: Simmer the Stew

Time for the transformation! Pour in the vegetable broth – listen to that glorious sizzle as it hits the hot pan. Now add your drained beans and that can of diced tomatoes with all their juices. Give everything a good stir and crank up the heat until it comes to a nice bubbling boil.

Here’s where patience pays off: reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. The broth will reduce slightly and all those flavors will become best friends. The carrots should be tender but not mushy when it’s ready – test one with a fork around the 15 minute mark.

Step 3: Finish with Spinach and Lemon

The home stretch! Turn off the heat and stir in your fresh spinach – it’ll wilt almost instantly from the residual heat. Squeeze in that bright lemon juice and give everything one last stir. Now the most important step: taste it! Add salt if needed (start with 1/4 tsp at a time), maybe another squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling zesty.

That’s it – you did it! Ladle that beautiful, steaming stew into bowls and prepare for the coziest meal of your life. The hardest part now? Waiting for it to cool enough so you don’t burn your tongue diving in!

Tips for Perfect Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

After making this stew more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:

Thicken it up – Mash a few beans against the pot with your spoon for instant creaminess.
Deglaze like a pro – If anything sticks while sautéing, splash in a bit of broth and scrape up those flavor gems.
Herb happiness – Swap dried herbs for fresh if you’ve got ’em (double the amount for fresh).
Broth boost – Simmer with a Parmesan rind (vegan or regular) for extra umami magic.

Little tricks = big flavor wins!

Variations on Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

One of my favorite things about this stew? How easily it adapts to whatever’s in your fridge! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

Root veggie swap – Try sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a touch of sweetness.
Bean exchange – Lentils make a great protein-packed alternative to white beans.
Creamy dreamy – Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk at the end for extra richness.
Greens galore – Kale, chard, or even frozen peas work beautifully instead of spinach.

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Oh, the joy of deciding how to serve this beauty! My absolute favorite is with a thick slice of crusty bread for dunking – bonus points if it’s still warm from the oven. For heartier appetites, try it over quinoa or brown rice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or vegan Parmesan right before serving adds that perfect finishing touch. Sometimes I’ll roast some Brussels sprouts or potatoes on the side for extra veggie power. Honestly though? This stew stands so proudly on its own, you could eat it straight from the pot and be completely happy (not that I’ve done that… often).

Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew (Vegan) - detail 2

Storing and Reheating Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

This stew just gets better as the flavors mingle! Store leftovers in an airtight container – they’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 1 month. When reheating, I always add a splash of broth or water to bring back that perfect saucy consistency. The stove over medium-low heat works best, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Pro tip: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first – your stew (and your patience) will thank you!

Nutritional Information for Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Let’s talk about what’s nourishing you in every spoonful of this stew! Now, I’m no dietitian, but I’ve run the numbers so you know exactly what you’re getting in that comforting bowl. (Important note: Nutrition varies by ingredients – this is just a friendly estimate!)

Per hearty serving (about 1.5 cups), you’re looking at roughly:

280 calories – Satisfying but not heavy
12g protein – Thank you, mighty white beans!
45g carbs – The good kind with all that fiber
7g fat – Mostly the heart-healthy kind from olive oil
12g fiber – That’s nearly half your daily needs!

Honestly though? When I’m curled up with this stew on a cold night, the only numbers I care about are how many bowls I can reasonably eat before needing to unbutton my jeans. But it’s nice knowing it’s as good for me as it is for my soul!

FAQs About Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak 1 cup dried beans overnight, then simmer until tender (about 1-2 hours) before adding them to the stew. It’s totally worth the extra time for that incredible texture.

Is this stew freezer-friendly?
Oh yes, it freezes beautifully for up to a month! Let it cool completely first, then store it in airtight containers. It’s like a cozy hug waiting for you on a busy night.

How can I make this stew spicier?
My go-to is a big pinch of red pepper flakes added with the herbs. A dash of hot sauce at the end works great too if you want to control the heat.

What other greens can I use besides spinach?
Kale, chard, or even collards are fantastic! Just chop them smaller and add them a few minutes earlier so they have time to soften up in that delicious broth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Sauté the veggies first for best flavor, then toss everything (except the spinach and lemon) into the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then stir in the greens at the end.

Share Your Cozy White Bean Mushroom Stew

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions of this cozy stew! Did you add an extra pinch of rosemary? Swap in sweet potatoes? Maybe you discovered the perfect crusty bread pairing? I want to hear all about it! Leave a comment below with your favorite tweaks or tag me on Instagram @[yourhandle] so I can see your beautiful bowls. And if this recipe warmed your belly like it does mine, I’d be so grateful if you’d give it a 5-star rating – it helps others find this little pot of comfort too. Happy stewing, friends!