20 Hearty and Comforting Stews You’ll Want to Try This Winter

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of stew. Whether you’re craving beef, chicken, or even a hearty vegetable medley, these 21 stew recipes are perfect for warming you up during the colder months. From classic beef stews to flavorful international variations, these dishes are easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for meal prep. Grab your pot, get cozy, and dive into these comforting meals!

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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This Instant Pot Beef Stew takes a classic recipe to the next level by using apple cider. The cider adds a subtle sweetness to the rich, savory gravy, complementing the tender beef and hearty vegetables. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s ready in a fraction of the time!
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

A bowl of stew with chunks of meat, potatoes, corn, carrots, and fresh herbs, served on a wooden plate with a cloth napkin and spoon. — Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Beef and Sweet Potato Stew is the definition of comfort. With tender chunks of beef and sweet potatoes, this dish cooks easily in the crockpot, making it ideal for busy days. Let it simmer while you take care of other things, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a flavorful, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Goulash inside white casserole. — Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This hearty Beef Stew Goulash, made in the Instant Pot, is packed with rich, comforting flavors. Also known as Hungarian goulash, it’s a low-carb option that delivers tender beef in a savory sauce, and it’s so good, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

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

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

Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for something a little more sophisticated. This rich stew combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and smoky bacon, all cooked in a deep, flavorful red wine sauce.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Stewed with Mushrooms, Red Wine and Bacon

Brown Stew Chicken

A pot of stewed chicken with vegetables and sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, sits on a wooden table next to a bowl of rice and beans. — Brown Stew Chicken. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

Take your tastebuds on a trip to Jamaica with this simple yet flavorful Brown Stew Chicken. It’s easy to prepare, and the bold seasoning creates a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Brown Stew Chicken

Butter Bean Stew

A close-up of a bowl filled with bean and sausage soup, featuring white beans, sausage pieces, small pasta, and broth, with a spoon resting in the bowl. Parsley is nearby. — Butter Bean Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This Butter Bean Stew is the perfect hearty meal for a cozy evening. The tender beans and savory broth make it an easy-to-make dish that’s both filling and comforting. Plus, it’s a great vegetarian option!
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean 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, savory, and absolutely delicious, this Cajun Meatball Stew is packed with bold flavors and rich spices. It’s easy to make, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Meatball Stew

Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with chunks of braised beef, yellow potatoes, chopped green onions, and a whole dried red chili. — Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Chinese Braised Beef Stew with Daikon is a perfect example of simple yet delicious comfort food. The tender beef and daikon are braised in a flavorful broth infused with aromatic spices, creating a satisfying and savory stew.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe

Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

A bowl of seafood stew with shrimp, mussels, and clams in tomato broth, garnished with herbs, served with toasted bread, lemon wedges, and a glass of white wine. — Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

If you’re a seafood fan, this Cioppino recipe is a must-try. This hearty Italian fisherman’s stew combines a variety of seafood in a tomato-based broth, offering a taste of the ocean in every bite. It’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

Classic Dutch Oven Beef Stew

This Dutch Oven Beef Stew is a classic for a reason. Slow-cooked beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth make this stew a perfect comfort meal. It’s a great recipe for a cozy weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Cowboy Stew

A large pot of chunky stew with sausage, ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, peas, carrots, and tomatoes, with a wooden spoon resting inside. Cornbread is visible in the background. — Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Full of flavor and hearty ingredients, Cowboy Stew is the perfect dish for cold nights. This one-pot recipe is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with cornbread for a filling, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew

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

Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this Creamy Meatball Stew is an absolute comfort food favorite. With tender meatballs in a creamy broth, this stew is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

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

This Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew is bursting with flavors inspired by Southeast Asia. Coconut milk, curry, and chickpeas come together to create a rich, creamy stew that’s both satisfying and vegan-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Easy Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a thick tomato-based broth, served on a white surface with a spoon nearby. — Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A classic that never disappoints, this Easy Beef Stew is simple to make and full of comforting flavors. It’s the perfect dish for a quick and hearty dinner, especially when you need something filling and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

A close-up of a vegetable stew with yellow squash, leafy greens, broccoli, and purple rice in a white bowl with a spoon. — Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew is healthy, flavorful, and filling. With turmeric and other spices, this vegetarian stew is a great option for a nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow-cooked to perfection, this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is as hands-off as it gets. Let the slow cooker do all the work and come home to a rich, comforting meal that’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots. — Easy Vegetable Stew . Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for a lighter, veggie-packed option, this Easy Vegetable Stew is a perfect choice. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables and full of savory goodness, making it a great option for a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Guinness Beef Stew

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

This Guinness Beef Stew is the perfect dish for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful meal. The rich flavor of Guinness beer adds depth to the tender beef and vegetables in this classic stew.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

This Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender beef and earthy mushrooms, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it quick and easy!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Two black bowls filled with beef stew containing chunks of beef, carrots, mushrooms, and garnished with fresh parsley on a dark background. — Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is an easy way to enjoy a comforting meal in no time. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, this stew tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, but it’s ready in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew