20 Hearty Boxing Day Stew Recipes for Cozy Winter Feasts

Boxing Day has always held a special place in my heart. After the whirlwind of Christmas celebrations, it’s the perfect time to unwind and savor the comfort of family and good food. I always find that a hearty stew not only warms my bones but also brings a certain joy to the table, especially when shared with loved ones.

Inspired by this cozy tradition, I’ve compiled "20 Hearty Boxing Day Stew Recipes for Cozy Winter Feasts" that are guaranteed to bring warmth and cheer to your post-holiday gatherings. Each recipe holds its own unique twist, promising to make your Boxing Day meal one to remember.

1. Classic Beef Stew

Nothing beats the timeless comfort of a classic beef stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, coating the beef and vegetables.
4. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the beef broth, bringing it to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the meat and vegetables are tender.

2. Chicken and Dumplings Stew

This one is a family favorite, with fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the chicken thighs until browned.
2. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaves, cooking until softened.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer for 40 minutes.
5. Mix flour, milk, and butter to form the dumpling dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the stew.
7. Cook for another 20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.

3. Irish Lamb Stew

A bit of Irish comfort in a bowl, perfect for Boxing Day indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
• 4 cups lamb or beef broth
• 5 potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the lamb in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the broth, bringing it to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the lamb and vegetables are tender.

4. Tuscan White Bean Stew

A hearty vegetarian option, rich in flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the soaked beans in a large pot until tender; set aside.
2. In another pot, cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the cooked beans and vegetable broth.
5. Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.

5. Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Packed with spices, this stew brings a little exotic flair to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp coriander
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in chickpeas and vegetable broth.
4. Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

6. Seafood Stew

A rich and flavorful stew for the seafood lovers in your life.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, scallops)
• 4 cups fish stock
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
2. Add red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the fish stock and bring to a boil.
4. Add the mixed seafood and cook until all seafood is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

7. Split Pea and Ham Stew

A thick and hearty stew that’s perfect for using up leftover ham.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups diced ham
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a pot until softened.
2. Add the diced ham.
3. Stir in the split peas and chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until peas are tender.

8. Italian Sausage and Lentil Stew

This stew brings robust flavors with hearty sausage and nutritious lentils.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage in a large pot until browned.
2. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until lentils are tender.

9. French Onion Stew

All the flavors of French onion soup, but heartier and more filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 loaf French bread, sliced
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot, then cook the onions and garlic until caramelized.
2. Pour in the beef broth, bringing to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Toast the French bread slices.
5. Ladle the stew into bowls, top each with a slice of bread and grated cheese.

10. Mexican Chicken Stew

A zesty stew that brings a little heat to your Boxing Day feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion and garlic in a pot until softened.
2. Add shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

11. Beef and Barley Stew

A nutritious mix of beef, barley, and veggies makes this stew a wholesome choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup barley
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in a large pot.
2. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in barley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until meat and barley are tender.

12. German Sausage and Potato Stew

This hearty stew with savory sausage and tender potatoes is pure comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb German sausage, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 5 potatoes, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage in a large pot until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in potatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 10 minutes.

13. Vegetarian Chili Stew

Spicy, hearty, and packed with veggie goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook onion, bell peppers, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

14. New England Clam Chowder

Thick and creamy, this chowder brings comfort with every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans minced clams, drained
• 4 cups clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 potatoes, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 bacon strips, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy; remove and set aside.
2. Cook onion and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
3. Add potatoes and clam juice.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Stir in the clams, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.

15. Jamaican Jerk Chicken Stew

A spicy and fragrant stew that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken in a large pot.
2. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, jerk seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.

16. Hungarian Goulash

A rich and hearty beef stew with a burst of paprika flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in a large pot.
2. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until softened.
3. Stir in paprika, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours.

17. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Stew

Perfect for using up holiday turkey leftovers, with a creamy twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice, cooked
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add shredded turkey, cooked wild rice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

18. Thai Red Curry Stew

A flavorful stew with a touch of heat from Thai red curry paste.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook onion, bell peppers, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add red curry paste and cook for a minute more.
3. Stir in chicken, coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

19. Creamy Mushroom Stew

A rich and velvety stew perfect for mushroom lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

20. Spicy Black Bean Stew

A hearty and spicy vegetarian option that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook onion, jalapeños, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope you find these recipes as heartwarming and satisfying as I do. They are perfect for a cozy Boxing Day meal or any winter feast. Enjoy!