30 Hearty Christmas Stew Recipes for Cozy Winter Nights

By: Shivani Choudhary

Updated On: November 22, 2024

Christmas is my favorite time of year, not just for the joy and cheer, but for the delicious food that fills my home. There's nothing like coming in from the cold and being greeted by the aroma of a hearty stew simmering on the stove.

This season, I've gathered 30 hearty Christmas stew recipes for cozy winter nights, ensuring warmth and comfort with every spoonful. From classic beef stews to unique veggie combinations, there's something here to please every palate. Let's dive into these soul-warming recipes that will make your holiday season even more special.

1. Classic Beef Stew

A traditional favorite that's rich and savory.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
4 large carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup red wine
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown the beef chunks in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
Stir in tomato paste, wine, and broth, bring to a boil.
Add carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 2 hours until meat is tender.

2. Chicken and Dumpling Stew

Comfort food at its finest with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
3 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot, cook the chicken pieces until browned.
Add the carrots, celery, and onion, cooking until softened.
Pour in the broth, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 1 hour, then add milk and stir.
Mix flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and milk to form dumplings.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the stew, cook for another 20 minutes.

3. Irish Lamb Stew

A hearty, earthy stew packed with tender lamb.

Ingredients:

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
4 carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cups beef broth
1 cup Guinness beer
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme
6 potatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown the lamb chunks in a large pot.
Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Pour in broth and beer, bring to a boil.
Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 2 hours until lamb is tender and flavors melded.

4. Vegetarian Lentil Stew

A meatless option that's hearty and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

2 cups lentils
4 carrots, diced
3 potatoes, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, add garlic and onion, cook until soft.
Stir in carrots, potatoes, and cumin.
Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 40 minutes until lentils are tender.

5. Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew

A Tuscan-inspired dish featuring savory sausage and hearty beans.

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook sausage until browned.
Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, and rosemary.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

6. French Onion Beef Stew

A fusion of classic French onion soup and hearty beef stew.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat
3 large onions, sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp thyme
4 slices of bread
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown beef in olive oil, remove and set aside.
In the same pot, cook onions until caramelized.
Add garlic and thyme, cook for another minute.
Pour in wine and broth, add beef back in, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 2 hours, season with salt and pepper.
Toast bread slices, top with cheese, broil until melted.
Ladle stew into bowls, top with cheesy toast.

7. Moroccan Chicken Stew

An exotic stew with bold spices and tender chicken.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can chickpeas, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown chicken pieces in a large pot.
Add onions, garlic, carrots, cooking until softened.
Stir in cumin, cinnamon, and paprika.
Add broth, tomatoes, chickpeas, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 1 hour until chicken is tender.

8. Seafood Cioppino Stew

A coastal treat bursting with fresh seafood flavors.

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb mussels, cleaned
1 lb white fish, cut into chunks
1 cup dry white wine
4 cups fish stock or clam juice
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add red pepper flakes, wine, and stock, bring to a boil.
Stir in tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
Add seafood, simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

9. Hungarian Goulash

A rich and flavorful stew with tender beef and paprika.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 large onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp sweet paprika
2 red bell peppers, sliced
3 carrots, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown beef in olive oil, remove and set aside.
Cook onions and garlic in the pot until soft.
Stir in paprika, bell peppers, tomatoes, and broth.
Return beef to the pot, add carrots, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.

10. White Chicken Chili Stew

A creamy and spicy twist on traditional chili.

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cans white beans, drained
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced green chilies
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook chicken in olive oil until browned.
Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
Stir in cumin, green chilies, beans, and broth.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper.

11. Split Pea and Ham Stew

A creamy and delicious way to use up leftover ham.

Ingredients:

2 cups split peas, rinsed
1 lb ham, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add carrots, celery, ham, and bay leaf.
Stir in split peas and broth, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 1.5 hours until peas are tender.
Season with salt and pepper.

12. Thai Coconut Chicken Stew

A fragrant and creamy stew with a touch of spice.

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 can coconut milk
4 cups chicken broth
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook chicken in olive oil until browned.
Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic, cook until soft.
Stir in curry paste, fish sauce, broth, and coconut milk, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 30 minutes, add lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper.

13. Pork and Apple Stew

A sweet and savory stew that's perfect for winter.

Ingredients:

2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
3 apples, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup apple cider
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh sage
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown pork in olive oil, remove and set aside.
Cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add apples, apple cider, broth, and sage, bring to a boil.
Return pork to the pot, simmer for 1.5 hours.
Season with salt and pepper.

14. Spicy Chorizo and Chickpea Stew

A fiery stew with bold flavors and a hearty base.

Ingredients:

1 lb chorizo, sliced
2 cans chickpeas, drained
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook chorizo in olive oil until browned.
Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
Stir in paprika, tomatoes, chickpeas, broth, and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

15. Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Stew

A healthy and filling vegetarian stew packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant)
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Roast vegetables in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
In a large pot, heat olive oil, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add quinoa, roasted vegetables, tomatoes, and broth.
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.

16. Creamy Potato and Leek Stew

A velvety, smooth stew that's heartwarming and delicious.

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, diced
3 leeks, sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions, leeks, and garlic until soft.
Add potatoes, broth, and thyme, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes.
Blend the stew until smooth, stir in heavy cream.
Season with salt and pepper.

17. Turkey and Wild Rice Stew

A great way to repurpose leftover turkey into a delightful stew.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked turkey, diced
1 cup wild rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sage
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
In a large pot, heat olive oil, cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
Add turkey, broth, and sage, bring to a boil.
Stir in cooked wild rice, season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 20 minutes.

18. Butternut Squash and Sausage Stew

A sweet and savory blend of squash and spicy sausage.

Ingredients:

1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown sausage in olive oil, remove and set aside.
In the same pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add squash, tomatoes, broth, and rosemary, bring to a boil.
Return sausage to the pot, simmer for 30 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

19. Clam Chowder

A creamy and rich stew packed with clams and potatoes.

Ingredients:

2 cups clams, shucked and chopped
4 large potatoes, diced
4 cups clam juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot, melt butter and cook onions and garlic until soft.
Stir in flour, cook for 2 minutes.
Add potatoes and clam juice, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in clams and heavy cream, season with salt and pepper.

20. Barley and Mushroom Stew

A hearty vegetarian stew that's rich in umami flavors.

Ingredients:

2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 cup barley
4 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions, garlic, and carrots until soft.
Add mushrooms, cook until they release their juices.
Stir in barley, broth, and thyme.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 40 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

21. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

A hearty and nutritious vegetarian option that's full of flavor.

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, diced
2 cans black beans, drained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and cumin, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in black beans, season with salt and pepper.

22. Beef and Barley Stew

A classic combination of tender beef and hearty barley.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat
1 cup barley
4 cups beef broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown beef in olive oil, remove and set aside.
Cook onions, carrots, and garlic until soft.
Stir in barley, broth, and bay leaves.
Return beef to the pot, bring to a boil.
Simmer for 1.5 hours.
Season with salt and pepper.

23. Hearty Vegetable Stew

A nutrient-packed stew that's perfect for those cold nights.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, turnips)
3 potatoes, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add root vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, and broth.
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 40 minutes until vegetables are tender.

24. Cod Fish Stew

A lighter option that's full of delicate fish flavors.

Ingredients:

1 lb cod fillets, cut into chunks
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fish stock or clam juice
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup dry white wine
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add carrots and celery, cook until softened.
Pour in wine, fish stock, and tomatoes, bring to a boil.
Add cod chunks, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

25. Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew

A flavorful vegetarian dish inspired by Spanish cuisine.

Ingredients:

2 cans chickpeas, drained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bunch spinach, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Stir in smoked paprika and tomatoes.
Add chickpeas and broth, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in spinach, cook until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper.

26. Korean Beef Stew

A savory stew packed with the bold flavors of Korean cuisine.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef short ribs
4 cups beef broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown short ribs in olive oil, remove and set aside.
Cook onions and garlic until soft.
Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
Add beef broth, carrots, mushrooms, and short ribs.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 1.5 hours.
Season with salt and pepper.

27. Paprika Chicken Stew

A flavorful stew with tender chicken and a paprika kick.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
4 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 tbsp sweet paprika
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown chicken pieces in olive oil, remove and set aside.
Cook onions and garlic in the same pot until soft.
Stir in paprika, tomatoes, and chicken broth.
Return chicken to the pot, add carrots.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 45 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

28. Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca)

A tropical and flavorful fish stew from Brazil.

Ingredients:

1 lb white fish fillets, cut into chunks
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can coconut milk
4 cups fish stock
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add bell peppers, cook until softened.
Stir in fish stock and coconut milk, bring to a boil.
Add fish chunks, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add lime juice and cilantro.
Season with salt and pepper.

29. Caribbean Goat Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew with tender goat meat and rich spices.

Ingredients:

2 lbs goat meat, cut into chunks
4 cups beef broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 can coconut milk
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown goat meat in olive oil, remove and set aside.
Cook onions and garlic until soft.
Stir in curry powder and thyme.
Add beef broth, coconut milk, and goat meat.
Add carrots, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 2 hours until goat is tender.
Season with salt and pepper.

30. Peanut Butter Stew

A unique and creamy stew inspired by West African cuisine.

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup peanut butter
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook chicken in olive oil until browned.
Add onions, garlic, and cumin, cooking until soft.
Stir in peanut butter, tomatoes, and chicken broth.
Add carrots, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

These 30 hearty Christmas stew recipes are perfect for cozy winter nights, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether you're craving traditional flavors or adventurous dishes, these stews bring family and friends together, making your holiday season deliciously memorable. Enjoy the warmth and happy cooking!

Shivani Choudhary

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.