Try Our Hearty Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew Recipe Today

Black bean butternut squash stew represents a hearty, soul-warming culinary adventure that bridges comfort and nutrition.

Vibrant orange vegetables mingle with deep, earthy legumes in a robust medley of textures and flavors.

Rich, warming spices dance through this one-pot wonder, creating a symphony of taste that delights the palate.

Mediterranean and Latin American influences merge seamlessly in this nourishing dish, enhanceing simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Protein-packed beans provide substantial energy while butternut squash contributes velvety smoothness and subtle sweetness to each spoonful.

Nutrient-dense and incredibly satisfying, this stew offers a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients that feel both rustic and elegant.

Vegans and omnivores alike will celebrate this delightful, warming meal that promises to tantalize taste buds and comfort hungry souls.

What Makes Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew So Comforting

• Craft a Cozy Comfort Meal: This stew wraps you in warmth with its rich, hearty blend of black beans and butternut squash, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying.
• Boost Nutrition in One Pot: Packed with protein-rich black beans, vibrant butternut squash, and leafy greens, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of nutrients without complicated preparation or multiple cooking steps.
• Spice Up Your Taste Adventure: The clever combination of Italian seasoning, thyme, allspice, and a hint of cayenne creates a complex flavor profile that dances between sweet, earthy, and subtly spicy notes, making every spoonful exciting and unexpected.
• Simple Cooking, Maximum Flavor: With just one pot and minimal chopping, this stew comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients That Define Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

Main Ingredients:

• Black Beans: Hearty protein source with creamy texture and rich nutritional value.
• Butternut Squash: Sweet, tender vegetable that adds rich flavor and smooth consistency.
• Leafy Greens: Fresh, nutrient-packed green that provides additional texture and color.
• Onions, Bell Peppers: Classic aromatic base that builds deep flavor foundation.
• Green Onions, Garlic: Intense flavor boosters that enhance overall taste profile.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that adds richness and subtle tropical undertone.
• Vegetable Broth: Savory liquid that helps create balanced stew consistency.
• Bouillon Cube: Concentrated flavor enhancer for more depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that provides classic Mediterranean herb profile.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements vegetable and bean flavors.

• Allspice: Warm spice with complex flavor notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat and vibrant background kick.
• Avocado: Creamy garnish that provides cool contrast to warm stew.
• Brown Rice: Wholesome grain side that absorbs stew flavors perfectly.

Cooking Directions for Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Base

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Cook until onions become translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.

• Garlic
• Green onions

Stir and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Build the Stew Foundation

• Butternut squash
• Black beans
• Italian seasoning
• Thyme

Stir to ensure all ingredients are well coated.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Layer

• Coconut milk
• Vegetable broth
• Bouillon cube
• Allspice
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Finish With Greens

Stir in leafy greens and cook for about 4 minutes until they are tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the stew over brown rice and top with sliced avocado. Enjoy the rich, warming flavors of this hearty meal.

Handy Tips for a Rich Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

• Dice Squash Uniformly: Cut butternut squash into consistent, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Layer Flavor Gradually: Sauté aromatics like onions and garlic slowly to build a rich, deep flavor foundation for the stew.
• Control Spice Carefully: Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and adjust to taste, preventing an overwhelming heat that masks other flavors.
• Select Fresh Greens Wisely: Choose tender leafy greens like spinach or kale that wilt quickly and add vibrant color and nutrition.
• Enhance Texture Smartly: Top the stew with creamy avocado slices and serve over fluffy brown rice to create interesting textural contrast.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient future meal.
• Reheating: Warm the stew gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the stew seems too thick, restoring its original creamy consistency.

What Complements Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew Perfectly

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Complement the stew's rich, earthy flavors with a bright and tangy orange-infused margarita, cutting through the creamy coconut milk and adding a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the stew's warmth and spice, enhancing the butternut squash's natural sweetness.
• Serve with Crunchy Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette to add texture and acidity, providing a fresh counterpoint to the hearty stew.
• Top with Herbed Yogurt Drizzle: Blend Greek yogurt with fresh cilantro and a touch of lime juice to add a cool, creamy element that brightens the dish's complex flavor profile.

Flavor Variations of Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

• Protein Power Boost: Replace black beans with grilled chicken or tofu for a high-protein alternative that adds extra muscle-building nutrients to the stew.
• Moroccan-Inspired Blend: Swap Italian seasoning with ras el hanout spice mix, add chopped dates, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a North African flavor profile.
• Spicy Caribbean Edition: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced scotch bonnet peppers, and mix in coconut rum for a vibrant, fiery Caribbean-style stew that packs intense heat and tropical notes.
• Hearty Winter Comfort: Include diced sweet potatoes alongside butternut squash, sprinkle smoked paprika, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds for a warming, nutrient-dense winter meal.

Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican black bean butternut squash stew celebrates robust flavors from central Mexico’s culinary landscape. Spicy, comforting ingredients blend perfectly, inviting diners to savor warm, nourishing spoonfuls of this soul-satisfying one-pot wonder.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
• 1 15-ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup tender collard greens, kale, or spinach, chopped (optional)

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 vegan bouillon (Edward & Son’s Not-Chick’n Bouillon Cubes)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 sprigs thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch of allspice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate-high temperature, drizzling in aromatic oil until shimmering.
2. Introduce diced onions and vibrant bell peppers, sautéing until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and delicate green onions, stirring quickly to release their fragrant essence and prevent burning.
4. Gently fold in cubed butternut squash, robust black beans, Italian seasoning blend, and earthy thyme, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated.
5. Pour creamy coconut milk, rich vegetable broth, umami-packed bouillon cube, warming allspice, and fiery cayenne pepper into the pot, creating a luxurious base.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld and the squash tenderize for approximately 20 minutes.
7. Introduce a handful of verdant leafy greens, stirring them into the stew and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they wilt and brighten.
8. Ladle the hearty stew into deep bowls, accompanied by fluffy brown rice and creamy avocado slices for a complete, nourishing meal.

Notes

• Meal prep magic happens when you chop veggies and pre-measure spices before starting cooking.
• Coconut milk adds creamy richness while balancing the warmth of cayenne and allspice perfectly.
• Plant-based protein powerhouse combines black beans and butternut squash for a hearty, nutritious meal.
• Optional toppings like sliced avocado or fresh cilantro can elevate the stew’s flavor and presentation.
• Cooking low and slow allows spices to develop deep, complex flavors throughout the dish.
• Leftover stew stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg