15 Hearty Stew Recipes Perfect for Cozy Dinners

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to make any meal feel comforting and satisfying. These stew recipes are perfect for busy days when you want big flavor without complicated steps, using simple ingredients and easy cooking methods. From slow cooker favorites to one pot and Instant Pot options, this collection brings together cozy meals that are filling, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or saving for leftovers.

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

A bowl of stew containing chunks of meat, white beans, kale, carrots, tomatoes, and broth with a spoon inside. — Slow Cooker Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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This lamb stew slowly cooks until the meat becomes tender and rich. Potatoes, carrots, and onions soak up the savory broth as it simmers. Herbs add depth without overpowering the lamb. The result is a deeply comforting dish with balanced flavors.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Turkey Stew

Three bowls of chicken stew with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and celery, garnished with herbs, placed on a white table next to a pot and gold spoons. — Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey pieces simmer in a savory broth with vegetables for a hearty meal. Carrots, potatoes, and celery add texture and substance. The broth develops a rich flavor as it cooks. It’s a satisfying way to turn simple ingredients into a filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey 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.

Lentils form a thick, hearty base in this one-pot stew. Vegetables and spices add warmth and depth. Everything cooks together for bold, blended flavors. Cleanup is minimal while the taste stays full and rich.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Italian Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with vegetables served over polenta, garnished with herbs, and accompanied by a slice of bread. — Italian Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Chunks of beef cook slowly in a tomato-based broth with Italian herbs. Onions, garlic, and vegetables add layers of flavor. The sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers. Each spoonful delivers comforting, savory notes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef Stew

Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)

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

This traditional dish combines lamb with potatoes and onions in a simple broth. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen naturally. The ingredients stay rustic and straightforward. It’s a timeless stew with a hearty feel.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Beef and mushrooms cook quickly under pressure while staying tender. The mushrooms add richness to the savory sauce. Vegetables round out the dish with texture. It’s a fast option that still tastes slow-cooked.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

A spoon holding a chunk of orange sweet potato and vegetables above a bowl of thick, yellow stew. — Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken simmers with squash in a savory broth that turns silky and rich. The squash adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture. Herbs bring balance to the dish. The Instant Pot keeps the cooking time short and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Chicken, potatoes, and vegetables cook together all day in this comforting stew. The broth becomes rich and flavorful over time. Each ingredient stays tender without falling apart. It’s an easy meal that delivers consistent results.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

A bowl of beef and vegetable soup with potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, tomatoes, and herbs, served with a spoon. — Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables make this stew hearty and filling. Tomato-based broth ties everything together. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. The slow cooker does all the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Poor Man’s 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.

This bold stew combines beef, sausage, beans, and potatoes. The broth is thick, savory, and deeply seasoned. Each bite offers a mix of textures and flavors. It’s a filling dish that feels rustic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Stewed Tomatoes

A white oval dish filled with a cooked rice and tomato mixture sits on a beige cloth, with fresh grape tomatoes scattered nearby. — Stewed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tomatoes cook down slowly with onions and seasonings. The result is soft, rich, and full of flavor. It works as a side dish or a base for other meals. Simple ingredients shine through gentle cooking.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

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.

Beef braises until tender in a deeply flavored sauce. Daikon absorbs the savory liquid while staying delicate. Aromatics add complexity without overpowering the dish. The result is rich, warming, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Braised Beef Stew With Daikon Recipe

Vegetable Beef Stew

Beef and vegetables simmer together for a balanced, hearty meal. Potatoes, carrots, and peas add color and texture. The broth thickens naturally as it cooks. Every spoonful feels filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Stew

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This stew combines beef, vegetables, and broth in a no-fuss method. Long cooking creates tender meat and deep flavor. The sauce coats each ingredient nicely. It’s a dependable dish for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

One Pot Chicken Stew

A pot of creamy chicken stew with sliced potatoes, carrots, peas, celery, and herbs, sits on a white table next to bread and pepper shakers. — One Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken cooks gently with vegetables in a single pot. The broth becomes flavorful as everything simmers together. Herbs enhance the dish without overpowering it. It’s simple, comforting, and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Stew