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Home » Recipe Collections

42 Hearty Stews That Will Make You Wish for Even Colder Nights

Published: Oct 16, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Hearty stews are the perfect way to warm up and dig into something great when the temperature drops. These recipes aren’t just cozy—they're packed with rich flavors and everything you crave in a bowl of comfort food. Whether you’re looking to fill up on a busy weeknight or sit back and relax with a homemade meal, these stews hit the spot every time. So grab a spoon, because these dishes will have you wishing for colder nights just to enjoy them even more.

Someone scooping a spoon of Moqueca from a bowl.
Moqueca. Photo Credit: At the Immigrant's Table

Stewed Tomatoes

An image of stewed tomatoes in a serving bowl.
Stewed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stewed tomatoes are a quick and cozy topping that can be ready in just 20 minutes. Whether served over pasta, on toast, or with eggs, they create a comforting meal that’s great for warming up on cold days.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

A close-up of a plate featuring misir wot.
Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Ethiopian split lentil stew is seasoned with warm spices and can be prepared in just 45 minutes. When served with flatbread or rice, it transforms into a hearty meal that is perfect for those nights when you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

An overhead image of the vegan efo niro in a pot.
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Nigerian efo riro is a spinach stew that boasts complex flavors and uses mushrooms in place of meat. It pairs beautifully with rice or can be enjoyed on its own, making it a hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Ethiopian Cabbage

A close up image of cooked Ethiopian cabbage in a skillet pan with a wooden serving spoon mixing the dish.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

My Ethiopian cabbage recipe, also known as Atakilt Wat, is a one-pot stew made with pantry vegetables and warm spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish delivers a burst of flavors that will transport you to a cozy evening in Addis Ababa.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

A large white pot filled with thick, orange shiro wat is pictured from above.
Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Ethiopian chickpea stew is infused with warm spices and comes together in just 45 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for a hearty meal that will make you yearn for those colder nights, offering a comforting flavor profile everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Have you tried pasta e ceci? This Italian pasta and chickpea stew is bursting with flavor and comfort, making it a must-try recipe. As it cooks, the delightful aromas fill your kitchen, and its rich taste will have you reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls.
Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This beef stew is a classic choice for a warm dinner, combining tender meat and vegetables in a rich broth. Its simplicity and heartiness make it an excellent option for chilly nights when you crave something filling and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew is bursting with flavor, thanks to earthy mushrooms and tender lentils in a rich veggie broth. Simple to make, it’s an incredibly comforting dish that’s perfect for warming you up during chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Moqueca

Moqueca. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Moqueca is a flavorful Brazilian fish stew enriched with coconut milk and fresh cilantro. This creamy, chunky dish can be ready in just 30 minutes and is bound to become a family favorite, providing warmth and comfort on cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew is a hearty meal that is comforting and stick-to-your-ribs good, making it perfect for winter. With its rich flavors and tender ingredients, it offers a cozy option to warm you up after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This keto-friendly Instant Pot Beef Stew is a comfort food favorite, brimming with flavor while keeping carbs low. Easy to prepare and clean up, it requires just one cooking appliance, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The chunky slow cooker beef stew is a classic winter dish, showcasing tender beef and vegetables alongside flavorful seasonings. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with during chilly evenings, as it’s both hearty and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Guinness Beef Stew

Top view of a bowl of Guinness beef stew with a black checked napkin and a spoon.
Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Guinness Beef Stew is loaded with tender beef and vegetables, featuring a deep gravy that enhances its heartiness. This recipe is not just great for St. Patrick's Day; it’s perfect for whenever you need a cozy dish to warm you up on a cold evening.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Lamb Rezala (Indian Lamb Stew)

Lamb Rezala (Indian Lamb Stew). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Lamb rezala is a rich and aromatic dish from Bengali cuisine, made with tender lamb pieces cooked in a creamy white sauce. This luxurious stew is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, providing warmth and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rezala (Indian Lamb Stew)

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Italian mushroom stew is a rustic dish that shines when served over Italian bread. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a hearty meal, perfect for warming up during chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Comfort food often involves a delightful combination of meatballs and potatoes, and this creamy meatball stew hits the mark. Juicy meatballs are smothered in a heavenly creamy gravy, complemented by tender potatoes and a pop of green peas, making it a perfect meal for a tiring day or a cold night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A picture of beef stew with mushrooms carrots and thyme.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A slow cooker beef stew is a comforting dish packed with tender beef and hearty vegetables. With minimal effort required, this recipe allows you to enjoy a rich, flavorful stew that fills your home with warmth as it simmers throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Quick Instant Pot Beef Stew

Quick Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

The Instant Pot Beef Stew tastes as if you spent all day preparing it, yet it only takes 15 minutes of actual work! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a classic beef stew without the long cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Instant Pot Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The classic slow cooker poor man’s stew is the ultimate in easy comfort food. With budget-friendly ground beef and minimal prep time, it fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma, creating a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cold night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Mulligan Stew

Mulligan Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mulligan stew combines a variety of vegetables, beef, and potatoes, simmered together to create rich, comforting flavors. This easy, one-pot meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers on a chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Mulligan Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker chicken stew combines chicken, garlic, and an array of vegetables in a creamy sauce. It’s a filling dish that’s perfect for a cold day, allowing you to come home to a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Stew sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a red linen on a white marble counter.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Instant Pot Chicken Stew combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant thyme for a simple yet hearty dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s nearly hands-off and perfect for a busy evening when comfort is key.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Smoked Beef Stew

Smoked Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chunky, beefy, and full of veggies, Smoked Beef Stew is a delightful meal that combines a lovely smoky flavor with affordability. With a secret ingredient that elevates this dish, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss during those colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lamb lentil stew is infused with Moroccan spices and includes chickpeas for added heartiness. Topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt, it becomes a warm and comforting dish perfect for winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Boeuf Bourguignon

Boeuf Bourguignon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Boeuf bourguignon is a classic French recipe that combines beef with red wine and herbs for an exquisite result. This version pays homage to Julia Child’s recipe, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional stewed beef while offering warmth and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The slow cooker lamb stew is a hearty, cozy bowl of comfort made with lean lamb stew meat, mushrooms, white beans, kale, tomatoes, and rosemary. With minimal effort required, it’s a filling meal that simmers away while you go about your day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

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

The Instant Pot Best Beef Stew Recipe is designed for busy evenings, coming together quickly without sacrificing flavor. This rich stew is filled with soft, juicy meat and hearty vegetables, making it a perfect dish for colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Chicken Colombian Sancocho

Chicken Colombian Sancocho. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

This traditional Colombian chicken sancocho is ready in under an hour and combines chicken with yucca, plantains, corn, and potatoes. This one-pot meal offers a cozy comfort food experience that’s perfect for a family gathering or a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Sancocho

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew is rich in that juicy, beefy flavor that everyone loves without the extra carbs. Featuring tender radishes that mimic potatoes, this dish is a hearty option that will keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

Quick and Easy Cowboy Stew

Quick and Easy Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This one-pan Cowboy Stew is destined to become a family favorite! Packed with flavors and hearty ingredients, it's a satisfying meal that everyone will look forward to on chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Cowboy Stew

Ninja Foodi Beef Stew

Ninja Foodi Beef Stew. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

The Ninja Foodi beef stew can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a hearty option that allows you to enjoy the flavors of beef stew without the long cooking time, ideal for colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Foodi Beef Stew

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This cozy Vegetarian Stew is filled with rich flavors and a silky-smooth texture, making it both comforting and satisfying. It’s gluten-free and vegan, providing a hearty option that everyone can enjoy on cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew is an easy recipe bursting with rich flavors and vibrant colors. With the ability to adjust the spice level to your preference, this stew will wow your taste buds and warm you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Easy Vegetable Stew is packed with flavor and loaded with various vegetables, making it a fantastic way to include more greens in your meals. Its simple preparation creates a hearty option, ideal for those colder nights when you need something wholesome and warm.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew incorporates apple cider to create a subtly sweet gravy, perfectly complementing the tender beef and hearty vegetables. It’s quick to prepare and is a great option for those chilly nights when you want a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bhindi Kadhi (Yogurt Okra Stew)

Bhindi Kadhi (Yogurt Okra Stew). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bhindi kadhi is a popular Indian dish made with okra and yogurt, often served with basmati rice, khichdi, or roti. Its light and refreshing flavors make it a delightful option, whether enjoyed as a main dish or a soothing soup.
Get the Recipe: Bhindi Kadhi (Yogurt Okra Stew)

Palak Sambar (Lentil and Spinach Stew)

Palak Sambar (Lentil and Spinach Stew). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Palak sambar is a delicious South Indian stew made with spinach and lentils, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The tangy tamarind and aromatic sambar powder come together to deliver a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting during colder months.
Get the Recipe: Palak Sambar (Lentil and Spinach Stew)

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If weeknight dinners stress you out, the Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew will be your new best friend. Simple and budget-friendly, it’s ready in under an hour and features creamy sweet potatoes and savory chickpeas simmered in a warm blend of spices, creating a comforting dish that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Vegetable Beef Stew

Vegetable Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A simple vegetable beef stew brings together tender beef, colorful vegetables, barley, and aromatic herbs. This hearty dish is fantastic when paired with crusty bread, making it a comforting option for those colder nights when you want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Stew

Turkey Stew

Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This turkey stew is an easy and hearty recipe that’s perfect for utilizing Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s filled with tender turkey and veggies, creating a cozy meal that warms you up and reduces food waste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Hungarian Keto Goulash

Hungarian Keto Goulash. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Hungarian Keto Goulash is a keeper, loaded with tender chunks of beef in a rich, thick sauce bursting with flavor. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for those colder nights when you want something hearty yet affordable.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Keto Goulash

Turmeric Lentil Stew

Turmeric Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turmeric lentil stew is versatile and can be served with any grain for a health-packed, comforting vegetarian meal. Its warm spices and hearty ingredients create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Stew

Weeknight Soups

Three bowls of Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup.
Miso Mushroom Ramen Soup. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Weeknight soups can be comforting, but these quick and easy recipes feel like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any busy evening!

Read it Here: 20 Quick and Easy Weeknight Soups That Feel Like a Hug in a Bowl

One-Pot Fall Dinners

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl.
Vegan Cabbage Soup (Easy, One Pot). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

One-pot dinners are cozy, but these fall recipes are the ultimate comfort food. They’ll warm you up faster than your favorite sweater!

Read it Here: 31 One-Pot Fall Dinners That Will Warm You Up FasterThan Your Favorite Sweater

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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