25 Heartwarming Christmas Stews and Chilies Recipe You’ll Love

There's something extraordinarily comforting about a steaming bowl of stew or chili during the Christmas season. The medley of flavors, the warmth spreading through your body, and the nostalgic aromas wafting through the house—there's sheer magic in every spoonful.

As I was thinking about the cozy moments that make the holidays special, I knew I had to compile my favorite recipes into a list. "25 Heartwarming Christmas Stews and Chilies Recipe You’ll Love" is my labor of love, bringing together traditional and inventive dishes. So grab your biggest pot, your favorite ladle, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable.

1. Classic Beef Stew

Nothing beats the traditional beef stew to kick off the season.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, then add beef broth, carrots, and potatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.

2. Chicken and White Bean Chili

Perfect for a lighter, yet warming meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Stir in green chilies, cumin, and oregano.
3. Add chicken, white beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Hearty Lentil Stew

A vegetarian option that’s just as satisfying.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, and lentils. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.

4. Spicy Chorizo Chili

For those who like their holidays with a kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chorizo, crumbled
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chorizo, cook until browned.
2. Add onions, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in chili powder, then add black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.

5. Butternut Squash and Sage Stew

A seasonal favorite packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
2. Add butternut squash and fresh sage. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

6. Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

A healthy, hearty option post-Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in sweet potatoes and paprika, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and kidney beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.

7. Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder

Pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken, cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in corn, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 30 minutes.

8. Vegan Moroccan Stew

Spices make this stew incredibly vibrant.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add carrots and potatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chickpeas, spices, and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.

9. Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew

A rich and savory option for holiday nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in white beans, diced tomatoes, and oregano.
4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.

10. Seafood Stew

A coastal touch to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, and fish)
• 4 cups fish broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp saffron
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
2. Stir in saffron and diced tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add mixed seafood and fish broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

11. Pork and Apple Stew

A blend of savory and sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 3 apples, peeled and sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in apples, sage, and chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.

12. Beef and Barley Soup

A hearty and filling classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup barley
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef, cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in carrots, barley, and diced tomatoes.
4. Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

13. Vegan Butternut Squash Chili

A delightful twist on traditional chili.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, cubed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add butternut squash, cumin, and diced tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in black beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

14. Lamb Stew with Rosemary

A sophisticated and aromatic choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add lamb, cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in potatoes, rosemary, and beef broth.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

15. Southwest Chicken Stew

Bright and spicy, reminiscent of warmer climates.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can corn
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder.
4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

16. Vegetable and Quinoa Stew

Nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, and quinoa, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

17. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stew

Packed with flavor, perfect for a chilly night.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth.
4. Add shrimp, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

18. Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Smooth and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Stir in potatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 30 minutes. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.

19. White Bean Chicken Chili

Hearty and flavorful, with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shredded chicken
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Stir in green chilies, cumin, and shredded chicken.
3. Add white beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

20. Asian Inspired Beef Stew

A unique take with classic Asian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef, cook until browned.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and beef broth.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

21. Pork Green Chili Stew

Robust and spicy, a twist on traditional chili.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in green chilies and cumin.
4. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.

22. Guinness Beef Stew

Dark and rich, perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups Guinness beer
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef, cook until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and Guinness.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours.

23. Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Stew

A sweet and smoky option.

Ingredients:

• 4 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Stir in roasted bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and smoked paprika.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.

24. Creamy Mushroom Stew

Earthy and rich, perfect for mushroom lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add mushrooms and thyme, cook until mushrooms are tender.
3. Stir in vegetable broth and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

25. Pumpkin and Black Bean Stew

A hearty, fall-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Stir in pumpkin puree, black beans, and cinnamon.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope these recipes bring as much joy to your home as they have to mine. Cooking during the holidays is about more than just feeding people; it’s about creating memories and warmth. Enjoy these 25 Heartwarming Christmas Stews and Chilies, and may your holidays be merry and bright!