Name: Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 onion, chopped (white, yellow, or red); 1 stalk celery, diced; 1-2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 fresh thyme sprigs; 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes; 2 cups cubed russet or Yukon potatoes (or baby creamer potatoes halved); 1 (15 oz.) can organic white beans, drained and rinsed; 4 tablespoons organic tomato paste; 3 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes; 3 cups organic vegetable stock; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure vegan-friendly)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you are craving something that is comforting, nutritious, and bursting with vibrant flavors, you are going to love this Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe. This stew is a perfect blend of tender sweet potatoes, creamy white beans, and an aromatic medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce that wraps you up in warmth with every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, cozy hug—ideal for chilly evenings or anytime you want to treat yourself to something wholesome and satisfying. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, making it a fantastic choice for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a deliciously hearty, meat-free dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. On the board, there are several layers of chopped vegetables arranged separately: pale yellow halved small potatoes are spread around the edges, bright orange carrot slices are grouped near the bottom center, finely chopped white onions form a small mound in the center, and fresh green celery pieces are near the top right. A small bunch of fresh thyme with green leaves rests on the potatoes near the bottom. A large knife with a wooden handle lays on the right side of the board with the blade partially under the potatoes. In the top right corner of the image, a white bowl filled with white flour is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this stew truly special is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building depth of flavor, texture, and that beautiful, inviting color that draws you in before the first bite. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a fruity richness.
Onion (white, yellow, or red): Brings a subtle sweetness and foundational aroma.
Celery stalk: Adds a fresh crunch and slightly peppery note.
Carrots: Offer sweetness and a tender bite once cooked through.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the stew with warm, fragrant depth.
Fresh thyme sprigs: This herb lifts the stew with earthy and floral undertones.
Organic white beans: Creamy and protein-packed, perfect for hearty texture.
Cubed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and soft creaminess.
Cubed russet or Yukon potatoes: Give the stew bulk and a comforting melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Organic tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that deepens the stew’s savory components.
Organic all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew and create a luscious sauce.
On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A seasoning mix that adds complexity and a delightful savory punch.
Smoked paprika: For smoky warmth that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and a bright, tangy base.
Organic vegetable stock: The liquid heart of the stew that melds all ingredients together.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth, making the stew feel ultra-satisfying.

How to Make Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a medium-sized dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the aromatic foundation of your stew.

Step 2: Add Celery and Carrots

Next, add diced celery and peeled, chopped carrots to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. These vegetables bring both subtle sweetness and a lovely texture to your stew, setting the stage for the flavor explosion ahead.

Step 3: Season and Coat

Sprinkle in the On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Stir in the organic tomato paste, making sure that every piece of vegetable is thoroughly coated in this deliciously concentrated flavor. Then, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mix and stir to combine. This step helps thicken the stew later on, creating that perfect, hearty consistency.

Step 4: Combine Liquids and Main Ingredients

Pour in the vegetable stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce next, then fold in the drained and rinsed white beans along with the sweet potatoes and potatoes. Toss in the fresh thyme sprigs, and give everything a good stir. Let it all simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce thickens evenly and everything softens beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes and veggies are tender, remove the pot from heat. Ladle your vibrant, comforting stew into bowls and get ready to dig in. This is when the Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe really shines—simple ingredients transformed into soulful goodness.

How to Serve Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick, rich stew in a dark bowl on a white marbled surface, with a spoon resting inside. The stew has chunky pieces of orange-hued vegetables and beans covered in a glossy, deep reddish-orange sauce with visible herbs and spices scattered throughout. The texture looks hearty and soft, with the larger vegetable chunks coated thickly in the sauce, and smaller bits and grains filling the spaces. Around the bowl, there are hints of fresh green herbs and a piece of torn white bread with garnish resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A garnish can add a fresh pop of flavor and texture to your stew. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over each bowl to brighten things up. A dollop of creamy coconut yogurt also complements the warmth of the stew, balancing out the acidity and smokiness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This stew is a star on its own, but pairing it with a side makes the meal even more satisfying. Consider creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite vegan cornbread for a cozy, soul-warming combo. Fluffy basmati or coconut rice are excellent choices if you want to soak up every savory drop, and a crisp green salad provides refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just make dinner extra special, serve this stew in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bread bowls. You can also top it with crunchy roasted chickpeas or toasted pumpkin seeds for an exciting crunch that takes the experience up a notch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your stew into airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals or lunch. The flavors develop even more after sitting, which means leftovers are just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

This Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that comforting texture and rich flavor intact.

Reheating

Reheat your stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each. If the stew thickens too much, simply add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen the consistency back to that perfect, cozy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of white beans?

Absolutely! Cannellini or Great Northern beans work wonderfully in this stew. You could also experiment with chickpeas or kidney beans for a different flavor and texture experience, though white beans are preferred for their creaminess.

Is this stew spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth from smoked paprika but is not spicy hot. If you love some heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper when sautéing your vegetables.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the stew. It won’t affect the flavor but will keep it safe for those avoiding gluten.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Potatoes are tender and ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes of simmering once all ingredients are added.

Can I prepare this stew in advance?

Definitely. In fact, the flavors often taste even better the next day after they’ve had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully satisfying about making a Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato Stew Recipe from scratch and enjoying its cozy, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a nutritious plant-based meal, this stew delivers every time. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in it as I do—there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of love served steaming hot!