13 rich and hearty stews worth the simmer time

A good stew doesn’t need much babysitting, just a little time to let everything cook together. Meat, beans, vegetables and rich broth turn into the kind of dinner you want a big bowl of, preferably with some crusty bread on the side. These recipes are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, and most taste even better as leftovers the next day.

Turkey Stew

Leftover shredded turkey gets a second use in this hearty stew with baby red potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Tomato paste and balsamic vinegar add a touch of acidity that balances the savory flavors in every bowl.

Get the recipe: Turkey Stew

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

This lentil stew keeps dinner simple while still feeling hearty and comforting. Pair it with any grain for an easy vegetarian meal that’s filling and wholesome.

Get the recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Lean American lamb stew meat cooks with mushrooms, white beans, kale, tomatoes, and rosemary in this hearty slow cooker stew. It’s a cozy option when a warm, comforting meal sounds especially good.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Moroccan spices bring plenty of flavor to this hearty lamb and lentil stew, with chickpeas adding even more substance. Fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt finish each serving with a simple, fresh touch.

Get the recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Stew beef turns especially tender in the Instant Pot alongside white button, shiitake, and cremini mushrooms. The short ingredient list keeps this recipe straightforward while still delivering plenty of deep, savory flavor.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Vegetable Stew and Dumplings

Tender vegetables and soft dumplings come together in a rich, savory stew that takes about 35 minutes to prepare. Simple pantry ingredients and one-pot cooking keep the process easy, while the dumplings soak up plenty of the flavorful broth.

Get the recipe: Vegetable Stew and Dumplings

Vegan Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Sweet potatoes, peanut butter, tomatoes, and coconut milk create a creamy, nourishing vegan stew inspired by classic African peanut stew. It’s warm, comforting, and easy enough to prepare for dinner any night of the year.

Get the recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Brunswick Stew

Corn, lima beans, potatoes, and tomatoes give this Brunswick stew plenty of vegetables in every serving. Using a mix of frozen and fresh vegetables also helps turn it into a practical meal that can be prepared ahead of time.

Get the recipe: Brunswick Stew

Green Chile Stew

Tender chunks of pork and potatoes simmer in a smoky broth made with freshly roasted green chiles. It’s a warm Southwestern-style stew with a bit of heat and a great way to use Hatch chiles when they’re in season.

Get the recipe: Green Chile Stew

French Onion Beef Stew

This recipe brings rich French onion soup together with tender, savory beef for a hearty comfort-food dinner. It can also be prepared in the crockpot, which keeps the cooking process simple.

Get the recipe: French Onion Beef Stew

Camp Stew

Camp stew is a hearty, low-effort meal that works well when there’s a crowd to feed. It can be served at home or around the campfire, with a cozy, filling mix that doesn’t require much fuss.

Get the recipe: Camp Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew

Juicy meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices are paired with potatoes and covered in creamy gravy. Green peas add a bit of color, while the rich combination works especially well for a chilly evening or dinner after a long day.

Get the recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Cowboy Stew

Ground beef, kielbasa, bacon, beans, potatoes, and vegetables simmer together in a rich, savory broth for a filling meal. Browning the three meats first builds extra flavor, and cornbread or biscuits can be served alongside to soak up the broth.

Get the recipe: Cowboy Stew