18 Stews With Bold Flavor and Low Fuss

Stew isn’t one style; it’s a method. These recipes go from long-simmered classics to fast builds made in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop with the same goal in mind: depth, texture, and something that fills a bowl without falling apart. Some lean meat-heavy, like Guinness beef or Cajun meatballs, others hold bold flavor through spices, lentils, chickpeas, or slow-cooked vegetables. You’ll find red wine braises, coconut curries, and brothy chickpea bases that feel more layered than anything from a can. Whether it’s ladled over rice, spooned into potatoes, or eaten straight from the pot, these stews hit with more than just heat—they hold flavor, stay thick, and land strong from the first bite to the bottom of the bowl.

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes. — Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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Chunks of beef pressure‑cooked with apple cider, onions, and herbs until the meat is tender and the sauce is syrupy with cider sweetness. The Instant Pot speeds things up while keeping texture intact. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes last so they stay intact. Finish with fresh thyme and serve with a side of steamed greens.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Chicken Potato Stew

A bowl of soup with chicken and green onions. — Chicken Potato Stew. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Bone‑in or boneless chicken pieces cooked with diced potatoes, onion, and a light broth for a hearty but gentle stew. The potatoes fall apart slightly and thicken the broth naturally. You’ll finish with parsley or lemon to lift the flavor at the end. Perfect for a weeknight when you want something warm without heavy prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Cajun Meatball Stew

A bowl of rice and meatball stew with vegetables, served with a spoon, placed on a green checkered cloth. — Cajun Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Spicy meatballs seasoned with Cajun spices swim in a tomato‑and‑okra based stew that’s bold and comforting. The vegetables soften and the sauce thickens as it simmers, coating each meatball in flavor. A splash of hot sauce or green onion at the end adds brightness. Spoon over rice or serve with garlic bread to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Meatball Stew

Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Stewed with Mushrooms, Red Wine and Bacon

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with beef stew containing carrots, mushrooms, onions, and garnished with herbs. — Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Stewed with Mushrooms, Red Wine and Bacon. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Beef stewed in red wine with mushrooms, bacon lardons, and aromatic herbs until the sauce reduces and the meat melts in your mouth. The mushrooms and bacon add earthy and smoky layers around the beef. Serve with boiled potatoes or egg noodles to hold the sauce. A French classic done in one deep, slow pot.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Stewed with Mushrooms, Red Wine and Bacon

Vegetable Beef Stew

A bowl of beef and vegetable soup with chunks of beef, carrots, tomatoes, and herbs, placed on a marble surface with parsley and a green cloth in the background. — Vegetable Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Classic beef stew with generous chunks of carrot, celery, potatoes, and beef in a savory broth that reduces slightly to coat every piece. The vegetables and meat stay distinct and maintain texture. Season simply with thyme and bay leaf for clarity. Serve in big bowls with salt and pepper to finish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Stew

Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

A bowl of pasta soup with chickpeas, kale, shredded cheese, and herbs, served with a spoon on a plate; grated cheese is visible on the side. — Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Pasta cooked in a chickpea‑rich tomato broth where the chickpeas and pasta both soak up the flavor and carry texture. Herbs and garlic keep it sharp, while the tomatoes soften into a light stew. Serve with grated pecorino or parmesan. It’s hearty, comforting, and doesn’t rely on meat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew

A cast iron pan filled with meatballs, potatoes, peas, and creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream. — Creamy Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Meatballs poached or simmered in a creamy broth with vegetables and herbs until tender and sauced. The creaminess smooths out the texture while the meatballs remain firm. Serve with crusty bread or rice. A comfort stew that leans rich without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Italian Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with carrots and herbs served over creamy polenta, accompanied by a slice of bread on the side. — Italian Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Beef simmered with tomatoes, red wine, Italian herbs, and beans or pasta until everything is tender and the sauce thickens. The flavors meld but each ingredient still holds. Serve with bread to soak up the sauce. A stew that bridges comfort and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef Stew

Guinness Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in a thick brown gravy sits on a table with a spoon and napkin nearby. — Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Beef chunks braised in Guinness stout with mushrooms, carrots, and onions until the sauce is dark, rich, and thick. The stout adds depth and a slight bitterness that balances the meat. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up every drop. This one leans hearty and full‑meal.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Butter Bean Stew

A bowl filled with a stew of white beans, pearl pasta, and diced ham, with a spoon in the dish. Parsley leaves are on the table next to the bowl. — Butter Bean Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Large butter beans cooked in a savory tomato base with spinach or kale, garlic, and herbs until creamy and firm. The beans hold their shape while the sauce reduces slightly. Serve with crusty bread or rice. A vegetarian option that still feels filling and bold.
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean Stew

Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Two baked potatoes topped with shredded cheese, chunks of meat in sauce, and fresh cilantro are served on a white plate with a blue floral pattern. — Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef stew cooked in red wine until deep in flavor, then spooned into baked potatoes for a mash‑and‑fill finish. The meat stays tender and the potato baking adds a crisp exterior to hold the filling. Top with cheese or scallions as optional finish. A twist on classic stew that doubles as a loaded potato.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

A bowl of creamy soup with chickpeas, tomatoes, and leafy greens sits on a white surface next to a bowl of raw greens and a striped napkin. — Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Chickpeas simmered in coconut milk with curry spices, tomatoes, and greens until thick and creamy. The sauce coats the chickpeas and vegetables like a curry‑steW hybrid. Serve with rice or naan for soaking up the sauce. Vegan‑friendly but rich enough to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

A pot of chickpea stew with a ladle, served in a bowl topped with yogurt and parsley, with pita bread and herbs on a rustic wooden table. — Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender lamb pieces cooked with green or brown lentils, warm spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon) and tomatoes until the lentils melt into the sauce. The flavors build in layers and the lamb holds texture without drying out. Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Serve in bowls with a dollop of yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

A bowl of soup with a spoon. — Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Beef cubes simmered alongside sweet potato chunks, taking on some of their sweetness while the beef holds savory depth. The sweet potato rounds out the meat and adds natural color. Finish with a splash of balsamic or red wine to sharpen it slightly. Serve with a green salad for balance.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)

A red pot filled with beef stew containing chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, peas, and herbs in a broth, sitting on a wooden surface. — Lamb Stew (Irish Stew). Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Chunks of lamb simmered with potatoes, onion, and thyme until the meat is tender and the broth slightly thickens from the potato‑starch. The dish remains simple, letting the lamb take front seat. Serve with soda bread or crusty roll. A stew that’s straightforward and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)

Misir Wot – Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

A plate of spongy injera bread topped with a serving of orange lentil stew, with additional injera on the side. — Misir Wot – Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Red lentils cooked with onions, garlic, and berbere spice until the mixture thickens into a rich, reddish stew. A fragrant, spiced dish that holds texture without turning mushy. Serve over injera or rice to soak up the sauce fully. A vegetarian‑forward stew that still brings deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot – Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Cowboy Stew

A large pot of hearty stew with sausage, ground meat, potatoes, corn, beans, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes, with a wooden spoon in the pot. Cornbread is visible in the background. — Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Beef or pork chunks, beans, corn, and spice all simmered together into a bold, one‑pot stew that holds up at room temperature too. The hearty ingredients mean you don’t need sides. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread. A back porch style dish built for flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Brown Stew Chicken

A pot of braised chicken stew with vegetables and garnished with chopped green onions, placed on a wooden surface next to rice and beans. — Brown Stew Chicken. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Chicken pieces marinated and browned, then simmered in a spiced brown stew sauce with vegetables until tender and aromatic. The sauce reduces and clings to the chicken. Serve with rice or flatbread to absorb the liquid. Caribbean‑inspired and firm in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Brown Stew Chicken