25 Hearty Stews to Warm You Up, From Classic Comfort to Global Flavors

Nothing says comfort food like a simmering pot of stew, and with the help of a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven, these recipes make it easy to enjoy rich, flavorful meals with minimal effort. From traditional beef stews and creamy meatball versions to international favorites like Boeuf Bourguignon, Chinese braised beef, and curry coconut chickpea stew, this roundup offers something for every taste and occasion. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep that lasts all week, these stews are guaranteed to become staples in your kitchen.

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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Beef simmers in apple cider with root vegetables. The cider adds a subtle sweetness that complements savory spices. Potatoes and carrots absorb the rich broth. The stew is hearty and flavorful with tender chunks of beef.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and corn, garnished with herbs. A spoon rests in the bowl, and a cloth napkin is nearby on a wooden plate. — Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tender beef cooks with sweet potatoes in a savory broth. Aromatics like onions and garlic enhance the flavor. The sweet potatoes soften while keeping their shape. Each bite balances savory meat with lightly sweet vegetables.
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.

Beef simmers with paprika and vegetables in a rich broth. The paprika adds warmth and depth. Onions, peppers, and potatoes cook until tender. The stew is vibrant in flavor with a slightly smoky undertone.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

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

Beef braises slowly in red wine with mushrooms and bacon. The wine tenderizes the meat while infusing deep flavors. Mushrooms add an earthy richness. The bacon imparts smoky notes, creating a luxurious, savory dish.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Stewed with Mushrooms, Red Wine and Bacon

Brown Stew Chicken

Chicken simmers with brown sugar, spices, and vegetables. The sugar caramelizes slightly for a rich color. Tomatoes and peppers create a flavorful base. Each piece of chicken is tender and coated in a thick, savory sauce.
Get the Recipe: Brown Stew Chicken

Butter Bean Stew

Butter beans cook slowly with vegetables and aromatic seasonings. The beans absorb the broth for a soft, creamy texture. Carrots, celery, and onions add subtle crunch. The stew has a hearty, comforting flavor throughout.
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 meatballs cook with peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Cajun seasonings bring warmth and complexity. The broth is savory and slightly smoky. Vegetables remain tender and the meatballs are juicy in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Meatball Stew

Chicken Potato Stew

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

Chicken and potatoes simmer with aromatic vegetables. Carrots and celery soften in the rich broth. The meat remains tender and flavorful. The stew is simple, filling, and warming.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe

A plate of braised beef and potatoes served on white rice, garnished with chopped green onions and a dried red chili. — Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Beef braises with daikon radish and soy-based seasonings. The daikon absorbs the savory broth while staying firm. Aromatics like ginger and garlic enhance the depth of flavor. The beef becomes meltingly tender with a rich, umami taste.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe

Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

A mix of seafood simmers in a tomato and wine broth. Clams, shrimp, and fish release natural flavors into the soup. Garlic, fennel, and herbs add complexity. Each spoonful offers a taste of the sea with a rich, comforting broth.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

Classic Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Beef and vegetables cook slowly in a deep, flavorful broth. Potatoes and carrots absorb the richness of the meat. Onions and herbs create a balanced flavor. The stew is hearty with tender meat and softened vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Classic Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Cowboy Stew

A pot of mixed vegetable and sausage stew with corn, beans, potatoes, and herbs, accompanied by sliced cornbread on the side. — Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef, beans, and vegetables cook together in a smoky tomato broth. Peppers and onions add texture. The meat becomes tender while the beans hold their shape. Each bite is bold and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew

Meatballs cook in a creamy broth with vegetables. Potatoes and carrots soften while absorbing flavor. The sauce is thick and rich. The stew is satisfying and comforting in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Chickpeas simmer with coconut milk and curry spices. Vegetables soften and absorb the rich broth. The curry spices create warmth and depth. The stew is creamy and lightly spiced, perfect for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls. — Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef cooks with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a savory broth. The meat becomes tender while vegetables soak up flavor. Garlic and herbs deepen the taste. The stew is simple but full of hearty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Easy One Pot Stewed Potatoes

Potatoes cook with vegetables and seasonings in a single pot. The potatoes soften while remaining intact. Carrots and onions add natural sweetness and texture. The broth is flavorful and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Stewed Potatoes

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Lentils cook with vegetables and spices until tender. Onions, carrots, and celery contribute texture and flavor. The stew is thick and filling. Each spoonful offers a hearty, savory taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef cooks slowly with root vegetables in a savory broth. Potatoes and carrots absorb the rich flavors. Herbs enhance the taste without overwhelming. The beef becomes tender, creating a comforting stew.
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.

A variety of vegetables cook together in a flavorful broth. Carrots, potatoes, and beans add texture. Aromatics like garlic and herbs deepen the flavor. The stew is hearty and satisfying without meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

A white bowl filled with a stew featuring pieces of organ meat stew, garnished with fresh parsley. — Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Organ meats simmer slowly with root vegetables and herbs. The broth carries deep, rich flavors. Vegetables soften while adding texture. The stew is robust, comforting, and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

Guinness Beef Stew

Beef braises in Guinness beer with onions and carrots. The beer adds richness and subtle bitterness. The meat becomes meltingly tender. The stew is bold, hearty, and full of deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

A bowl of beef stew with mushrooms and sauce served over mashed potatoes, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. — Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef and mushrooms cook quickly under pressure with a savory broth. Mushrooms release earthy flavors while the beef becomes tender. Onions and garlic add aromatic depth. The stew is rich and comforting in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef and vegetables cook rapidly in a flavorful broth. Potatoes and carrots absorb the seasoning. Onions and herbs enhance the taste. The meat becomes tender, creating a hearty stew.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Chicken simmers quickly with potatoes, carrots, and celery. The broth is flavorful and savory. Vegetables soften while remaining distinct. Each bite offers tender chicken and warming flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

An Instant Pot recipe featuring a spoonful of chicken and squash soup. — Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken and squash cook under pressure in a lightly spiced broth. Squash becomes soft but retains shape. Carrots and onions add texture. The stew is savory and slightly sweet from the squash.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash