This Hearty Vegan Mushroom Stew 🍄🥕 is comfort food at its finest! Loaded with baby Bella mushrooms, carrots, lentils, and herbs simmered in a rich balsamic-tomato broth — it’s the ultimate cozy plant-based dinner. Perfect for chilly nights and meal prep! 🌿✨

🍄 Hearty Vegan Mushroom Stew

A deeply flavorful, hearty stew that proves plant-based cooking can be satisfying and soulful. This vegan mushroom stew is rich, earthy, and full of depth — a perfect dinner for cozy nights.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins

🍳 Cook Time: 45 mins

🍲 Total Time: 1 hour

👩‍🍳 Servings: 6

🥕 Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup sliced celery
16 oz. baby Bella mushrooms, halved
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried sage
2 tablespoons flour
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
16 oz. baby yellow potatoes, halved
1 cup uncooked split red lentils
1 (14.5 oz.) can tomato sauce
3 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

🍲 Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Mushrooms and Garlic

Stir in the baby Bella mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown — about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add thyme, oregano, and sage. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat. This helps the stew thicken later.

Step 4: Deglaze with Balsamic and Soy Sauce

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — that’s where all the flavor hides!

Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the potatoes, lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaves and serve hot. Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a side of steamed greens for the perfect hearty meal.

💡 Tips for the Best Mushroom Stew

🍄 Use baby Bella or cremini mushrooms for a deep, meaty flavor.
🥔 If you prefer thicker stew, simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes.
🌱 For a richer taste, add a splash of red wine when deglazing.
🧊 Leftovers store well for up to 4 days — the flavor deepens overnight!

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Mushroom Stew is warm, filling, and full of umami — proof that comfort food doesn’t need meat.
The combination of lentils and potatoes makes it hearty, while balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and depth. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a nutritious, easy, and cozy meal that nourishes the body and soul.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re vegan or simply craving a hearty stew for a cold evening, this recipe hits the spot.
It’s simple, budget-friendly, and made from wholesome ingredients that bring both flavor and comfort. Serve it with toasted bread and let every spoonful remind you that plant-based meals can be pure comfort.