Healthy Crockpot Bean Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Bean Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 bay leaf

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love coming home to the smell of a warm, hearty stew simmering in the crockpot. This Healthy Crockpot Bean Stew is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of beans, vegetables, and spices creates a comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Plus, the ease of just throwing everything in the crockpot means I can focus on my day while dinner cooks itself. It’s an effortless and wholesome meal that's become a staple in our household.

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:22:07.940Z

In my quest for a filling yet nutritious meal, I discovered that a slow-cooked bean stew is the perfect answer. Bright vegetables and a melange of spices blend beautifully, creating a delightful comfort food that warms both the body and soul. The best part is that I can prepare everything in the morning and let the crockpot do the magic while I'm busy with my day.

What I love most about this stew is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables or beans based on what you have at home, ensuring you're minimizing waste. The flavor intensifies the longer it cooks, so I typically set it for a full day, returning to a pot filled with fragrant goodness.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Loaded with fresh veggies for a nutritional boost
Convenient one-pot meal, perfect for busy days

      

Ingredient Highlights

Each bean in this Healthy Crockpot Bean Stew contributes distinct flavors and textures while boosting nutritional value. Black beans add creaminess and a rich earthy taste, while kidney beans provide a heartier bite. Together, they create a satisfying base that is rich in protein and fiber, making the stew incredibly filling. If you're looking to switch things up, you could substitute chickpeas or white beans, which would also work well in this dish.

The combination of fresh vegetables in this recipe not only enhances the stew's flavor but also packs it with essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots offer natural sweetness and help in thickening the stew slightly, while celery adds a crisp texture and subtle earthiness. Don't hesitate to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for a pop of color and additional nutrients, adjusting cooking time slightly if necessary to ensure even tenderness.

Cooking Tips for Success

When using a crockpot, the key to achieving a deeply flavored stew is to let it cook low and slow. For optimal results, I recommend setting your crockpot on low for 8 hours. If time is short, cooking on high for about 4 hours will still yield a delicious result. Just be sure to check for doneness and stir occasionally if your model allows it; this encourages even flavor distribution.

Remember to take a moment to taste the stew before serving. Depending on the variety of vegetables and beans, you might want to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices. If the soup is too thick, adding a splash more vegetable broth will help achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for about 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.

Ingredients

For the Stew

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Combine in the Crockpot

In the crockpot, add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Cook

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and healthy bean stew!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped bell peppers or zucchini into the stew. You can also top it with fresh cilantro or a splash of lime juice before serving for an extra zesty kick.

Storage and Reheating

This Healthy Crockpot Bean Stew is great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors develop even more after a day, which is one of the reasons it's one of my favorite make-ahead meals. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as the stew will expand when frozen.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen stew overnight in the fridge and heat it on low in the crockpot or on the stovetop until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it can take around 60-90 minutes on low heat in the crockpot, or simmer gently on the stove until warmed to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is delicious on its own but can be elevated by serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa, which complements the flavors and adds extra protein and texture. I often garnish it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a refreshing touch, and a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavors beautifully. If you enjoy a hint of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

For a cozy family meal, pair the stew with crusty whole-grain bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. Alternatively, offer a side salad with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the stew. These additions make for a balanced and satisfying dinner that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is this stew vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve this stew with?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.