12 Warming and Hearty Stew Recipes

When the weather calls for comfort and deep, satisfying flavors, a hearty stew is often the perfect answer. These twelve stew recipes offer a range of delicious options, from slow-cooked classics to vibrant, internationally inspired dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and meaty, a lighter seafood option, or a wholesome plant-based meal, you’ll find a stew here that promises warmth and a delicious dinner.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

1. Slow-Simmered Beef and Potato Stew

Tender chunks of beef chuck are cooked slowly with carrots, russet potatoes, and pearl onions in a rich, savory beef broth. Fresh thyme and rosemary are added to the pot to enhance the deep, roasted flavors of the meat.

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2. Moroccan Spiced Lamb and Apricot Stew

Cubed lamb shoulder is braised until falling apart alongside dried apricots, chickpeas, and tomatoes. The dish is seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, creating a warming and complex flavor profile.

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3. Rustic Fisherman’s Tomato Stew

White fish fillets and shrimp are poached gently in a garlic-infused tomato broth filled with fennel and onions. This light yet satisfying meal is finished with fresh basil and served alongside crusty bread.

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4. Hearty Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

This robust plant-based dish features green lentils and chunks of sweet potato simmered in vegetable stock until soft. Fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice are stirred in at the end for brightness and texture.

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5. Creamy Chicken and Herb Dumpling Stew

Shredded chicken breast is combined with celery and carrots in a thick, creamy base thickened with heavy cream. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits infused with parsley are steamed directly on top of the simmering liquid.

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6. West African Peanut Chicken Stew

Chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy, savory sauce made from peanut butter, tomato paste, and chicken stock. Ginger, garlic, and collard greens are added to create a rich and distinctively nutty flavor.

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7. Spicy Korean Beef and Tofu Stew

Thinly sliced beef and soft tofu are simmered rapidly in a broth seasoned with gochugaru chili flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Zucchini and green onions provide a fresh crunch to balance the heat of the soup.

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8. Braised Beef and Barley Stew

Hearty cuts of beef roast and pearl barley are cooked together until the grains are plump and the meat is tender. The barley naturally thickens the beef stock, resulting in a substantial and filling texture.

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9. Turkey Sausage and White Bean Stew

Slices of smoked turkey sausage are simmered with creamy cannellini beans, chopped kale, and diced tomatoes. The broth is seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs for a comforting and high-protein dinner.

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10. Provencal Vegetable Ratatouille Stew

Eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are stewed together slowly in a thick tomato sauce seasoned with fresh thyme and bay leaves. This vegetable-heavy dish concentrates the flavors of the produce into a rich, cohesive meal.

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11. Mushroom and Wild Rice Stew

Earthy cremini and shiitake mushrooms are sautéed and then simmered with nutty wild rice and vegetable broth. A splash of cream and fresh sage round out the flavors for a woodsy and satisfying vegetarian option.

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12. Coconut Curry Shrimp Stew

Plump shrimp are simmered in a rich coconut milk broth spiced with turmeric, ginger, and red curry paste. Bell peppers and snap peas are added briefly to retain a crisp texture against the creamy sauce.

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