Stews That Go the Distance For Dinner Tonight

Stew recipes are a great option for dinner when you want something warm, filling, and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a bit of simmering time, you can have a meal that’s full of flavor. They’re especially handy on cooler evenings or when you need something comforting.

There’s a lot of variety when it comes to stews—some are meat-heavy, while others are packed with vegetables or legumes. You can stick with classics like beef stew or try versions with chicken, seafood, or plant-based ingredients. They’re easy to adjust based on what you have on hand.

Stews are also great for making ahead or storing as leftovers. They often taste even better the next day, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights. These recipes offer a mix of options that are both practical and full of flavor.

Cowboy Stew

This hearty stew mixes ground beef, sausage, beans, and potatoes for a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. It’s simple to throw together and loaded with bold, smoky flavors. Perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping warm on a chilly evening. Serve it with cornbread or crackers for a complete dish.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Chicken Potato Stew

Tender chunks of chicken and soft potatoes simmer in a flavorful broth with herbs and veggies. It’s a comforting dish that feels both light and filling. Great for weeknights when you need something easy but wholesome. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

This plant-based stew brings warmth and depth with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and a mix of spices. It’s thick, colorful, and packed with texture. Serve it with rice or warm bread for a filling, nutrient-rich meal. No meat needed to make this one stand out.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Venison Stew

Lean venison, root vegetables, and herbs simmer low and slow for a rustic, earthy stew. The meat turns tender, soaking up all the flavor from the broth. It’s a great cold-weather dish and a solid option for wild game lovers. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew

Nigerian Chicken Stew

This stew gets its bold flavor from blended tomatoes, peppers, and spices simmered with chicken. It’s rich, aromatic, and pairs beautifully with rice, yams, or plantains. The chicken stays tender and juicy as it soaks up all the sauce. A staple dish in many Nigerian homes.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Chicken Stew

Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

Slow-simmered beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth come together for a cozy, one-pot meal. It’s thick enough to eat with a fork and hearty enough for the hungriest of eaters. Perfect for using up local produce or cleaning out the fridge. A true comfort dish that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

Nigerian Fish Stew

Made with fresh fish and a spiced tomato-based sauce, this stew is flavorful and fragrant. It’s often served with rice or fufu, soaking up every bit of the thick, peppery sauce. The fish remains tender and juicy, even after simmering. A must-try if you’re looking for something bold and different.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fish Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

All the comfort of a slow-cooked stew, ready in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. The beef turns out fork-tender, and the vegetables hold their shape without turning mushy. Great for busy weeknights or when you need something warm fast. A reliable go-to for cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This stew simmers all day, letting the flavors blend and the beef become incredibly tender. It’s packed with potatoes, carrots, and hearty broth, making it a full meal in one pot. Prep it in the morning and come home to something warm and ready to serve. Perfect for hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Italian Mushroom Stew

Rich with earthy mushrooms, tomatoes, and herbs, this stew brings big flavor without any meat. It’s light but filling, making it great as a main or a side dish. Serve it with polenta or crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful broth. A great option for a meatless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

A nostalgic dish made with organ meats, root vegetables, and deep seasoning. The flavors build as it simmers, creating a rich, old-school stew that’s full of character. Not for everyone, but a favorite for those who grew up with it. Best served with rice or dumplings.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

A touch of apple cider gives this classic beef stew a subtle sweetness and extra depth. The pressure cooker gets everything tender quickly, so it’s great for weeknights. The apples and cider balance the richness of the beef beautifully. A fun seasonal twist on a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Easy Vegetable Stew

A simple mix of potatoes, carrots, beans, and herbs in a flavorful broth that works as a meal on its own. It’s light but filling, with the kind of warmth you want on a quiet night in. Use what you have on hand—it’s a flexible, no-fuss kind of recipe. Great with crackers or toast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

This pressure-cooked stew combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a lightly herbed broth. It’s fast, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade. The Instant Pot keeps everything moist and flavorful. Serve it as is or over noodles or rice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Hearty lentils and meaty mushrooms make this vegan stew rich and deeply savory. It’s loaded with nutrients and has just the right thickness to warm you up. Serve with crusty bread or rice for a filling, plant-based meal. No meat needed for a big flavor payoff.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Mulligan Stew

A classic throw-it-all-in type of stew, often made with leftover meats and vegetables. It’s thick, hearty, and perfect when you need something practical but still homemade. The ingredients can vary based on what’s in the fridge, and that’s part of its charm. A budget-friendly comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Mulligan Stew

Easy Beef Stew

This straightforward beef stew keeps things simple with just the basics—tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together without much fuss. The result is always comforting and flavorful. Great for beginners or when you want a low-effort meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

This stew blends the depth of goulash seasoning with tender beef, all made quickly in the Instant Pot. Paprika gives it a warm, smoky flavor, while the beef stays juicy and tender. Serve with noodles or potatoes for a full meal. A good pick when you want something a little different from standard stew.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Guinness Beef Stew

Dark stout adds a deep, roasty flavor to this beef stew, making it rich and perfect for colder days. The beef simmers slowly in the beer-based broth, becoming incredibly tender. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. A cozy dish with a bold twist.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

This stew uses chicken and squash for a lighter twist on the classic. The Instant Pot speeds up the process while locking in all the flavor. The squash adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the herbs and broth. Great for fall or when you want something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash