Healthy and Hearty Stew Recipes: 5 Meals for a Cozy Night

Fall and winter are the perfect seasons to cozy up with your loved ones and enjoy a warm, comforting meal. Stews are the perfect comfort food to warm you up inside and out. They are easy to make, super healthy and packed with nutrients.In this article, we’ll introduce you to five healthy and hearty stew recipes that you can make at home in no time. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, there is something for everyone in this list. So grab your apron, get into the kitchen, and let’s get cooking!

Classic Beef Stew

If you’re a meat lover, this classic beef stew is the perfect option. This hearty and nutritious meal is sure to keep you warm on a chilly night.

To make this classic beef stew, you will need:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped potatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

To make the stew, start by browning the beef cubes in a large pot with olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the beef is browned, remove from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until translucent.

Next, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings. Simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Vegetarian Minestrone

If you’re looking for a healthy, vegetarian option, this minestrone stew is the perfect choice. It’s packed with veggies and flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food.

To make this vegetarian minestrone, you will need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked pasta
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

To make the stew, start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot with olive oil until translucent. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, veggies, and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add the pasta and chickpeas. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic southern dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to prepare and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest palates.

To make this chicken and dumplings, you will need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

To make the stew, start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot with olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Add the chicken broth, veggies, and seasonings. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.

To make the dumplings, mix together 2 cups of flour with 2 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 cup of milk and stir until a dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the stew, cover, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the dumplings are fully cooked.

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew

If you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, this slow cooker beef and barley stew is the perfect option. It requires minimal prep time and cooks all day, creating a delicious and hearty meal for your family.

To make this slow cooker beef and barley stew, you will need:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup barley
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped potatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

To make the stew, start by adding the beef, broth, veggies, barley, and seasonings to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the veggies are fully cooked. Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Green Curry Lentil Stew

This flavorful green curry lentil stew is a healthy vegetarian and vegan option that is perfect for any night of the week. This hearty meal is packed with protein and is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

To make this green curry lentil stew, you will need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups uncooked lentils
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped potatoes
• 1 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

To make the stew, start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot with olive oil. Add the lentils, veggies, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, green curry paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked and the veggies are tender. Serve hot with a side of naan bread or over a bed of rice.

Conclusion

Stews are the perfect way to get a healthy and hearty meal in no time. These recipes are simple, delicious, and packed with nutrients that are sure to keep you feeling satisfied all night long. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, there is something for everyone in this list. So, grab your apron and get cooking – it’s time to get cozy with a delicious bowl of stew.Thank you for reading!