As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, comforting bowl of stew. The perfect winter warmer, stews are a staple of cozy nights in by the fire or snuggled up on the couch. And why choose just one recipe when you can have 20?
From classic beef bourguignon to spicy sausage and kale, we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious and comforting winter stew recipes out there. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to fuel your day or a satisfying supper to cap off the evening, these stews are sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouthwatering winter stew recipes that feature a mix of beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and even seafood options. From slow cooker recipes for busy days to more involved dishes perfect for special occasions, there’s something for everyone.
Beef and Barley Winter Stew
Warm up with this comforting winter stew, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Add barley, broth, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumpling Stew
A comforting, hearty stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 dumpling mix (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, chicken broth, milk, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the dumpling mix to the stew.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Lamb and Root Vegetable Stew
A hearty and comforting stew that combines tender lamb with a medley of root vegetables, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or ground lamb
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb or beef broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes, carrot, parsnip, sweet potato, garlic, and broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Return the lamb to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Spicy Sausage and Kale Stew
This hearty stew combines spicy sausage with the earthy flavor of kale, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup kale leaves (stems removed)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cooked sausage back into the pot.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in the kale leaves and smoked paprika. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until the kale is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Vegetable Lentil Stew with Herbs
This stew is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients. The addition of fresh herbs adds a bright and refreshing touch to this warming dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Classic Beef Bourguignon Stew
Experience the rich flavors of France with this iconic beef stew, slow-cooked in red wine and aromatic spices. This hearty dish is perfect for a cold winter’s night or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried bay leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches; remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Add red wine, broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Return beef to pot; add carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cover and transfer to oven.
5. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
6. Remove from oven; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Creamy Potato and Leek Stew
A comforting and flavorful stew perfect for a chilly evening, this creamy potato and leek dish is a hearty meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 large leeks, cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add chopped leeks and cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add diced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are slightly tender.
5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew
This hearty stew is a flavorful blend of North African spices, tender sweet potatoes, and creamy chickpeas. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a comforting lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add sweet potatoes, chickpeas, broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Hungarian Goulash Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew originating from Hungary, this classic recipe is a staple of Eastern European cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef or veal, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the stew has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Venison and Mushroom Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of tender venison, earthy mushrooms, and rich flavors. It’s an ideal comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks or ground venison
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the venison and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth, red wine, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the venison to the pot and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 1-2 hours or until the venison is tender.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
White Bean and Ham Hock Stew
This hearty stew is a classic Southern comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion. With the rich flavor of ham hocks and creamy white beans, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried white beans (such as navy or cannellini), soaked overnight and drained
– 2 pounds smoked ham hocks
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine ham hocks, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Add soaked white beans, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Shred ham hocks and return to the pot.
6. Simmer stew at a gentle bubble for an additional 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Stew
This creamy and aromatic stew is a flavorful twist on traditional Thai curry. With a blend of spices, coconut milk, and tender vegetables, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and potatoes)
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add coconut milk, mixed vegetables, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Onion Beef Stew
This classic French-inspired stew combines tender beef, caramelized onions, and rich flavors to create a comforting and satisfying meal. With its bold aroma and velvety texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced onions, garlic, and tomato paste; cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and braise for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Turkey and Wild Rice Stew
Cozy up with this comforting and flavorful stew that combines the savory taste of turkey with the nutty goodness of wild rice. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the turkey breast or thighs and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the mixed wild rice blend, chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots, and dried thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin and Black Bean Stew
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful stew, perfect for a chilly fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the pumpkin and black beans; cook for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bison and Red Wine Stew
This rich and flavorful stew is perfect for a cold winter’s night. Tender bison, slow-cooked with red wine and aromatic spices, makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bison chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the bison pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add more oil if necessary, then sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add red wine, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return bison pieces to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven. Cook at 325°F (165°C) for 2-3 hours or until tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tomato Basil Vegetable Stew
A flavorful and nutritious stew that combines fresh tomatoes, basil, and a variety of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the chopped basil leaves just before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Seafood Chowder Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the freshness of seafood with the warmth of a comforting bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 1 pound clams, rinsed
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups fish broth
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, celery, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mussels, clams, cod, potatoes, fish broth, clam juice, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Stew
This hearty stew combines the smokiness of chipotle peppers with tender chicken and a rich vegetable broth, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Return chicken to the pot; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low; let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Quinoa and Butternut Squash Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of nutritious quinoa, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic spices. Serve with a sprinkle of crispy kale for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender.
3. While quinoa cooks, toss squash with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until squash is tender.
4. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add roasted squash and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, squash mixture, and chopped kale (if using). Serve warm.
Cooking Time: About 45-50 minutes
Summary
Warm up with these 20 hearty winter stew recipes! From classic Beef Bourguignon to spicy Sausage and Kale Stew, there’s a recipe for every taste. Hearty stews like Lamb and Root Vegetable Stew and Venison and Mushroom Stew are perfect for cold winter nights. For a comforting twist, try Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumpling Stew or White Bean and Ham Hock Stew. And don’t miss the international flavors, such as Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew and Thai Coconut Curry Stew. Whether you’re craving something rich and meaty or light and veggie-packed, there’s a stew on this list for you.