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When the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, there’s nothing quite like a delicious stew simmering away on the stove. The kind of meal that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and makes you look forward to dinner just a little bit more!
I’ve gathered some of my favorite stew recipes in one place, perfect for those chilly fall and winter days. From a classic French coq au vin and a hearty beef stew with pumpkin to a rich beef stew with prunes and a flavorful chickpea curry, there’s plenty to choose from.
Easy Stew Recipes for Everyday Use
Whether you’re looking for a slow-cooked weekend dinner, an easy family meal, or something a little different, these comforting stews are guaranteed to warm you up. And the best part? Most stews taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or cooking ahead.
So grab your favorite Dutch oven, get comfortable, and let’s make something delicious!
Venison Stew with Mushrooms
Coq au Vin
Beef Stew with Pumpkin and Beer
Beef Stew with Prunes
Vegetarian stew with pumpkin
Italian sausage stew with lentils
Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes
Pork stew with tomatoes
Vegan Coconut Curry
Chickpea curry
Tips for Making the Best Stews
Making a delicious stew isn’t difficult, but a few simple tricks can make all the difference. Whether you’re preparing a classic beef stew, a French coq au vin, or a hearty vegetable stew, these tips will help you get the best results.
1. Brown the meat first
If you’re making a stew with beef, pork, or chicken, take the time to brown the meat before adding the other ingredients. This creates a deeper, richer flavor. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the meat will steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary. I do skip this step myself sometimes for ease of use. But for ultimate flavor don’t skip!
2. Low and slow is the way to go
Most meat-based stews benefit from gentle, slow cooking. Keep the heat low enough for the liquid to barely simmer rather than boil vigorously. This gives tougher cuts of meat time to become beautifully tender. Vegetable stews and curries often need much less cooking time.
3. Choose the right cut of meat
For beef stews, tougher cuts like chuck roast are perfect. They contain connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Lean cuts aren’t always the best choice, as they can become dry.
4. Don’t add too much liquid
One of the most common mistakes is adding too much stock or water. Unlike soup, a stew should have a relatively thick, rich sauce. Start with just enough liquid to partially cover the ingredients. You can always add more during cooking if needed. Also if you’re using a slow cooker remember that you need less liquid in a slow cooker as it doesn’t evaporate as much.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning
A good stew is all about balancing flavors. Taste toward the end of cooking and adjust the salt and pepper. If the stew tastes a little flat, a splash of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar can brighten everything up.
6. Make your stew ahead of time
Here’s one of my favorite things about stews: many taste even better the next day! As the stew rests, the flavors have time to develop and blend together. Let it cool, refrigerate it promptly, and gently reheat it the following day. It’s perfect for entertaining or preparing dinner in advance.
