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10-Minute Hearty Vegan Bean & Lentil Meat Stew – Protein-Packed & Budget-Friendly

A hearty vegan bean and lentil meat stew packed with protein, rich flavor, and simple pantry ingredients. Easy, budget-friendly, one-pot vegan comfort food.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, stew
Cuisine Jamaican, Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or any cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion diced (optional but recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced

Vegan Meat

  • 1 package 8–12 oz nut-based vegan meat (such as Nutcase or any plant-based ground)

Legumes

  • 1 can 15 oz beans, drained (kidney, black, pinto, or mixed)
  • 1 cup cooked lentils or ½ cup dry lentils + 1½ cups water/broth

Tomato Base

  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 –1½ cups vegetable broth or water adjust for desired thickness
  • Flavor Enhancers
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 –2 teaspoons coconut sugar to balance acidity

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ –1 teaspoon chili flakes optional, for heat
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

  • Optional Add-Ins Recommended
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 cup diced potatoes
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Sear the Vegan Meat

  • Add the nut-based vegan meat to the pot and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and caramelized for maximum flavor.

Add Spices & Seasonings

  • Stir in smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, black pepper, nutritional yeast, and coconut sugar. Toast spices for 30 seconds to bloom.

Add Beans, Lentils & Sauces

  • Pour in the canned beans, lentils, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and vegetable broth/water. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer Until Thick & Hearty

  • Cook 20–30 minutes (longer if using dry lentils), stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the stew is thick, rich, and deeply flavorful. Adjust salt to taste.
Keyword Beans, nutcase vegan