As the temperatures drop and the snow falls, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm and comforting bowl of stew to chase away the chill. Whether you’re a fan of classic beef and vegetable stews or looking to try something new and adventurous, this season is the perfect excuse to dig out your slow cooker and start experimenting with all sorts of delicious and hearty winter stews.
From creamy chicken and wild rice stews to spicy chorizo and bean stews, we’ve gathered 20 of the most mouthwatering winter stew recipes that are sure to warm your soul. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab a spoon and get ready to cozy up with these comforting and delicious stews!
Classic Beef and Vegetable Stew
A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening, this classic beef and vegetable stew is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the potatoes, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot and simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Stew
Warm up with this hearty, comforting stew that combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a chilly evening or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is browned.
3. Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked wild rice and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Spicy Chorizo and Bean Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the spicy kick of chorizo with the comforting warmth of beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Spanish chorizo, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the chorizo from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
6. Stir in the browned chorizo.
7. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
This flavorful stew is a perfect blend of plant-based goodness, packed with protein-rich lentils, sweet and nutty sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices. A comforting and nutritious meal that’s ready in under an hour!
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the sweet potato, lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Hearty Lamb and Barley Stew
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful stew, perfect for a cold winter’s day. This recipe combines tender lamb, nutritious barley, and a blend of aromatic spices to create a satisfying and filling meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups lamb broth (or beef broth)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in barley, broth, thyme, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Moroccan Chickpea and Vegetable Stew
Discover the rich flavors of Morocco with this hearty and aromatic stew, featuring tender chickpeas and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium bell peppers, diced
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chickpeas, tomato, and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Pork and Cider Stew
This hearty stew combines tender pork with sweet and tangy cider, perfect for a cozy dinner any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine pork, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cider, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork mixture.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Coconut Curry Chicken Stew
A flavorful and comforting stew that combines the richness of coconut milk with the warmth of Indian-inspired spices, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using); cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Black Bean and Corn Stew
Warm up with this hearty and flavorful stew that combines the smokiness of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of corn and black beans. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, this stew is easy to make and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water or vegetable broth as needed
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, corn, chipotle pepper, and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add water or broth as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Traditional Irish Lamb Stew
Traditional Irish Lamb Stew Recipe
This hearty lamb stew is a staple of Irish cuisine, perfect for a cold winter’s night. With tender chunks of lamb and vegetables in a rich broth, it’s sure to warm your belly and your soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the lamb broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Return the lamb to the pot and bring the stew to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Tomato and Basil White Bean Stew
This hearty stew combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a warm bowl on a chilly day. Tender cannellini beans, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in a rich and satisfying broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, cannellini beans, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef Bourguignon Stew
This iconic dish is a hearty, slow-cooked stew that showcases the rich flavors of beef, mushrooms, and red wine. Serve with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes, then set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook at low heat for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Thai Coconut and Pumpkin Stew
Warm up with this aromatic and comforting Thai-inspired stew that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the creaminess of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized pumpkin, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened.
2. Add pumpkin cubes and curry paste; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rustic Sausage and Kale Stew
A hearty, comforting stew that combines the savory flavors of sausage and kale with a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage; cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add kale, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mediterranean Seafood Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients with a variety of seafood, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mixed seafood, diced tomatoes, fish broth, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring stew to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Butternut Squash and Quinoa Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of warm spices, creamy butternut squash, and nutty quinoa. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot; cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and roasted squash. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Herb-Roasted Turkey and Wild Mushroom Stew
A hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of roasted turkey with the earthy tones of wild mushrooms, all in one pot. This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a relaxing weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-5 lb) whole turkey breast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried sage
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the turkey in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid.
5. Add the mushrooms, garlic, and onion around the turkey.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine.
7. Roast the turkey for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the stew.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Smoked Paprika and Sweet Corn Stew
A warm and comforting stew perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of corn with the smoky depth of smoked paprika. Perfect as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) sweet corn, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the red bell pepper; cook an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the sweet corn, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let stew for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Herb Beef and Potato Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the browned beef back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stew
This hearty stew combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the simplicity of a one-pot meal. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp, diced tomatoes, rice, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Stay warm this winter with these hearty stews that are sure to please. From classic beef and vegetable to spicy chorizo and bean, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 20 delicious recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of slow-cooked goodness or a flavorful and nutritious meal, these stew recipes are the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. With a range of options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and international flavors, there’s never been a better time to get cooking and cozy up with a warm and satisfying bowl of stew.
Leave a Reply