• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Soups

47 hearty stews everyone raves about for the smell alone

Published: Dec 27, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Stews are the kind of food that grab your attention the moment they hit the pot. The smells alone can make you hungry before you even take a bite. These recipes are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for nights when you want something hearty and comforting without any fuss. Once you start cooking them, your kitchen fills with aromas that make everyone gather around, and the taste lives up to that smell every time.

Vegan Efo Riro

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

Nigerian efo riro mixes spinach and mushrooms with bold seasonings. The combination of greens and vegetables forms a rich consistency that works well as a vegetarian stew.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro

Misir Wot

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

This Ethiopian split lentil stew cooks in 45 minutes with a blend of spices that add depth. Lentils and vegetables combine into a thick texture that makes a comforting stew.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot

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.

Atakilt Wat comes together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry vegetables and spices. The tender vegetables in a flavorful broth create an easy, straightforward stew.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Shiro Wat

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

Aromatic spices fill this Ethiopian chickpea stew, creating a layered flavor in just 45 minutes. The hearty texture makes it a solid choice to pair with rice or bread.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat

Moqueca

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

Moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew, uses coconut milk and cilantro for flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it produces a creamy base for a satisfying stew.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

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

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew pairs soft lentils and mushrooms in a rich broth. Its thick consistency makes it practical as a hearty stew.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Peperonata

Peperonata. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Peperonata slowly cooks sweet peppers, onions, and tomatoes into a cohesive dish. Its soft texture works well with grains, bread, or pasta as a versatile stew.
Get the Recipe: Peperonata

Quick Instant Pot Beef Stew

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

Instant Pot Beef Stew cooks quickly while maintaining a thick, rich consistency. Tender beef and vegetables make it a convenient stew for short notice meals.
Get the Recipe: Quick Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

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

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew combines beef and mushrooms in a thick sauce. Its dense texture makes it suitable for winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Quick and Easy Cowboy Stew

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

One-Pan Cowboy Stew blends beef, vegetables, and beans in a thick base. The one-pan method and dense texture make it practical.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Cowboy Stew

Lamb Rezala

Lamb Rezala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Lamb Rezala cooks tender lamb in a creamy white sauce. The rich, thick composition makes it a practical special-occasion stew.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rezala

Stewed Tomatoes

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

Stewed Tomatoes cook quickly and can top various dishes. Their soft texture adds substance to a simple vegetable-based stew.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar

Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Vegetable Sambar mixes lentils with vegetables and spices. Quick cooking and soft textures make it a practical, comforting stew.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar

Easy Vegetable Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Easy Vegetable Stew uses fresh vegetables to create a thick, filling meal. Its straightforward preparation makes it convenient as a vegetable stew.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable 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.

Guinness Beef Stew simmers beef in a rich gravy for deep flavor. Its thick broth and hearty ingredients make it suitable for winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

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

Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew uses radishes and beef for a thick, filling meal. Its dense texture makes it a strong stew choice.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Crockpot Beef Stew

Smoked Beef Stew

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

Smoked Beef Stew mixes beef and vegetables with a rich smoky profile. The dense texture makes it hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew

Bhindi Kadhi

Bhindi Kadhi. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bhindi Kadhi cooks okra in a yogurt-based sauce with spices. The thick consistency and soft vegetables make it practical for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Bhindi Kadhi

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

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

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew pairs sweet potatoes and chickpeas with spices. Its thick consistency makes it a filling stew.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Keto Italian Chicken Stew

Keto Italian Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Keto Italian Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot cooks in about 40 minutes with simple ingredients. Its thick texture makes it a convenient weekday stew.
Get the Recipe: Keto Italian Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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

Slow Cooker Beef Stew mixes tender meat and vegetables with minimal effort. Long cooking develops deep flavors, creating a hearty stew.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Palak Sambar

Palak Sambar. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Palak Sambar combines spinach, lentils, and tamarind in a tangy broth. Its hearty consistency makes it practical for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Palak Sambar

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chunky Slow Cooker Beef Stew mixes beef and vegetables in a thick broth. Its hearty makeup makes it a classic cold-weather stew.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

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

Lamb Lentil Stew with Moroccan spices and chickpeas creates layered flavors. Soft lentils and tender lamb make it a comforting stew for cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

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

Pasta e Ceci, an Italian pasta and chickpea stew, creates a thick, filling dish. Its hearty nature works well as a cold-weather stew.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

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

Slow cooker lamb stew mixes lamb, beans, mushrooms, and vegetables. The thick texture makes it practical for colder nights as a comforting stew.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Easy Beef Stew

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

Classic beef stew brings tender meat and vegetables together in a rich broth. Its thick consistency makes it a traditional, hearty stew.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew cooks chicken and vegetables in a creamy base. The thick consistency and filling ingredients make it practical.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Mulligan Stew

Mulligan Stew. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mulligan Stew combines vegetables, beef, and potatoes in one pot. Its rich base and easy prep make it practical for cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Mulligan Stew

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew combines chickpeas with coconut milk and spices. Its creamy consistency and quick preparation make it a practical stew option.
Get the Recipe: Curry Coconut Chickpea 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.

Italian Mushroom Stew cooks mushrooms and vegetables into a thick sauce. Its hearty consistency makes it reliable as a vegetable-based stew.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Turkey Stew

Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey Stew combines leftover turkey with vegetables in a filling broth. The dense texture creates a practical option for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Chicken Colombian Sancocho

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

Colombian Chicken Sancocho uses chicken, yucca, plantains, corn, and potatoes. Its dense broth and one-pot method make it convenient.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Sancocho

Creamy Meatball Stew

Creamy Meatball Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy Meatball Stew combines potatoes, peas, and meatballs in one pot. The thick consistency makes it a filling stew.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

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

Instant Pot Best Beef Stew cooks tender meat and vegetables quickly. The thick, rich consistency makes it a practical, hearty stew.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

West African Peanut Stew

Bowl of West African peanut stew served over rice.
West African Peanut Stew. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) blends chickpeas and peanut butter into a creamy base. Its thick consistency makes it a hearty vegetarian stew.
Get the Recipe: West African Peanut Stew

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

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

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew uses ground beef and vegetables with minimal prep. Its thick, hearty composition makes it straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Kik Alicha

An image of kik alicha in a bowl with a spoon on the side.
Kik Alicha. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kik Alicha, an Ethiopian split pea stew, cooks legumes with spices into a thick texture. It works well as a dependable vegan stew.
Get the Recipe: Kik Alicha

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

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

Vegetarian Stew blends vegetables into a thick, silky broth. Its dense texture makes it reliable as a hearty vegetable stew.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian 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.

Instant Pot Beef Stew uses apple cider for subtle sweetness in a thick gravy. The dense texture makes it a solid stew option.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef 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.

Instant Pot Chicken Stew cooks chicken, vegetables, and thyme together in one pot. The thick consistency makes it a practical choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Vegetable Beef Stew

Vegetable Beef Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Simple Vegetable Beef Stew mixes beef, barley, and vegetables with herbs. Its dense ingredients create a reliable hearty stew.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Stew

Turmeric Lentil Stew

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

Turmeric Lentil Stew mixes lentils with spices for a thick, hearty meal. The soft texture makes it an easy, comforting stew.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto-friendly Instant Pot Beef Stew uses radishes and beef in a dense base. Its minimal cleanup and filling consistency make it a practical stew.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Boeuf Bourguignon

Boeuf Bourguignon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Boeuf bourguignon pairs beef with red wine and herbs in a slow-cooked sauce. The tender meat and thick sauce make it a robust, traditional stew.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon

Ninja Foodi Beef Stew

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

Ninja Foodi Beef Stew is ready in under 20 minutes. Tender beef and dense broth make it a practical quick stew.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Foodi Beef Stew

Ciambotta (Giambotta)

Ciambotta (Giambotta). Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ciambotta, an Italian vegetable stew, blends a mix of vegetables into a soft broth. Its versatility makes it practical as a main stew.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta (Giambotta)

More Soups

  • An overview of a bowl of Pea and Mint Soup.
    27 comforting soups that make freezing weather bearable
  • An image of Ribollita Italian Bean Soup.
    Freezing outside? These 22 soups bring instant comfort
  • Two bowls of creamy soup with peas, topped with heart-shaped biscuits.
    These 31 soups will make you forget about the cold
  • A pot of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Tomatoes.
    45 cozy soups everyone eats straight from the pot

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

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.

More about me →

Popular

  • An overview of Indian chili panner on a pan.
    25 back-pocket dinners every kitchen needs
  • Raspberry mojito cocktails with a mojito party pitcher.
    33 big-batch drinks that make spring entertaining way easier
  • A person holds a bowl of creamy beef stroganoff garnished with parsley.
    Back then we ate these 21 foods all the time—kids today refuse them
  • Sous Vide Guinness Beef Stew in a bowl.
    31 St. Patrick’s Day recipes that bring big Irish flavor

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC