Best stew recipes

Beef stew and dumplings

What could be more satisfying than a hearty beef stew topped with herby dumplings? Try this comforting classic at the weekend, when you've got a bit of time to spare

Beef goulash

Loaded up with smoky paprika and melting beef shin, this deeply satisfying Hungarian stew is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to. Serve with pasta or rice for a comforting dinner for four.

Beef and red wine stew

Cook pieces of beef shin in herby red wine stock until meltingly tender, then serve with creamy mash for a crowd pleasing weekend meal.

Steak and Guinness stew

The classic beef stew is slow-cooked and enriched with earthy Guinness. Top with fluffy cheddar and thyme dumplings or serve with creamy mash if you prefer.

Slow cooker winter vegetable stew

A wholesome, steaming bowl of winter veg simmered in a herby broth – protein-packed pearl barley adds both nuttiness and texture.

Spiced chicken and lentils with ginger and turmeric

This gently spiced stew is served soupy like a dhal and is rich with lentils, warming spice and spinach – a hug in a bowl!

Peruvian stew

This traditional Peruvian stew (spicy potato, pork and beetroot stew) with white rice makes a filling dinner that serves up to four.

Butter bean stew with crispy sage and sourdough breadcrumbs

Spotlight a storecupboard staple with this comforting and easy stew. Season lightly as the beans and stock will already be quite salty.

Ropa vieja Cuban

The national dish of Cuba, this fragrant stew features a fragrant, smoky, aromatic mixture of tender, melt-in-the-mouth pulled beef, olives and other rich flavours.

Jjigae beef and kimchi stew

Check out our easy kimchi soup recipe with beef shin, gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) and gochujang - a fermented Korean chilli paste. This easy one-pot may take some time, but it makes the perfect winter warming dish. Here are our top Korean recipes to try...

Vietnamese beef stew

We love Vietnamese-inspired flavours, and this Vietnamese beef and lemongrass one pot is a definite winner. It's a one-pot, so there's minimal washing up, and is under 300 calories but still packs a punch in terms of flavour.

Jamaican pepperpot stew

This Jamaican pepperpot stew recipe is an easy one-pot to feed the family. Ginger, chilli and allspice spice up the tender beef and sweet potato for a winter warming dish. More one-pot ideas here...

Beef and guinness stew

Sunday lunch is easy with this beef and Guinness stew. This one-pot results in meltingly tender meat – just a little prep and a long, slow cook for a deep, rich, weekend treat. Plus instructions on how to make this in a slow cooker.

Chicken stew recipes

Chicken, jalapeño and black bean stew

Lift your chicken stew with pickled chilli peppers and top with soured cream and grated cheese for a hearty midweek meal.

Chicken stew with parmesan dumplings

This creamy, herby chicken stew is sure to become your next family favourite – don't forget the homemade parmesan dumplings on top.

Groundnut chicken stew

Check out our creamy chicken stew with peanut butter. Groundnut stew is a typically West African dish. Serve this slow-cooked chicken, with its mellow peanut butter and fiery ensemble of spices, alongside extra sliced red chilli for oomph.

Dijon chicken casserole

This recipe for Dijon chicken casserole with buttery herb dumplings is an easy one-pot that will feed the family in just an hour.

Spicy chicken and pepper stew with herb quinoa

A super quick and easy chicken and pepper stew for the whole family, served with a herbed quinoa. Packed full of veggies and beans, it's also a nice healthy tea option - at just over 300 calories per portion.

Lemon chicken and kale stew

This recipe for lemon chicken and kale stew with couscous is a really easy midweek meal. It is low fat and ready in less than 30 minutes.

Smoky chicken and bean stew

This smoky chicken and bean stew with chorizo and a chilli kick is hearty and delicious. You just need one pot and it's on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for a hassle-free midweek meal.

Turkey chilli bean stew

This is a good way of using up cooked meat over the holidays – chicken or ham would work nicely as well. The chipotle paste and smoked paprika gives this a lovely smoky, but not too hot, chilli flavour

Seafood stew recipes

Squid stew

Recreate this hearty one-pot – tender squid paired with creamy butter beans – for a satisfying dinner for two. This recipe is from the co-owners of seafood restaurant Prawn on the Lawn.

Smoked haddock and prawn stew

Try this creamy seafood stew with haddock for a comforting dinner for two ready in 30 minutes.

Smoky prawn, pepper and new potato stew

Check out this easy fish stew recipe with juicy butterflied prawns and sweet red peppers. This vibrant dish is low in calories and ready in 30 minutes.

Spanish-style hake

Fancy a stew with a difference? Meaty hake, rich chorizo and slices of orange makes this the perfect warming stew for a night in.

Portuguese fish stew

This Portuguese fish stew contains a mixture of fish including squid, prawns, clams and mussels. It is a low calorie recipe and makes several portions, perfect for sharing with a group of friends or family.

Tuna and potato stew

The best way to enjoy a nice tuna steak... alongside harissa potatoes. All the ingredients are easy to get hold of and it's on the table in 25 minutes. If you're looking for meal ideas using tuna, click here...

Indian salmon with chickpea stew

This recipe for Indian salmon with chickpea stew is a great simple supper for when there's just two of you. Most of the ingredients you'll already have in your cupboard. Here are more ideas for cooking with salmon.

Jamaican prawn, pepper and coconut stew

This recipe for Jamaican prawn, pepper and coconut stew is easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it's gluten-free and under 500 calories.

Easy seafood stew

Seafood stew doesn't have to take hours to make. This recipe for cheat's seafood stew is packed full of those delicious fish flavours but is on the table in under an hour, so it's still achievable midweek.

Vegetarian stew recipes

Butter bean and butternut squash ragout with yogurt and hot mint oil

Whether you're vegetarian or not, this is the kind of dish that will satisfy anyone. Gentle spicing helps to lift the sauce, and the yogurt and mint oil make it the kind of dish perfect for dipping hunks of bread into.

White bean stew

For a vegetarian stew packed with creamy and comforting flavours, try our cannellini bean stew with a warming crunchy topping of ginger, coconut flakes and nigella seeds.

Loobia chiti (pinto bean stew)

Reflecting the food of Tehran's hole-in-the-wall kabab houses, Berenjak restaurant's convivial cooking is ideal to recreate at home. Try this vegan bean stew as part of a meze feast.

Tuscan bean and barley stew

This recipe for Tuscan bean and barley stew is a perfect one to have on hand for a quick midweek meal. It's ready in 30 minutes, serves 4 and is under 200 calories. You can use any leafy greens for this, just whatever you have around. Plenty more low calorie vegetarian recipes here.

West African sweet potato stew

Try this vegan West African stew with sweet potato and greens. This one-pot recipe is super easy to make and packed with warming flavours.

Winter minestrone stew

This wholesome vegetarian minestrone stew is easy to make, low in calories and packed with nutritious veggies, an ideal winter warming recipe.

Three bean, tomato and spinach stew

Beans, tomato and spinach for when it's cold outside: a recipe with a kick, perfect for meat-free Monday with the family. High protein and only 153 calories per serving.

Spiced lentil stew

The best lentil stew is lightly spiced and satisfying for all the family. This one, made with split red peas is quick and easy, good value and healthy. This vegetarian recipe works as a main meal or as part of an Indian feast. Leftovers would make a simple lunch. Whenever you eat it, crusty bread on the side is all you need to serve it with.

Lamb stew recipes

Mexican-style lamb stew

Toss lamb neck in chipotle chilli, oregano and spices to add a smoky punch to this hearty stew.

All-in-one lamb and Guinness stew

Check out our warming one-pot stew with creamy mash and peas. No pre-frying of ingredients required for this stew – it’s best to use a heavy cast-iron pot or casserole to conduct the heat evenly.

Khoresht karafs (celery stew)

Reflecting the food of Tehran's hole-in-the-wall kabab houses, Berenjak restaurant's convivial cooking is ideal to recreate at home. Try this vibrant lamb and celery stew as part of a meze feast.

Persian lamb stew

This Persian lamb stew one-pot recipe is really easy and under 500 calories - perfect midweek comfort food.

Spanish smoky lamb and pepper stew

This Spanish smoky lamb and pepper stew is really tender and packed with flavour. Garnish with parsley and serve with some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.

Moroccan kofte and chorizo stew

You can make this Moroccan lamb and chorizo stew the day before you need to feed a crowd and chill until you’re ready for your guests to feast.

Healthier lamb stew

Hearty, low-fat one pot for a filling family meal. Pearl barley adds bulk to an easy stew of lamb, veg and potatoes. Make in minutes then leave to cook for 1 hour. Serve the stew with leafy greens or crusty bread for the juices. Here are our healthy one-pot ideas to try.

Other stew recipes

Jamaican oxtail stew

Stir up this warming Jamaican oxtail stew for impossibly tender, fall-apart meat and thick, silky gravy.

Hungarian lecsó

Hungarian chef Levente Koppány shares his take on a traditional stew, feauring Hungarian Hot Wax peppers and tomatoes. Mop up the delicious sauce with crusty bread.

Kid goat stew

Got the family over at the weekend? Slow cook kid goat with peppers, paprika and sherry for tender, flavour-packed meat. Serve with a salad or crisp roast potatoes.

Slow-cooked pork and beans

Check out our melt-in-the-mouth pork shoulder casserole with mixed beans. This slow-cooker recipe is an easy one-pot to feed a crowd.

Smoky ham hock and root veg stew

Winter is coming so whack the meat and veg on the stove so you can curl up on the sofa with a warm bowl of this comforting ham hock stew

Potato, chorizo and kale stew

Fluffy potatoes, spicy chorizo and warm, comforting stew – what more could you want from a quick and easy mid-week meal this winter?

Pork fillet with pepper stew

This recipe for pork fillet with pepper stew is easy to make and ready in under an hour and 5:2 diet friendly, but is packed full of flavour.