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Best-Ever Beefless Stew

Plant-based | Hearty | Classic comfort | Freezer-friendly

A chunky, classic-style stew that delivers all the comfort of traditional beef stew without the meat. Portobello mushrooms add rich flavor and meaty texture, while a medley of fresh veggies soaks up the herbaceous broth. Fresh rosemary and parsley deliver beautiful depth of flavor that develops over time.


IngredientAmountNotes
Yellow or white onions1½ largeChopped into ¾-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
Carrots3 mediumSliced lengthwise, cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 2¼ cups)
Celery3 ribsCut into ¾-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
Portobello mushrooms2 mediumCut into ¾-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
Garlic6 clovesMinced
White potatoes2 lbsPeeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks (about 6 cups)
Tomato paste⅓ cupNo-salt-added
Dried Italian seasoning1 tbsp
Paprika1 tbsp
Fresh rosemary2 tspFinely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
Frozen peas1½ cupsThawed
Fresh parsley½ cupChopped

  1. Sauté vegetables: In Dutch oven or soup pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery with 1 tablespoon water over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, stirring frequently and adding water 1-2 tablespoons at a time as needed to prevent sticking.

  2. Add mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and garlic; cook 5 minutes more, stirring frequently and adding water as needed.

  3. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in potatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add 5 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in rosemary.

  4. Simmer: Cook covered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in peas; cook covered 5 minutes more until carrots and potatoes are tender.

  5. Thicken: Transfer 2 cups of mixture to blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Return to soup pot. Stir in parsley.


Mushroom prep: Scrape the dark gills from portobello mushrooms to prevent the stew from turning brown

Make it your own: Add turnips, parsnips, or extra herbs like thyme and bay leaves

Slow cooker: Cook 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low


  • Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months (flavor develops over time!)
  • Reheat: Add splash of water when reheating

  • Calories: ~305
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbs: 64g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Fat: 2g

Adapted from: Cathy Fisher / Forks Over Knives

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 1 hour | Serves: 4