Long simmering and simple ingredients come together to create bowls that feel like a hug. These stews build flavor slowly, letting tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices blend beautifully. They’re ideal for chilly evenings, relaxed weekends, or times when you just want true comfort in a bowl. Serve them with bread or rice and enjoy how every spoonful gets better as it cooks.

Guinness Beef Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in brown gravy delivers cozy flavor, placed on a table with a spoon, napkin, and sliced vegetables nearby.
Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A hearty pot filled with tender beef, vegetables, and a deep stout-rich gravy delivers pure comfort. Slow cooking builds layers of flavor that feel cozy and rustic. Perfect for cold evenings or celebratory St. Patrick’s meals. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Chicken Potato Stew

A bowl of soup with chicken and green onions.
Chicken Potato Stew. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Creamy broth, soft potatoes, and tender chicken create a bowlful of satisfying comfort. Frozen hash browns make preparation incredibly easy without sacrificing flavor. Great for busy nights when warm, filling food is needed. Families tend to ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and corn, garnished with herbs. A spoon rests in the bowl, and a cloth napkin is nearby on a wooden plate.
Beef and Sweet Potato Stew. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Sweet potatoes pair beautifully with savory beef for a naturally balanced bowl of comfort. Slow simmering builds richness while keeping everything tender. Excellent for winter nights or meal prep. Crockpot cooking keeps the process hands-off and simple.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Cajun Meatball Stew

A bowl of rice and meatball stew with vegetables, served with a spoon, placed on a green checkered cloth.
Cajun Meatball Stew. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Spiced meatballs simmer in a flavorful Cajun gravy filled with Southern character. Bold seasonings add warmth without being overwhelming. Great spooned over rice or mashed potatoes. Simple preparation delivers big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Meatball 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.

Earthy mushrooms simmer in rich tomato and herb sauce for a rustic Italian comfort dish. Fantastic ladled over crusty bread to soak up every drop. Deep savory flavor makes each bite satisfying. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Easy Beef Stew

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

Tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth create a classic bowl of homestyle comfort. Simple ingredients come together with familiar flavor that everyone loves. Great for casual dinners or Sunday cooking. Ideal served with bread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

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

Lentils and hearty mushrooms combine to create a plant-based stew full of protein and comfort. Herbs and aromatics build rich flavor without dairy or meat. Perfect for anyone seeking a warming vegan meal. Thick texture makes it especially satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Easy Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful vegetables simmer in a seasoned broth for a nourishing, cozy meal. Perfect for lighter eating without losing comfort factor. Naturally adaptable with whatever produce is on hand. Delicious on its own or served with grains.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

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

Hungarian-inspired spices blend with tender beef and vegetables for a rich, paprika-forward stew. The Instant Pot develops slow-cooked flavor quickly and easily. Ideal when a hearty dinner is needed in a hurry. Comforting leftovers keep beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

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

Chickpeas and sweet potatoes create a hearty, naturally sweet and savory combination. Coconut milk or tomato base gives a silky, warming texture. Completely plant-based yet deeply satisfying. Great for make-ahead lunches or simple dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Venison Stew

Venison stew in a red pot with a wooden spoon.
Venison Stew. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Lean venison slow-cooks with root vegetables and herbs to develop deep, rustic flavor. Perfect for anyone who enjoys wild game or wants a change from traditional beef stew. Long simmering creates incredibly tender meat. Amazing paired with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Venison 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.

Shredded chicken, potatoes, and vegetables cook quickly under pressure while staying tender and flavorful. Thyme and aromatics bring comforting homemade taste. Nearly hands-off cooking makes dinner easier. Perfect for cool-weather evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

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

A rich, silky base surrounds tender vegetables and legumes for a fully plant-based comfort meal. Naturally gluten-free and vegan while still feeling indulgent. Perfect for cozy nights or meatless Mondays. Hearty texture keeps everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew in a white pot served with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Long, slow cooking creates fall-apart beef and deeply flavored broth without much effort. Vegetables soak up savory richness in every bite. Ideal for set-and-forget cooking on busy days. Walking into the aroma feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Cowboy Stew

A pot of mixed vegetable and sausage stew with corn, beans, potatoes, and herbs, accompanied by sliced cornbread on the side.
Cowboy Stew. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A hearty mix of beef, sausage, beans, and potatoes builds a bold, campfire-style flavor. One-pot preparation keeps cleanup easy. Great paired with cornbread or biscuits. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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