Stew Recipes

These hearty stew recipes bring together fork-tender meat, vegetables, and rich, savory sauces for the kind of homemade dinner that makes a little extra cooking time worthwhile.

Here you’ll find stovetop stew recipes and comforting braised dinners, with everything from silky gravies to creamy sauces and lighter broths. Choose something to simmer for Sunday dinner or share around the family table, with more recipes added as the collection grows.

Featured Stew Recipes

A classic stew with potatoes, a rich red wine sauce, or a creamy French favorite: these recipes are a good place to start when you’re deciding what to put on for dinner.

Beef Stews

These homemade beef stew recipes and slow-simmered beef dinners cook gently until the meat is fork-tender. Choose vegetables in a rich tomato sauce, French beef bourguignon with red wine, or tender beef tips in brown gravy.

Pork Stews

These pork stew recipes show how well tender pork pairs with vegetables, potatoes, and flavorful sauces. Try a rustic tomato-based stew, pork bourguignon with red wine, or blanquette in a creamy white wine sauce. The version with potatoes and pickles adds a pleasantly tangy option.

Browse All Stew Recipes

Browse the full collection of homemade stews and comforting braised dinners below. Find a familiar favorite or try something different for your next family meal.

View All Stew Recipes

Tips for Making a Great Stew

  • Choose the right cut. Beef chuck and pork shoulder work well for a long simmer, while leaner cuts need different timing. Follow the cut and cooking method in each recipe.
  • Give the meat room to brown. When the recipe calls for searing, work in batches. A crowded pot traps moisture and makes it harder to develop a flavorful crust.
  • Keep the simmer gentle. Look for small, steady bubbles rather than a rolling boil. Check occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the sauce reduces too much.
  • Add vegetables at the right time. Potatoes and softer vegetables may cook faster than the meat. Adding them in stages helps keep them tender without falling apart.
  • Taste the sauce near the end. The flavor becomes more concentrated as liquid evaporates, so check the seasoning again before serving.

What to Serve with Stew

Crusty bread is always welcome alongside a bowl of stew, especially when there’s sauce left to soak up. For stews without potatoes, mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles make a comforting base. A crisp salad adds a fresh contrast to richer dishes.

Find more ideas in my Side Dish Recipes, or explore these Potato Recipes and Rice Recipes to round out your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between soup and stew?
Stew generally has less liquid than soup, with the meat and vegetables making up more of each spoonful. The cooking liquid may become a rich gravy or stay lighter, depending on the recipe.

Do all stew recipes need wine?
No. Many stews use broth or a tomato-based sauce. For recipes that include wine, check the substitution notes for an alternative that works with the other ingredients.

Can I make these stews in a slow cooker?
Use slow cooker instructions when the individual recipe includes them. Stovetop recipes may need changes to the liquid amount, cooking time, and when vegetables or cream are added.

How can I thicken a stew?
If the meat and vegetables are already tender, a short uncovered simmer can reduce excess liquid. For a potato stew, mashing a few cooked potato pieces into the sauce can also help. Check the individual recipe before adding flour or cornstarch, since some stews are meant to have a lighter broth.

Explore More Recipe Collections

Planning another homemade dinner? Browse my Beef Recipes and Pork Recipes for more ways to cook your favorite cuts, or explore Chicken Recipes for something different. You’ll find even more meal ideas in the full Dinner Recipes collection.