25 Slow Cooker Stews for Cozy Nights In

Nothing beats a warm and hearty stew on a chilly evening. Slow cookers make it easy to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. Below are 25 slow cooker stew recipes, each designed to bring comfort and flavor to your table. Let’s dive into the recipes!

1. Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef chunks in a skillet and set aside.
2. Mix flour, salt, and pepper to coat the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
3. Layer the vegetables (potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion) in the slow cooker.
4. Stir together the broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour over the meat and vegetables.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tip: For a richer flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the beef and add it to the slow cooker. This adds depth to the stew.

2. Chicken and Dumpling Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough

Instructions:

1. Place chicken and vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) into the slow cooker.
2. Mix chicken broth, milk, and soup in a bowl and pour over the chicken.
3. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. Cut biscuit dough into small pieces and add to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.
6. Cook until the biscuits are fluffy and cooked through.

Tip: To prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy, place them on top of the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and avoid stirring.

3. Vegetarian Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green lentils
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and set aside.
2. Combine lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in the slow cooker.
3. Add vegetable broth and seasonings (cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper).
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir well before serving.

Tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors and balance the earthiness of the lentils.

4. Creamy Potato and Ham Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes, ham, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tip: Use leftover ham bone or a smoked ham hock for added smokiness and depth of flavor. Remove the bone before serving.

5. Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients (chickpeas, carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, tomatoes, and broth) in the slow cooker.
2. Add spices (cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper) and stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with couscous or rice for a complete meal.

Tip: Stir in a handful of raisins or dried apricots during the last hour of cooking for a touch of sweetness that complements the spices.

6. Beef and Barley Stew

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 cup barley
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef stew meat in a skillet and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add barley, carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in beef broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Tip: Toast the barley in a dry skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance its nutty flavor.

7. Lamb and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cubed
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the lamb cubes in a skillet and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and peas to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in beef broth and add rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste when browning the lamb to create a richer, more complex base for the stew.

8. Pork and Sweet Potato Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the pork cubes and add them to the slow cooker.
2. Add sweet potatoes, carrots, and onion to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in chicken broth and season with cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and balance the savory pork.

9. Sausage and White Bean Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 2 cups white beans, soaked overnight
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage slices in a skillet and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add white beans, carrots, onion, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Tip: Use Italian sausage with fennel seeds for an extra layer of flavor, and finish with a handful of fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition.

10. Turkey and Butternut Squash Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound turkey breast, cubed
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place turkey, butternut squash, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and season with sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve with a side of quinoa or rice.

Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to complement the sweetness of the butternut squash and elevate the overall flavor.

11. Chicken Tortilla Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips for garnish

Instructions:

1. Shred the chicken breasts and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add tomatoes, onion, corn, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. Garnish with tortilla strips before serving.

Tip: Top with fresh avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream for a fresh, zesty finish.

12. Fish Chowder Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups seafood broth
• 1 cup cream
• 2 teaspoons dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place fish fillets, potatoes, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in seafood broth and season with dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Add cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Tip: Add the fish during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from overcooking and becoming tough.

13. Beef and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat and place it in the slow cooker.
2. Add mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Tip: Use a mix of wild mushrooms (like shiitake or cremini) for a deeper, more complex mushroom flavor.

14. Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pumpkin puree, chickpeas, carrots, onion, and vegetable broth into the slow cooker.
2. Season with cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve with a dollop of yogurt.

Tip: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini for a creamy, nutty twist that pairs well with the pumpkin.

15. Beef and Cabbage Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef chunks and add to the slow cooker.
2. Add cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and beef broth.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with fresh parsley.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of caraway seeds to complement the cabbage and give the stew a slightly nutty, aromatic flavor.

16. Sweet and Sour Pork Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pork, onion, bell peppers, and pineapple in the slow cooker.
2. Mix tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with steamed rice.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or fish sauce to enhance the umami flavor and balance the sweetness.

17. Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add sweet potatoes, carrots, and beef broth.
3. Season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.

18. Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cauliflower, chickpeas, carrots, and vegetable broth in the slow cooker.
2. Add cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Tip: Roast the cauliflower before adding it to the slow cooker for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

19. Chicken and Rice Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 cup rice
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, rice, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with fresh herbs.

Tip: Use basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant, fluffy texture, and add it during the last 2 hours of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

20. Spicy Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 3 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, bell peppers, and chili powder to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in beef broth and season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with cornbread.

Tip: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, and balance it with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving.

21. Chicken and White Bean Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cups white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, white beans, and carrots in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and season with rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Tip: Stir in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, umami-rich addition.

22. Beef and Turnip Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 turnips, peeled and cubed
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add turnips, potatoes, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of horseradish or Dijon mustard for a sharp, tangy kick that complements the turnips.

23. Italian Sausage and Bean Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown sausage and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add beans, carrots, onion, and chicken broth.
3. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with crusty bread.

Tip: Stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.

24. Beef and Potato Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a side salad.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to deepen the savory flavor of the broth.

25. Beef and Corn Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat and place in the slow cooker.
2. Add corn, potatoes, onion, and beef broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Tip: Use fire-roasted corn kernels for a smoky flavor, and add a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick.

Conclusion

These 25 slow cooker stews offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to keep you cozy all year round. Whether you’re craving a hearty beef stew or a lighter vegetable-based dish, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy these flavorful, comforting meals with your loved ones, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work!