16 Winter Stews Our Readers Love Most
When the temperatures drop and the wind starts howling, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of stew to warm you from the inside out.
Our readers have spoken, and their favorite winter stews range from classic comfort food to creative twists on traditional recipes.
Disclaimer: All selections and descriptions are based on reader preferences and general culinary opinion rather than any objective or nutritional standard.
1. Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Here’s your weeknight hero when you need something wholesome without the fuss.
Juicy chicken pieces swim alongside colorful veggies in a light but satisfying broth.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good about what you’re eating while still delivering maximum coziness.
Toss in whatever vegetables are hiding in your fridge – this stew is forgiving and flexible.
2. Beef and Barley Stew
Barley transforms this stew into something wonderfully hearty and chewy.
Each spoonful gives you tender beef plus those plump little grains that soak up all the beefy goodness.
It’s stick-to-your-ribs food that keeps you full for hours, perfect after a day spent shoveling snow or battling the cold.
Fun fact: barley has been filling bellies for over 10,000 years!
3. Hearty Vegetable Stew
Who says you need meat to make a stew that satisfies?
This veggie-packed wonder proves that plants can absolutely steal the show.
Potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and beans create layers of flavor and texture that even devoted carnivores will love.
It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and seriously delicious – basically the trifecta of winter cooking wins.
4. Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew
Lamb brings an elegant richness that feels fancy without being fussy.
Low and slow is the name of the game here – patience rewards you with melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
Rosemary and garlic are lamb’s best friends, turning simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy.
Serve it over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
5. Chicken and Dumplings Stew
Fluffy dumplings floating in creamy chicken broth – is there anything more comforting?
The dumplings soak up the savory liquid while staying pillowy soft on top.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, the kind of food that grandmas everywhere have perfected over generations.
Make extra because this disappears fast, and someone will definitely be asking for seconds (probably you).
6. Irish Stew with Potatoes
Simple ingredients, massive flavor – that’s the Irish way.
Lamb or mutton traditionally stars here, alongside potatoes and onions in a clear, peppery broth.
It’s peasant food elevated to perfection, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something memorable.
Pair it with soda bread and you’ve got yourself an authentic taste of the Emerald Isle, no passport required.
7. Lentil Stew with Herbs
Lentils don’t get enough credit for how amazing they are in stews.
They cook quickly, pack protein, and create a naturally thick, creamy texture without any dairy.
Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley brighten everything up, making each bite taste fresh despite being a hearty winter dish.
Your wallet and your body will both thank you for this nutritious, budget-friendly option.
8. Beef Stew with Red Wine
Red wine isn’t just for drinking – it transforms beef stew into something luxurious.
The wine breaks down the meat while adding complex, fruity depth to the gravy.
This is date-night-at-home food, impressive enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday.
Don’t stress about using expensive wine; a decent bottle you’d actually drink works perfectly for cooking too.
9. Sausage and Potato Stew
Smoky sausage brings instant flavor that makes this stew a total crowd-pleaser.
Potatoes soak up all that savory sausage goodness while providing the hearty base everyone craves.
It comes together faster than traditional beef stews since sausage is already cooked and seasoned.
10. Split Pea Stew
Thick, creamy, and naturally filling – split peas were made for stew life.
They break down as they cook, creating a velvety texture that coats your spoon.
Ham hock or bacon adds smoky depth, though it’s delicious vegetarian-style too with the right spices.
This humble stew punches way above its weight class in both flavor and nutrition, all for pennies per serving.
11. Seafood Stew with Tomatoes
Bring a taste of the coast to your winter table with this ocean-inspired beauty.
Shrimp, fish, and maybe some mussels swim in a garlicky tomato broth that’s pure magic.
It cooks quickly compared to meat stews, perfect for when you want something special without the all-day commitment.
Serve it with garlic bread and pretend you’re dining at a seaside Italian trattoria.
12. Mushroom and Barley Stew
Earthy mushrooms and chewy barley create an umami bomb that vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will devour.
The mushrooms release their deep, woodsy flavor into the broth, making it taste incredibly rich.
It’s the ultimate cozy-night-in food, perfect with a glass of red wine and a good book.
Did you know mushrooms are one of the few food sources of vitamin D?
13. Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Protein-packed chickpeas meet iron-rich spinach in this nutritional powerhouse.
Warm spices like cumin and paprika add depth without overwhelming the fresh, clean flavors.
It’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and happens to taste absolutely fantastic – no compromises here.
Make it on Sunday and you’ve got healthy lunches sorted for half the week, because meal prep just got delicious.
14. Turkey Stew Made from Leftovers
Give your Thanksgiving leftovers a delicious second act instead of boring reheated plates.
Turkey, vegetables, and even leftover gravy can all find new life in this creative stew.
It’s the solution to post-holiday turkey fatigue, transforming familiar flavors into something that feels completely fresh.
15. Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas might sound old-fashioned, but they’re stew superstars.
These underrated root vegetables add subtle sweetness and interesting textures you won’t get from the usual suspects.
They also hold their shape beautifully during long cooking times, unlike some vegetables that turn to mush.
This stew is basically winter in a bowl, celebrating the season’s best produce in the most delicious way.
16. Creamy Chicken Stew
Sometimes you need that rich, creamy comfort that only a little dairy can provide.
Tender chicken swims in a velvety sauce that’s pure indulgence without being too heavy.
It’s sophisticated enough for guests but easy enough to make on a random Wednesday.
Serve it over rice, noodles, or biscuits – honestly, anything that’ll help you capture every drop of that dreamy sauce.
