10+ Stew Recipes to Warm Your Soul and Delight Your Taste Buds

Stews just hit different when you want a meal that’s warm, hearty, and easy to throw together. You can toss in vegetables, meats, or even beans—whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.

Stew recipes give you the chance to make simple, filling meals that are perfect for any time of the year.

You don’t have to be a kitchen pro to whip up a good stew. Most recipes use just one pot, which means less mess for you later.

Whether you’re after a quick fix or something that simmers all afternoon, stews always bring comfort to the table.

1) Classic Beef Stew with Red Wine

Classic beef stew is a go-to for a reason—it’s cozy, filling, and the flavors are deep but not complicated. You cook beef until it’s tender, then add carrots and potatoes in a rich red wine sauce.

The wine gives it a little something special but doesn’t make it fussy. You can simmer it on the stove or bake it in the oven, whatever you’ve got time for.

Cooler evenings pretty much beg for this kind of meal. The ingredients are basic, and the steps make sense even if you’re half-asleep.

I like it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, but honestly, it stands on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the beef on all sides, then set aside.
3. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Return beef to the pot.
6. Pour in red wine and beef broth.
7. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
8. Add carrots and potatoes.
9. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, or bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 2 hours, until beef is tender.

2) Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

This slow cooker beef stew is perfect for days when you want dinner to cook itself. Toss in beef chunks, potatoes, and carrots, and let them hang out together all day.

The veggies soak up all those good flavors while everything gets nice and tender. Garlic and onions add a little depth, and if you want, a splash of red wine or beef broth makes it richer.

Just pile everything in the slow cooker and let it go. After a few hours, your kitchen smells incredible, and the beef practically falls apart.

This stew is made for chilly days or whenever you need something warm and filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 red potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Put beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in beef broth and wine, if you’re using it. Add salt and pepper.
3. Stir gently.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
5. Give it a quick stir before serving.

3) Instant Pot Healthy Beef Stew

If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot makes a solid beef stew without much fuss. Lean beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery keep it light but still satisfying.

The Instant Pot locks in flavor and gets dinner on the table fast. Just throw everything in, set the timer, and let it do its thing.

Great for busy nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to babysit a pot. Using lean meat and fresh veggies keeps it classic but a bit healthier.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds lean beef stew meat
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and brown the beef for about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook for 2 minutes until soft.
3. Pour in beef broth, then add potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Close lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
6. Stir and serve warm.

Craving more? Peek at Instant Pot beef stew recipes on WellPlated.com.

4) Irish Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables

Irish lamb stew is pure comfort. You cook lamb slowly until it’s tender, then add root veggies like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes for flavor and heartiness.

Fresh herbs like tarragon or thyme give it a lift. Some folks add a splash of Guinness or stout for depth, but it’s optional.

Start by browning the lamb, then simmer everything together so the flavors meld and the meat gets soft.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
• 4 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 parsnips, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups beef or lamb broth
• 2 tsp fresh tarragon or thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup Guinness stout

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot, brown lamb on all sides.
3. Add onions and cook until soft.
4. Toss in potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
5. Pour in broth and Guinness, if you want.
6. Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Cover and simmer on low for 2 hours, until lamb is tender.

5) Vegetarian Black Bean Stew

Vegetarian black bean stew is simple, filling, and doesn’t skimp on flavor. You’ll use canned black beans and whatever veggies you’ve got—garlic, onion, celery, carrot, and red pepper are a good start.

Tomatoes make the base rich and hearty, so you don’t miss the meat. Beans bring the protein, and it’s easy to pull together on a weeknight.

Spice it up however you like. A pinch of chili powder or cumin adds warmth without taking over. Honestly, it’s a healthy meal you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and red pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans and tomatoes with their juice.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Looking for more? Try this Vegetarian Black Bean Stew recipe.

6) Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya Stew

Chicken and sausage jambalaya stew brings big flavor with minimal effort. You get chicken, smoked sausage, and veggies all in one pot.

Cajun spices give it a kick, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s a solid pick for a cozy dinner.

The “Holy Trinity” of Louisiana cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery—anchors the dish. Add rice to make it extra comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown chicken pieces, then set aside.
3. Add sausage and cook until browned.
4. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until soft.
5. Stir in rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in broth, add chicken back, and bring to a boil.
7. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 25-30 minutes until rice is tender.

7) Seafood Gumbo with Okra

Seafood gumbo with okra is one of those stews that feels like a celebration. Shrimp, crabmeat, and oysters come together with okra, which thickens the broth and adds its own flavor.

A dark roux and a hit of spices give it that signature rich, slightly spicy taste. You start by cooking the okra with oil and seasoning, then add seafood and broth.

Let it simmer until thick and the flavors come together. Gumbo’s great with rice, honestly—can’t go wrong there.

You’ll find a detailed seafood and okra gumbo recipe here.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 pound crabmeat
• 1/2 pound oysters
• 1 pound okra, sliced
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fish or seafood stock
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour slowly, cooking roux until brown (about 350°F/177°C).
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in okra and season with salt and cayenne.
5. Pour in seafood stock and bring to a simmer.
6. Add shrimp, crabmeat, and oysters.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
8. Serve hot with rice, if you like.

8) Oyster Stew with Cream and Herbs

This oyster stew feels rich, cozy, and just right for a quick meal. You grab fresh oysters and gently cook them in a creamy broth.

Butter, cream, and milk make everything smooth and decadent. Toss in herbs like parsley, green onions, or fennel for a fresh pop.

Stick with salt and pepper for a classic vibe, or splash in some hot sauce if you want a little heat. The best part? It cooks fast when you need warmth in a hurry.

Ingredients

• 1 pint fresh oysters with liquid
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: hot sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add green onion and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in milk and cream, warming it up gently—don’t let it boil.
4. Add oysters with their liquid and cook until the edges curl, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Add hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
6. Serve hot and dig in.

Craving more creamy oyster ideas? Check out this Southern Oyster Stew Recipe.

9) Hearty Beef Stew with Peas and Celery

This beef stew packs in tender beef, sweet peas, and crunchy celery. The veggies brighten up the thick, rich sauce.

Let it simmer and the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth soft. Potatoes and carrots join the party, making the whole thing extra cozy.

You only need one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze. On busy days, this stew feels like a little reward with barely any effort.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high.
2. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then set them aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Toss the beef back in. Pour in broth, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
5. Bring it to a boil, then drop the heat low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Add peas in the last 15 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper right before serving.

10) Old-Fashioned Beef Stew with Garlic and Onions

Start by browning beef chunks in hot oil—it really locks in the flavor. Add garlic, onions, and spices like pepper and bay leaves.

Let everything simmer for about 1.5 hours so the beef gets super tender. Potatoes, carrots, and sometimes green beans bulk it up.

The garlic and onions bring that warm, familiar taste. It’s just the thing for a cozy meal, honestly.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup green beans (optional)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides—don’t rush it; that crust matters.

2. Toss in garlic and onions. Cook until they soften and start smelling amazing.

3. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

4. Bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn down the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about an hour and a half.

5. Add potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Cook for another 30 minutes, or until the veggies feel tender when you poke them.

6. Fish out the bay leaves before you serve.