35 Comforting Stew Recipes to make this Winter (2024)

When the weather gets cold, it’s the perfect time to cook a batch of stew. Add some of these comforting stew recipes to your meal plan this winter!

One of my favorite meals to cook during the cold winter months is stew. It’s so easy to just chop the ingredients, throw it all into a pot, and let it go!

Now that we have a pressure cooker, it’s easier to make stew than before since it’s so much faster. But whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, in a pressure cooker, or using a crockpot, you’ll find some wonderfully comforting stew recipes here.

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What’s the difference between a soup and a stew?

Soups and stews are typically made of the same combination of ingredients (meat, vegetables, and liquid), soup has a thinner broth. Stews tend to be heartier, with chunky pieces of food, and a lot less liquid.

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What’s the best way to cook a stew?

Traditionally, stews are made on the stove top in a heavy duty stockpot. They cook on low for hours, make the whole house smell fantastic!

Stove top stew recipes also cook well in a crockpot or slow cooker. This allows you to leave the house and not mind the stove top (yay!).

With the popularity of pressure cookers, it is so much faster to make stew for a busy weeknight! Meats cooked in the pressure cooker are so tender, and it all cooks up in minutes compared to hours on the stovetop.

So what’s the best way? That depends on what time you have for cooking. Most recipes transfer well between devices. Just remember that the pressure cooker or Instant Pot does not need as much liquid, so you should reduce it from the stovetop recipe.

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How to thicken a stew?

If a recipe doesn’t already call for a thickener, you have a few options for making your stew’s broth more hearty. This is the last step, after all the meat and vegetables have cooked.

Just take a few tablespoons of cornstarch, thoroughly mix in a small bowl with a little water, and stir into the broth while it boils. If you’re eating gluten-free, check to be sure the cornstarch is GF, or just use xanthan gum instead.

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What are some sides to serve with stew?

I think of most stews as a full meal, since you have protein, vegetables and a carb. But when I’m trying to stretch a meal for hungry teens, I like to serve a green salad and rolls on the side.

If you’re eating low-carb, choose a stew that doesn’t include the carbs in the recipe. Then, you can serve it over rice in a bowl. I do this often so that my husband and I can measure our carbs while the kids load up.

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If you prefer soups…

I have many family-friendly soup recipes as well:

  • Ginger Chicken Soup – a more flavorful variety of traditional chicken soup
  • Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup – a vegan option that is very frugal
  • – a creamy, chunky bowl of comfort
  • Sausage Lentil Soup – using delicous chicken sausage
  • Vegetable Ground Beef Soup – like little meatballs!

35 Comforting Stew Recipes to Make This Winter

Below are the best stew recipes you can try this winter! Perfect for the cold season.

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Mexican Beef Stew Recipe

Our spicy beef stew recipe is mild enough for kids but a new take on traditional beef stew.

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Photo Credit:moneywisemoms.com

If you've never tried cooking stew, this simple Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe will make it easy for you. We make this crockpot stew often during the winter months.

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Super Easy Fish Stew Recipe

Photo Credit:www.faithfilledfoodformoms.com

Do you all love fish? Do you hate fish? Well I’ve got a super easy Fish Stew recipe that will knock your socks off and if you are not so fond of fish, you soon will be!

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Crock Pot Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

Photo Credit:www.tammileetips.com

Delicious vegetarian Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew made with grated sweet potatoes, onions, celery, and vegetable broth. This sweet potato stew is super easy to make and tastes amazing.

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Quick And Easy Instant Pot Venison Stew

Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

This quick and easy Instant Pot Venison Stew is the perfect comforting and filling dinner that requires minimal prep. This rich stew is full of gorgeous flavors with a secret ingredient that makes it all come together.

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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Photo Credit:centslessdeals.com

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is a quick and hearty meal your family will love. Tender meat, creamy potatoes, and the rich thick broth are so delicious!

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German Onion Soup

Photo Credit:www.kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

German Onion Soup has plenty of caramelized onions, beer, bratwurst, and pretzel roll croutons.

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Slow Cooker Moroccan Inspired Chicken Stew

Photo Credit:www.livinglou.com

Make slow cooker Moroccan inspired chicken stew for dinner with this easy recipe with chicken breasts, sweet potatoes and carrots cooked all in the crockpot.

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Campfire Stew - 4 Ways

Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

Campfire Stew is a hearty, flavourful and meaty stew that can be easily made on a campfire or in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven. Learn how to make Campfire Stew 4 ways in this post.

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Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Farro

Photo Credit:www.cookincanuck.com

Dig into this Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Farro for a dose of whole grains and lean protein. Stovetop instructions included.

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Lamb Stew

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Lamb Stew is a delicious and satisfying recipe with tender chunks of lamb, potatoes and carrots. Springtime is the time to bust out all those spring holiday traditions and nothing says tradition like an Irish Stew.

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Crock Pot Guinness Chicken Stew

Photo Credit:dizzybusyandhungry.com

This Crock Pot Guinness Chicken Stew is a new twist on a traditional favorite. If you’re looking for a delicious St. Patrick’s Day dinner that is easy and tasty, but not the typical Guinness beef stew, you’ve found your solution.

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Instant Pot Pork Cataplana

Photo Credit:recipethis.com

Instant Pot Pork Cataplana. Served throughout the Algarve to both tourists and locals as an alternative to the traditional seafood cataplana. Loaded with red peppers, tomatoes, piri piri seasoning and tender chunks of pork.

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Lazy Sunday Pork & Vegetable Stew

Photo Credit:www.mashupmom.com

Packed with potatoes, veggies, and tender chunks of pork, this flavor-packed Lazy Sunday Pork & Vegetable Stew is just the right comfort food for a cooler fall or winter’s day.

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Italian beef stew Archives

Photo Credit:www.dearcreatives.com

Today I’m sharing an easy recipe for Italian Beef Stew. It’s one of the easy crockpot recipes I enjoy making.

Beef and Butternut Squash Stew

Photo Credit:www.deliciousmeetshealthy.com

Beef and butternut squash stew is a quick and easy winter comfort food – perfect for all you butternut squash lovers out there.

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Instant Pot Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Photo Credit:www.simplyhappyfoodie.com

Instant Pot Moroccan Chickpea Stew is one of my family’s all time favorite Instant Pot soup recipes! If you love lots of flavor and also want a healthy meal, make this Pressure Cooker chickpea stew. It is so easy, and so good!

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Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet and Sour Cauliflower

Photo Credit:www.rhubarbarians.com

Spiced lentil stew with sweet and sour cauliflower recipe! A delicious, healthy, and hearty vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Vegetarian, and easily adapted to a vegan and/0r gluten free diet.

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Beef Satay Stew with Sweet Potato Rice

Photo Credit:paleoglutenfreeguy.com

Beef Satay Stew has tender beef coated in a creamy, Asian-style satay sauce for a fun, unique dinner!

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WW Chicken Sausage Stew

Photo Credit:www.midlifehealthyliving.com

WW chicken sausage stew is a hearty dinner recipe that is great for meal prep. This delicious healthy chicken sausage stew is quick and easy! Don’t miss out on any of these Weight Watchers chicken recipes!

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Venison Stew Recipe for Cold Winter Days

Photo Credit:gluesticksgumdrops.com

If you’re looking for a hearty meal on a cold fall or winter day, this venison stew recipe really hits the spot!

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Guinness Beef Stew

Photo Credit:www.bakingbeauty.net

My Guinness Beef Stew features tender meat in a savory broth. It is topped with a crunchy cheesy baguette. This comfort food can be made on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

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Irish Coddle - Sausage and Potato Stew

Photo Credit:foodal.com

Irish Coddle is one of these tasty stews that should be in the repertoire of any home cook.

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Beef Stew Recipe

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

This Beef Stew Recipe is perfect for the colder weather! Tender beef is simmered in beef broth with potatoes, onions, celery, peas, and carrots until melt in your mouth tender. It’s comfort food heaven.

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Old Fashioned Split Pea Soup with Bacon

Photo Credit:littlehousebigalaska.com

A hearty Old Fashioned Split Pea Soup is just about the best way to get through any cold weather. Thick and hearty, warm, and filling this soup makes you warm all the way to your toes.

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Pacific Oyster Stew

Photo Credit:www.simplyhappyfoodie.com

Pacific Oyster Stew is rich and buttery. A simple and delicious way to enjoy oysters.

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Jamaican Oxtail Stew with Butter Beans

Photo Credit:thatgirlcookshealthy.com

This fall-off-the-bone Jamaican Oxtail Stew braised with butter beans, gravy and classic Jamaican spices simmers away on the stovetop or slow cooker. Serve this mouthwatering meal for any special occasion.

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Comforting Carnitas Stew

Photo Credit:www.mashupmom.com

This quintessential comfort food it is full of hearty beans & pork enlivened by bursts of crisp-tender sweetness from the corn and bell pepper

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Best Ever Beef Stew

Photo Credit:www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com

This Best Ever Beef Stew is a perfectly seasoned, comforting, hearty dish full of tender beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and savory broth! Your family will come running for dinner!

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Rustic Chicken Slow Cooker Stew

Photo Credit:whoneedsacape.com

Rustic Chicken Slow Cooker Stew, a hearty dish that the whole family will enjoy. Tender chicken, carrots, potatoes in a thick sauce, the perfect combination.

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Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Photo Credit:moneywisemoms.com

Stuffed pepper soup is an easy weeknight dinner. You can easily make this great family friendly dinner from pre-cooked ingredients.

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Instant Pot Cioppino Seafood Stew

Photo Credit:twosleevers.com

Make this Cioppino Seafood Stew in your Instant Pot for a simple stew that is bursting with flavor! This seafood stew is rich and loaded with seafood and veggies. It's very filling with a small serving, while still being light.

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Hearty, Delicious Mushroom Stew

Photo Credit:delightfuladventures.com

A quick and easy vegan mushroom stew that’s hearty, and of course, delicious! This vegan stew will surely become a new favourite AND it can be made in your Instant Pot or on the stove top.

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West African Groundnut Spicy Chicken Soup

Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

West African Groundnut Spicy Chicken Soup is thick, fragrant and comforting soup/stew. If you like peanuts and chicken, you’ll love the wonderful flavour combination of groundnut soup, an easy West African peanut soup recipe.

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Onepot Vietnamese Beef Stew

Photo Credit:www.supergoldenbakes.com

Are you looking for a beef recipe that’s a bit more interesting than your regular ol’ stew? This highly aromatic Vietnamese Beef Stew will quickly become your favourite comfort food.

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Gluten Free Cajun Shrimp Stew

Photo Credit:asprinklingofcayenne.com

Growing up, my mom made Cajun shrimp stew like two to three times per month. It was one of her usual dinner dishes that tasted even better when she used fresh shrimp that my dad caught over the weekend.

35 Comforting Stew Recipes to make this Winter (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good beef stew? ›

The best beef stews are made with the right cut of meat, like chuck roast, brisket or round. Leaner cuts (which are good for the grill) lack the connective tissue that turns into gelatin as it cooks. That keeps the meat juicy and tender while also thicken and enriching the stew.

What can I add to stew to make it tasty? ›

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

How to make stew nice and thick? ›

The flour helps to thicken a stew as it cooks. Whisk a teaspoon of flour in a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the stew as it's cooking. Don't add dry flour directly to the stew as it may clump. After adding the slurry, bring the stew to boil.

What are two dishes that are traditionally stewed? ›

From chicken and dumplings to slow-cooked beef stew and bourguignon, these recipes are pure comfort food.

What gives beef stew the best flavor? ›

The demi glace adds so much flavor to the stew; one that your traditional beef broth or stock really can't beat. However; if you don't want to buy demi-glace and don't have any on hand – you can substitute some Swanson Flavor Boost edit: It seems as if many of you can no longer find the Swanson Flavor Boost.

What is the most flavorful meat for stew? ›

For example, chuck is a lean and tender cut of beef that works well in stew. However, if you would prefer a thicker and more flavorful stew, short ribs or oxtail may be better choices for you. To make a delicious stew, choose good-quality ingredients.

Why put tomato paste in beef stew? ›

A bit of tomato paste amps up the flavor of beef stew, giving it a richness and a punch of umami that makes the stew truly memorable.

How do you fix a tasteless stew? ›

Personally I would add as many aromatics and flavor enhancing substances that I like. If the stew is already finished, then you can sauté onions, garlic peppers, celery and carrots then add them to the stew. I would also add some herbs and finally salt and pepper to taste.

What does adding milk to stew do? ›

People add milk to soups for several reasons: To add creaminess: Milk can add a creamy texture to soups, making them feel more luxurious and comforting. To balance flavors: Milk can help to tone down the acidity in soups, making them more palatable.

Should beef stew be thick or soupy? ›

Even the best home cook has stared down into a simmering pot of stew and realized it looked more like soup! Sure, a bowl of soup can be comforting, but a true stew in all its glory should be rich and thick in consistency.

What is the best thickening agent for stew? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

Is it better to thicken beef stew with flour or cornstarch? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour.

What are the four great stews? ›

The Four Great Stews refers to a very large number of stews, including chicken, duck, seafood, beef, and mutton.

What is the oldest perpetual stew? ›

In Japan, the restaurant Otaf*cku in the Asakusa district of Tokyo serves a stew called oden, which has been replenished constantly since 1945. The only reason it doesn't date back until 1916, when the restaurant opened, is said to be because that soup was lost in a World War II air raid.

What is the most popular stew in the world? ›

Beef Stew. Beef stew is a classic, hearty dish that is popular all over the world. It is made by slow-cooking chunks of beef with vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes in a savory broth. This dish is a staple in many households and is often served during the colder months.

How to make the perfect beef stew and the common mistakes to avoid? ›

The Five Most Common Beef Stew Mistakes
  1. Choosing a meat that's too lean. Stew is not meant for all cuts of meat. ...
  2. Putting too much flour on the stew meat before sautéeing them. ...
  3. Not using wine. ...
  4. Putting the meat and vegetables together in one pan. ...
  5. Not cooking it enough.
Jun 28, 2020

How do you cook beef stew meat so it's tender? ›

Dust the beef with flour and shake off the excess. Add some oil to the pot and sear the meat until it is well browned. Add 1.5 cups of beef broth and 1 LBS of stew meat into an InstantPot and pressure cook for 20 minutes (with quick release). Meat will be superbly tender, juicy, and delicious.

What is the basic stew formula? ›

The Ideal Stew Ratio: Two Parts Meat, One Part Vegetable

Most meat-based stews call for tough, inexpensive cuts of meat, while vegetarian recipes include the same onions, carrots, and celery typical of a beef stew. Two parts meat to one part vegetables is the perfect ratio for a meaty stew.

How do you make beef more flavorful? ›

Beef tastes great when seasoned with oregano, rosemary, sage, garlic or a combination of these seasonings.

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