Sometimes the simplest meals really do hit the spot. I know how easy it is to get stuck in a dinner rut, so this roundup brings together 15 cozy stew recipes that rely on affordable ingredients and straightforward cooking. You’ll find the classics, slow-cooker staples, hearty vegan dishes, winter roasts, and plenty of chili…perfect for mixing up your routine!
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All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.
Hearty Comfort Food
My family loves hearty comfort meals, especially when the weather starts to cool down! With each of these easy stews offering a different flavor profile for any night of the week, it’s an easy way to keep dinner cozy and interesting.
1. Chicken Stew
Chicken Stew
This chicken stew is hearty without being too heavy, and it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s an easy way to turn a few basics into a filling, family-friendly dinner.
2. Brunswick Stew
Brunswick Stew Recipe
Traditional Brunswick stew usually calls for multiple meats, but this version keeps things budget-friendly by using just chicken while still delivering the smoky flavor this stew is known for.
3. Pollo Guisado
Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)
Pollo guisado is a classic Puerto Rican comfort dish. This version calls for boneless chicken thighs, which cook faster than bone-in and turn tender as they simmer in the seasoned tomato broth. I recommend serving it over white rice to stretch the meal and make every bowl extra cozy!
When Only Beef Stew Will Do
Beef stew is one of those dishes that works for just about any night of the week. This recipe trio covers all the bases—classic stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot—so you can choose the version that fits your time and energy.
4. Classic Homemade Beef Stew
Beef Stew Recipe
This classic beef stew is made with simple vegetables and an affordable cut of beef that turns incredibly tender as it cooks. Add this one to your recipe binder because I already know you’ll want to make it time and time again!
5. Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Letting this stew bubble away in the slow cooker gives the flavors time to deepen without any extra work from you. This crockpot beef stew is ready in 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low, so it’s easy to time it around your day and come home to a pot of tender beef and hearty veggies.
6. Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
When you’re short on time but craving that all-day simmered flavor, this Instant Pot beef stew comes to the rescue! You can do each step, including browning the beef, in your Instant Pot, meaning you’ll save on dishes too. Win-win!
Hearty Chili Recipes
I love a meal that freezes well and somehow tastes even better the next day, and chili always delivers on both counts. It might not be the first thing you think of when you picture a stew, but the slow simmer, the layered spices, and the way the flavors deepen over time make it every bit as comforting.
7. Homemade Chili
Homemade Chili Recipe
This is a no-frills, big-flavor classic chili that stretches ground beef with beans and tomatoes for a hearty, affordable pot that feeds 6 people easily. It’s cozy, simple, and great for meal prep.
8. White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili has a creamy base, tender chicken, and mild heat, but still keeps things budget-conscious by relying on beans and broth to bulk it up.
9. Pumpkin Chili
Easy Pumpkin Chili
If you’re like me and love giving your meals a seasonal twist, this pumpkin chili is perfect for fall. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, but it adds a cozy richness that fits the season without overpowering the chili!
10. Turkey Chili
Turkey Chili
This turkey chili is a lighter option that still feels hearty, thanks to lean ground turkey, plenty of beans, and a mix of colorful veggies! It’s perfect for those early fall weeks when you want something cozy but not too heavy.
Fall-Apart Tender Roasts
Technically, they’re roasts, but once the meat stews in that savory gravy and turns buttery soft, the comfort level is right up there with your favorite stew! I created both recipes to bring maximum flavor on a smaller budget, making them an easy, comforting choice for any home cook.
11. Classic Pot Roast
Pot Roast Recipe
My classic pot roast is a reader favorite! The veggies make it a cost-conscious way to feed a crowd, and the chuck roast becomes incredibly tender in a deep, flavorful gravy. I skip the red wine and use a splash of balsamic vinegar instead, which adds richness without the extra cost.
12. Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
If cooking a full chuck roast feels intimidating, this crockpot Mississippi pot roast makes it totally beginner-friendly. It’s packed with the classic tangy Mississippi roast taste, and the hands-off method makes the whole process stress-free!
Vegan Options
Beans and lentils are staples in my kitchen. They’re naturally high in protein and great at picking up whatever spices or aromatics you cook them with! These vegan stews put that superpower to work, giving you cozy, flavorful meals that don’t rely on meat to feel hearty.
13. Lentil Stew
Lentil Stew Recipe
Lentils are one of my favorite budget ingredients, and this lentil stew shows why—they cook down into a thick, hearty base packed with protein and flavor. It’s a simple, family-friendly meal and perfect for chilly nights!
14. Potato Chickpea Stew
Smoky Potato Chickpea Stew
This smoky potato chickpea stew hits all the marks for an affordable, plant-based comfort meal. The long simmer gives it a thick, velvety texture, and the chickpeas keep it hearty without adding anything pricey.
15. African Peanut Stew
Vegan Peanut Stew
With sweet potatoes, collard greens, and a rich peanut-tomato base, this peanut stew hits the perfect balance of easy, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s inspired by West African peanut stews and comes together with inexpensive pantry staples.
