Name: One-Pot White Bean Mushroom Stew Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 8 oz. sliced mushrooms (combination of cremini and shiitake); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups baby greens (baby chard, arugula, or spinach); ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, for garnish; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch; Salt, about ½ teaspoon; Black pepper, about ¼ teaspoon; 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk; 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini beans preferred), drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; 1 lemon, juiced

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that comes together effortlessly and delights with its rich, earthy flavors, this One-Pot White Bean Mushroom Stew Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Creamy white beans blend beautifully with tender mushrooms and baby greens in a luscious broth that’s both hearty and nourishing. Every spoonful bursts with depth, from the caramelized onions to the fresh burst of basil at the end. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or to impress at a casual dinner, this stew is pure magic in a single pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan filled with sliced brown mushrooms and thinly sliced white onions being stirred by a wooden spatula held by a woman's hand. The mushrooms are lightly browned and mixed evenly with the soft translucent onions. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, wholesome ingredients make this stew shine, each playing a crucial role in building its comforting texture and layered flavor profile. From the earthy mushrooms to the bright pop of lemon juice, every component is essential in bringing this dish to life.

Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized base that deepens the flavor.
Mushrooms (cremini and shiitake): Provide a meaty, umami-rich heartiness to the stew.
Garlic cloves: Bring warmth and fragrant complexity.
Dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbaceous note that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Arrowroot starch (or tapioca/cornstarch): Helps thicken the stew for a creamy finish.
Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful, savory base of the stew.
Unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
White beans (cannelloni preferred): Bring protein and smooth texture to the dish.
Baby greens (chard, arugula, spinach): Add freshness and vibrant color.
Tamari or soy sauce: Enhances umami and depth with a touch of saltiness.
Lemon juice: Brightens the stew with a zesty, refreshing finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
Fresh basil: The perfect fragrant garnish to elevate each serving.

How to Make One-Pot White Bean Mushroom Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Start by warming a tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the sliced yellow onion and your mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms. Let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they’re beautifully caramelized and slightly browned. This step unlocks rich, deep flavors that serve as the base of this stew.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Thyme

Once your onion and mushrooms are cooked, stir in the minced garlic cloves and dried thyme. Keep stirring constantly for about one minute until you can really smell that delicious garlicky aroma mingling with the herbs. This brief cooking intensifies their fragrance without burning them.

Step 3: Prepare the Starch Mixture

For that luscious stew consistency, whisk the arrowroot starch (or your chosen starch) with a small splash of vegetable broth in a separate bowl. This slurry will blend smoothly into the rest of the broth without clumping, thickening the stew perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Broth, Milk, and Beans

Pour the remaining vegetable broth and the unsweetened dairy-free milk into the pan with your sautéed veggies. Add the starch mixture you just prepared, along with the drained white beans. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and all the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Stir in Greens, Tamari, Lemon, Salt, and Pepper

Finally, toss in your choice of baby greens and cook until they just wilt, which takes about a minute. Then, mix in the tamari soy sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, balancing the savory, tangy, and fresh notes. Top your stew with sliced fresh basil for a fragrant, herbaceous finish.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Stew

This stew is versatile! Enjoy it over rice, quinoa, pasta, or on a bed of greens. You can even pair it with crusty toast for a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out.

How to Serve One-Pot White Bean Mushroom Stew Recipe

A white bowl full of creamy soup with three main layers: light beige broth as the base, white beans mostly spread out, and dark green spinach mixed with light brown sliced mushrooms scattered throughout. Small black pepper flakes are sprinkled on top, and some fresh chopped green herbs add extra color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two slices of toasted bread at the bottom left, a halved lemon and green basil leaves at the top left, and two small white bowls holding black peppercorns and salt near the top. A fork and knife rest on a folded beige cloth on the right side photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a standout garnish that brightens this rich stew with its sweet, peppery notes. If you want to elevate it further, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of vegan Parmesan can add delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Light and simple sides complement this stew beautifully. Think crusty artisan bread perfect for dipping, or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness. For a grainier element, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy couscous balance the stew’s savory richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in rustic bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and an extra leaf or two of basil on top. Layer it over polenta for a luscious, indulgent twist, or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a charming presentation that adds color and extra veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store promptly. Its flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, this One-Pot White Bean Mushroom Stew Recipe freezes really well. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to avoid breaking down the beans and greens too much. You can add a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this stew?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are a favorite for their creamy texture, you can swap in navy beans or great northern beans with great results. Just ensure they’re cooked and tender before adding.

What can I substitute for the dairy-free milk?

Any unsweetened, neutral dairy-free milk such as almond, oat, or cashew milk works beautifully here. Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties to keep the stew savory and balanced.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan when you use plant-based milk and tamari or soy sauce. It’s a great hearty vegan meal packed with protein and veggies.

Is it possible to make this stew spicier?

Definitely. Add a pinch of red chili flakes when you cook the garlic and thyme, or top with a drizzle of hot sauce to give the stew a gentle kick without overwhelming the flavors.

How thick should the stew be?

The stew should have a creamy, slightly thickened consistency that coats a spoon but is still easy to ladle. The arrowroot starch helps achieve that perfect texture without being too gloopy.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot White Bean Mushroom Stew Recipe has all the hallmarks of a cherished comfort food: it’s simple, nourishing, ridiculously tasty, and made in just one pot for minimal mess. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned home chef seeking a reliable crowd-pleaser, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, exactly what any cozy night calls for.