12 Hearty Stew Recipes to Warm Your Soul

Stews are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up any day with rich, satisfying flavors. From classic beef and chicken stews to creative vegetarian and international-inspired recipes, these dishes are full of hearty ingredients and bold tastes. Whether you’re cooking in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this roundup offers easy-to-follow recipes that turn simple ingredients into nourishing, crowd-pleasing meals.

Oven Meatball Stew

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Tender meatballs simmer in a rich, savory broth filled with vegetables. Tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes add texture and heartiness. Herbs and spices enhance the flavor without overwhelming the meatballs. Each spoonful is comforting and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Oven Meatball Stew

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.

This French classic features beef slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms and smoky bacon. Onions and carrots add subtle sweetness to the rich sauce. The long cooking time develops a deep, layered flavor. It’s elegant yet rustic, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Stewed with Mushrooms, Red Wine and Bacon

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Two bowls of baked beans stew with vegetables and bay leaves sit on a striped cloth next to empty white bowls. — xr:d:DAF6mFsObGs:54,j:7118355608479391490,t:24012314

Mushrooms and lentils create a hearty base with a meaty texture. Carrots, celery, and spices give the stew warmth and depth. Tomato and vegetable broth enhance the richness of flavors. It’s a stew full of substance and satisfying taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil 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.

Beef chunks braise in Guinness for a dark, flavorful sauce. Onions, carrots, and potatoes make it a filling, classic meal. Herbs and seasonings balance the richness of the stout. Each bite offers a blend of deep, robust flavors.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew

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

A medley of vegetables simmers in a savory broth until tender. Potatoes, carrots, and green beans give it substance and color. Herbs infuse the dish with aromatic notes. It’s a simple, wholesome stew full of comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable 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.

Chickpeas and vegetables swim in a creamy coconut curry sauce. Spices give it warmth and a gentle kick. It’s a vibrant stew with layered flavors. Every bite offers a rich, satisfying experience.
Get the Recipe: Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

A plate of cooked okra, tomatoes, and eggplant garnished with fresh parsley. — Stewed Okra & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender okra combines with tomatoes in a simple, tangy stew. Onions, garlic, and seasonings build a fragrant base. The okra thickens the sauce slightly for a rich texture. It’s a dish that feels rustic and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

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

Beef cubes cook quickly in an Instant Pot with paprika and vegetables. Potatoes and carrots absorb the bold flavors. The sauce is rich, thick, and perfectly spiced. It’s a convenient twist on a classic Hungarian dish.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew in a white pot served with a spoon. — Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and onions simmer slowly for hours. The broth thickens naturally, coating every ingredient. Herbs enhance the deep, savory flavors. This stew is consistently hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

A bowl of vegetable soup with chunks of sweet potato and tomatoes, placed on a wooden surface next to a red napkin and a spoon. — The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This vegetable-forward stew combines beans, root vegetables, and greens in a flavorful broth. Tomato and herbs provide richness and complexity. Every bite offers a medley of textures and tastes. It’s a filling stew that satisfies without meat.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

Instant Pot Tuscan Beef Stew

Beef, tomatoes, and Italian herbs create a rich, savory stew. Beans and vegetables add texture and substance. The Instant Pot makes it faster without losing flavor. Each serving bursts with a balance of herbs and hearty ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tuscan Beef Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Chicken pieces simmer with vegetables in a savory broth. Carrots, celery, and potatoes make it filling. The pressure cooker reduces cooking time while keeping flavors rich. It’s a comforting, easy stew with tender meat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew