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If the winter weather forecast has you in a slump, you're not alone. It can be hard to feel inspired when the temperatures outside are so chilly. Luckily, we've got dinnertime solved with these cozy, creative stew recipes that are perfect for warming your family right up. Here, you'll find tons of hearty winter dinner ideas that are best served in a bowl, like Ree Drummond's beef stew that she serves "after a long week of feeding cattle and horses in the snow." Whether you're looking for a beef stew, chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian recipe for your family, this list of comfort food dishes is sure to get you through the coldest days of the year.
But before you dig into these stew recipes, what exactly is a stew? While soups and stews are often referred to interchangeably, the two dishes are actually not the same thing. To answer this question, soup recipes will have more liquid (like stock or broth) compared to stews which have much less liquid. This thicker consistency is often a result of simmering and reducing for a long period of time, but there are also plenty of Instant Pot recipes that make preparing stews even easier. Check out the instant pot ancho beef stew or the instant pot chicken stew recipes on the list ahead. For serving, simply toast up a few slices of crunchy French bread for dipping or ladle your stew over a bowl of mashed potatoes, grits, noodles, or rice. You'll be feeling cozy in no time!
Instant Pot Ancho Beef Stew with Cheesy Grits
This spicy stew is packed with heat thanks to the ancho chile powder. Even the grits have a kick from shredded pepper jack cheese.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Ancho Beef Stew with Cheesy Grits recipe.
Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika
The icy Oklahoma weather means this stew is a popular choice in the Drummond household. It's simple, tender, and "perfect for warming your soul."
Get Ree's Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika recipe.
Hoppin' John
This traditional black-eyed pea stew is often served as a good luck food on New Year's but it can also be made throughout the winter (or year), too. Ree's version is paired down, but you can also add red bell pepper, kale, or diced tomato.
Get Ree's Hoppin' John recipe.
Chicken and Dumplings
If you asked Ree to describe this recipe for chicken and dumplings, she'd say it's "comfort food like no one's business." It's a hearty stew that gets its punch of flavor from apple cider.
Get Ree's Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Beef and Noodles
This fun twist on beef stew adds tender noddles that are hearty and comforting. Ree likes the Reames brand, but any frozen egg noodle will work.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
Shrimp Étouffée
Étouffée is a Cajun seafood stew that comes from the word "smothered." And yes, it is smothered in flavor! Just look at that rich, roux-thickened gravy.
Get the Shrimp Étouffée recipe.
Sunday Night Stew
There's something about making a slow-cooked beef stew on a Sunday night that just warms you right up. Of course, you can also make it on Monday night, Tuesday night... you get the picture!
Get Ree's Sunday Night Stew recipe.
Chicken Barley Stew
Barley is a grain that soaks up a ton of the liquid in the stew. It makes it so flavorful but you may need to keep some extra chicken broth handy if you're making it ahead.
Get the Chicken Barley Stew recipe.
Beef Stew with Mushrooms
For this savory stew, the beef and mushrooms are cooked down with butter, garlic, beef consommé, and red wine. A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme helps to brighten it up.
Get Ree's Beef Stew with Mushrooms recipe.
Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew
You would never guess that this stew is completely vegetarian. The hearty lentils, tender squash, and bold spices make it utterly comforting.
Get the Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew recipe at Supper with Michelle.
One-Pot Chicken Stew
If you thought chicken soup was comforting in cold weather, just wait until you try this heartier chicken stew. The best part? It's all made in one pot!
Brunswick Stew
If you're a fan of Southern comfort food, then this traditional stew is for you. It's made with pulled chicken and pork, along with corn and lima beans (two classic Southern ingredients).
Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice
Just because you're craving comfort foods doesn't mean you can't have a healthy dinner. This stew has plenty of good-for-you ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, and turmeric.
Get the Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Sausage Stew
This sausage stew is great for meal prep and making ahead. It actually tastes better the longer it sits. Those flavors will just meld together.
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew
Simmering stew can take hours, but not everyone has time to stand over the stove and babysit the pot. Instead, this slow cooker stew makes it easy to whip up a hands-free stew your family will love.
Get the Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Stew recipe at The Seasoned Mom.
Lamb Stew
Lamb is a great alternative to beef in this Irish-style stew. It's cooked in a Guinness broth with carrots and potatoes until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Spiced Vegetable Stew
The key to making this vegetable soup thick and hearty is slightly over-cooking the sweet potatoes, then mashing some of them with a spoon to make the stew extra-thick.
Mexican Pork Stew
You can't go wrong with pork and beans, especially when it involves jalapeño, spiced broth, and fresh cilantro. Oh, and there's even some sausage mixed in for good measure.
Get the Mexican Pork Stew recipe at Jo Cooks.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Here's one way to get your family to eat their peas and carrots: add them to a comforting stew! The hearty bowl will be hard to resist.
Get the Instant Pot Chicken Stew recipe at Little Sunny Kitchen.
Beef Stew with Dumplings
This Crock-Pot beef stew is topped with herb dumplings that practically melt-in-your-mouth. You can use Bisquick or a homemade baking mix if you prefer.
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