The best stew recipes cook the right ingredients until they become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Then it's time to cozy up with a big bowl of goodness!

When you’re craving something warm and cozy, there is nothing better than a slow-simmered meal, and our best stew recipes prove it. Here you’ll find a range of comforting stews, including beef, chicken, turkey and veggie, that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a thick slice of crusty bread and snuggle up.

1/39

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

55 Reviews
Total Time:7 hours 25 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
2/39

French Onion Stew

Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe takes your basic roast and elevates the flavors with cozy, onion-soup-inspired ingredients for a heartwarming meal. My family loves to enjoy this one on a cold night! —Amber McBride, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 473 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 869mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
3/39

Tuscan Portobello Stew

15 Reviews
Total Time:40 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.

The beans and vegetables are the stars of this vegan stew, but you won’t notice anyone complaining—it tastes that good! Our recipe uses chopped fresh kale, but feel free to substitute your favorite leafty green, like spinach or Swiss chard. The stew is naturally gluten-free, but it tastes great with a side of crusty bread if allergens aren’t a concern.

4/39

Slow-Cooker Chicken Stew

8 Reviews
Total Time:5 hours
Servings:2 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a terrific dump-and-go recipe for someone in a hurry who doesn't have time to prepare a meal at dinnertime. Get everything ready in the morning, and your dinnertime meal is ready! It is a very tasty stew. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cup: 281 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
5/39

Irish Beef Stew

39 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:3 hours 55 min
Servings:15 (3-3/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rich and hearty, this Irish beef stew is my husband's favorite. The beef is incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread, it's an ideal cool-weather meal and perfect for any Irish holiday. —Carrie Karleen, St. Nicolas, Quebec
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 301 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.

It doesn’t get any more classic than Irish beef stew. The recipe contains a lot of ingredients, but don’t be intimidated: They all come together to create a dish that you’ll be talking about for a while. We especially like the addition of a dark stout beer (like Guinness), which adds a deeply roasted flavor.

6/39

Greek-Style Lamb Stew

Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband spent several years in the Mediterranean while in the U.S. Navy. He loved the people and the food, so I have tailored many of our family recipes to enjoy those wonderful Mediterranean flavors. This one is a family favorite. — Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 439 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1155mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 35g protein.
7/39

Cabbage Stew

19 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chock-full of ground turkey, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes, this turkey cabbage soup delivers delicious down-home comfort on cool days. If you don't like cabbage, replace it with chopped green peppers. Simply saute the peppers with the turkey, onion and garlic. —Susan Lasken, Woodland Hills, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.

Move over, ground beef. There’s a new star in town! This ground turkey stew combines lean meat with chopped cabbage, tomatoes and spices to create a bowl that’s both delicious and easy to make. You can freeze any leftovers for later, but you’ll want to add a little liquid when reheating to get the right texture.

8/39

Cowboy Stew

10 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:11
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 469 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1256mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 28g protein.

What’s not to love about a one-pot stew recipe that’s ready to serve in 30 minutes? You only need five simple ingredients to make it: ground beef, baked beans, sliced hot dogs, barbecue sauce and Parmesan cheese. Other sausages work well instead of hot dogs, so use chorizo or andouille sausage if that’s what you have on hand.

9/39

Beef Barley Stew

10 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 45 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I like barley, so I knew I had to try this beef and barley stew recipe when I ran across it in a newspaper some years ago. It's nice to have a tasty, filling dish that's lower in fat. —June Formanek, Belle Plaine, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 266 calories, 8g fat (0 saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
10/39

Kielbasa Cabbage Stew

16 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you enjoy German potato salad, you'll love this stew. Caraway seeds, smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes and shredded cabbage make it a delicious, surprisingly light change of pace. —Valerie Burrows, Shelby, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups: 322 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 1143mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 7g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.

Kielbasa is a smoked Polish sausage made with garlic and spices, and it’s the base of this hearty and warming stew. Two cups of shredded cabbage might look like a lot when you’re putting it into the pot, but it will cook down to a manageable amount by the time the potatoes are cooked through.

11/39

Slow-Cooker Curried Beef Stew

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You won't find anything like this in your old slow-cooker recipe book. The flavors and heat of curry create a tender and succulent beef stew. Serve it over chickpea rice, couscous or quinoa for a fulfilling meal. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 307 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
12/39

Slow-Cooker Chickpea Tagine

4 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: ou won't find anything like this in your old slow-cooker recipe book. The flavors and heat of curry create a tender and succulent beef stew. Serve it over chickpea rice, couscous or quinoa for a fulfilling meal. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 127 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/39

Traditional Lamb Stew

17 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 360 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.

When you’re in the mood for a classic meat-and-potatoes recipe, this is the stew to make. If you can find it, look for lamb shoulder for this recipe. It becomes very tender when braised, taking this stew to the next level.

14/39

Turkey Stew with Dumplings

9 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love dumplings, and this mild-tasting, homey dish has flavorful ones floating on a tasty turkey and vegetable stew. It hits the spot on chilly fall and winter days. —Rita Taylor, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 255 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
15/39

Southern Okra Bean Stew

2 Reviews
Total Time:30 min
Servings:11 (about 4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When this spicy stew's simmering on the stove, my family has a hard time waiting for dinner. It's much like a thick tomato-based soup with a hearty mix of okra, brown rice and beans. Everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied—and eager to have it again soon. —Beverly McDowell, Athens, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.

One of our favorite vegetarian stew recipes becomes rich and thick with the addition of okra. This vegetable has a reputation for being quite slimy, but acidity from the tomatoes tempers its weird texture. If you anticipate making leftovers, keep the rice on the side to preserve the stew’s texture upon reheating.

16/39

Sausage Stew

8 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One day when I was preparing Italian sausages, I decided to do something different. After browning them, I put the sausages in a pot and added other ingredients, ending up with this stew that my husband and I like very much. We have four grown children and will soon celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary!
17/39

Pork and Hominy Stew

1 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 30 min
Servings:8 (about 2-3/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This aromatic pork stew, also known as pozole, is a southwestern delicacy. I make it in the slow cooker so it can simmer away on its own. The rich, brothy soup is delicious, much like a tamale in a bowl. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 257 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1005mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.

In the southwestern U.S., this stew is called posole or pozole for the Nahuatl word for “foam” (referring to the shape of the corn as it cooks). Hominy looks like corn, but it’s bigger with a chewier texture. The stew is rich and savory, and it achieves the perfect flavor when garnished with avocado and lime.

18/39

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

20 Reviews
Total Time:50 min
Servings:8 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This fragrant, spicy vegetable stew can be served over couscous or with warm pita bread. Try topping the Moroccan dish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to cool it down. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 180 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable.

This stew is loved by vegetarians and omnivores alike! It’s impossible to miss all the incredible flavors: buttery chickpeas, sweet butternut squash, creamy potatoes, acidic tomatoes and rich zucchini. Serve this stew with a side of pita bread and finish it with a dollop of yogurt.

19/39

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Stew

15 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Shh! Don’t tell anyone! This recipe is so simple, but you’d never know it. My husband, who normally doesn’t like chicken, asks for this dish regularly. —Mary Watkins, Little Elm, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup chicken mixture with 1/2 cup potatoes: 572 calories, 36g fat (14g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 1126mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.

This stew gets its incredible flavor from chicken thighs cooked in Italian dressing and white wine. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but the thighs add a richer flavor. To make the dish feel even more comforting, serve the stew over mashed potatoes.

20/39

Pork Tenderloin Stew

14 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This thick and creamy pork tenderloin stew is one that my family requests often. It does an especially good job of warming us up on cold winter days. —Janet Allen, Belleville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 305 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/39

Skillet Chicken Stew

32 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating. — Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.

We don’t always have time to spend all day cooking, so we love having stew recipes like this one in our back pocket. It’s amazing how much flavor can come from so few ingredients! Dredging the chicken in flour before it’s cooked is a great shortcut to thickening the stew without making a roux.

22/39

Squash and Lentil Lamb Stew

1 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 30 min
Servings:8 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family lived in New Zealand many years ago. Every Sunday my mother made a lamb stew—it was Dad's favorite! I changed the recipe to suit my family's more modern palates, but it still seems just as exotic and delicious. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 411 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.

There’s nothing traditional about this recipe, but the ingredients come together to create an exotic dish that’s fun and enticing. The savory lamb, sweet squash and grassy spinach are perfectly balanced by the sauce (a combination of coconut milk, peanut butter, red curry paste and hoisin sauce). Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime, and you’ll find yourself craving this stew on the regular!

23/39

Keto Beef Stew

Total Time:2 hours
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 298 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

For a hearty and comforting low-carb meal, I like keto beef stew. With tender chunks of beef, celery and carrots, and fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, this stew offers rich, savory flavors and a satisfying texture.

24/39

Mainly Mushroom Beef Carbonnade

1 Reviews
Total Time:2 hours 45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is the ultimate comfort food, an earth-and-turf combo that smells delicious while cooking and tastes like home. The mushrooms taste so meaty, you can decrease the amount of beef and add more portabellos if you like. —Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 333 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.

A carbonnade is a beef stew cooked in beer, but this recipe gives the classic a twist by adding a ton of portobello mushrooms. These mushrooms maintain their meaty texture as they cook and absorb the seasonings in the cooking liquid to become little flavor bombs. You won’t be sorry if you add more mushrooms than the recipe calls for!

25/39

Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew

3 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 35 min
Servings:8 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.—Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 327 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1637mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.

Here’s another classic recipe that’s been turned into a stew. Instead of going through the effort of steaming and stuffing peppers, simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing.

26/39

Chicken Stew over Biscuits

9 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 5 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rich gravy makes this a classic comfort food, with chicken slow-cooked to tender perfection and served over hot biscuits. My family can’t get enough of this meal. —Kathy Garrett, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups with 1 biscuit: 429 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1288mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
27/39

Lentil and Pasta Stew

4 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:8 hours 25 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Warm up with a big bowl of this stick-to-your-ribs stew that’s chock-full of chopped smoked sausage, hearty veggies and tender lentils. It’s terrific with oven-fresh baked bread. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 364 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 1021mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.

The combination of smoked sausage, ditalini pasta and lentils creates a hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold day. Ditalini is a very short, tube-shaped pasta that’s small enough to fit on a soup spoon. Feel free to substitute another small pasta shape if you can’t find it, like mini shells, tubetinni or macaroni.

28/39

Turkey Biscuit Stew

17 Reviews
Total Time:35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup stew with 1 biscuit: 345 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.

Need to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Make this warming stew recipe! The recipe calls for baking biscuits on top of the stew to create a flaky topping, but you can bake them on the side if you’re making the stew in advance.

29/39

Hamburger Stew

105 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:16 (4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
30/39

Squash & Chicken Stew

12 Reviews
Total Time:6 hours 15 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 384 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 37g protein.

Stew is generally rich and hearty, but it doesn’t always feel that healthy. This version uses chicken and butternut squash to create a flavorful but nutritious combination. As a bonus, it looks absolutely gorgeous when scooped into a bowl with pearl couscous.

31/39

Cioppino

30 Reviews
Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Servings:8 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
32/39

Great Northern Bean Stew

20 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This thick and hearty stew with great northern beans is sure to chase the winter chills away. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 274 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.

This recipe cuts down on the cooking time by using bulk pork sausage, and the flavors come together in less than an hour. The type of sausage you purchase will affect how the dish eats: Regular pork sausage brings a rich, porky flavor while hot Italian sausage will give the stew a spicy bite.

33/39

Pressure-Cooker Beef Stew

4 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 530 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein.

Compared to the slow cooker, an electric pressure cooker makes quick work of transforming a boneless beef chuck roast into a pile of tender shredded beef. After pressure-cooking on high for 40 minutes, let the pressure release naturally while you chop the vegetables. While the roast is resting, the stew will finish cooking in only 8 minutes.

34/39

Black-Eyed Pea Sausage Stew

6 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I always wanted to try black-eyed peas. I happened to have smoked sausage on hand one night, so I invented this full-flavored stew. It's the perfect way to heat up a cold night without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I usually double the seasonings because we like our food spicier. —Laura Wimbrow, Bridgeville, Delaware
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 346 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 1378mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.

If you’ve never tried black-eyed peas, you’ll want to add this recipe to your weeknight dinner plan. These dense, creamy beans taste fantastic when combined with smoky sausage and sweet corn. The beefy tomato sauce base really brings it all together, creating a rich and comforting bowl that’s ready to eat in just 30 minutes.

35/39

Hungarian Goulash

31 Reviews
Contest Winner
Total Time:7 hours 20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup goulash with 1 cup noodles: 388 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
36/39

Venison Stew

21 Reviews
Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I had no choice but to learn to cook many years ago while my wife recuperated from surgery. But I found I really enjoyed trying different recipes and adapting them to my own taste—that's how my now-famous venison stew recipe came to be! —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 271 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 791mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.

While most people think of deer when they hear venison, the term technically refers to any game meat—from elk to antelope to wild boar. If you don’t have a hunter in your life, seek out venison stew meat at your local butcher shop.

37/39

Brunswick Stew

1 Reviews
Total Time:2 hours 30 min
Servings:24 (6 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Brunswick stew dates back to the 1860s, when it was served as a complete meal. We now use it as an accompaniment to barbecues. It is delicious picnic fare when served with country ribs, coleslaw or potato salad. When I make this stew, I double the recipe and freeze small portions so we can enjoy it at several meals. —Alyce Ray, Forest Park, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 151 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.

Georgia and Virginia have both claimed they’re the birthplace of this famous stew, with Georgia versions featuring pork and Virginia’s including chicken. Ours contains both along with beef to create a stew that’s filling enough to serve as a main meal. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t serve it the traditional way—as a side for ribs along with coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans.

38/39

Lentil Pepperoni Stew

1 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:6 (2-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Turkey pepperoni nicely spices this thick lentil stew with rich tomato broth. This is a stick-to-your-ribs mainstay at our house. Diane Hixon of Niceville, Florida.
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 261 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat.

Turkey pepperoni nicely spices this thick lentil stew with rich tomato broth. This is a stick-to-your-ribs mainstay at our house.

39/39

Jamaican-Style Beef Stew

14 Reviews
Total Time:1 hour 40 min
Servings:5 (1-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This delicious stew makes a hearty supper with a lighter touch. The leaner cut of meat, herbs and seasonings and fresh vegetables make it so flavorful, you'll want another bowl! —James Hayes, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 285 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.

The aroma of this Jamaican-style beef stew will fill the entire house, causing stomachs to grumble with hunger long before the stew is ready. We use leaner top sirloin in this recipe, which has a more beef-forward flavor compared to stew meat, and it takes a fraction of the time to become tender.