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Beef used to be the go-to for easy, affordable dinners—but with prices climbing, it might be time to ladle up something new. Stew is the ultimate comfort food for tough grocery weeks: It stretches ingredients, makes the most of budget-friendly cuts, and somehow tastes even better the next day. These recipes rely on chicken, pork, and other alternatives to beef, as well as vegetables and legumes to deliver hearty meals. So if you’re craving something satisfying that’s easy on your wallet, these stews have you covered.
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Million Dollar Soup
Peyton Beckwith
“During the Fall season My family eats lots of soup. I am always looking for new recipes and this one was awesome. My family enjoyed this soup. I prepared it just as directed and it turned out perfect. Thank you for sharing this great recipe.” —Christine
The Best Swamp Soup
Peyton Beckwith
“We made this and have to say it was delicious! It’s now in our monthly rotation. Easy to make. Barely lasted 2 days for a family of 5!” —Rick Wyatt
Irish Bacon and Cabbage Soup
“Delicious and somewhat easy to make, I just threw it all together and first time, I was blown away, like where have you been all my life haha” —AmberPate6752
Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta and Beans)
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I make this recipie all the time. So quick and easy, and always a hit with dinner guests. Good as a side or as a main dish along with a salad.” —John Boston
Easy White Chili
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This was a hit tonight!! We all loved it! I did it all except I used only about half an onion. For toppings- sour cream, the cheese and I added cilantro and tortilla strips! So good.” —Lola
Lengua (Beef Tongue) Stew
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“It was really tasty, and I was very hesitant. My husband had eaten tongue before, so I went for it and didn’t regret it. I might have added too much taco seasoning.” —Abi
One-Pot Chicken Stew
“This was really easy and delicious! Perfect on a cold fall night. Per the notes I substituted chicken stock, salt, and pepper for the water and the soup base, and it worked really well for me.” —fabeveryday
Viking Stew
John Mitzewich
“This Viking stew, made with meat, berries, mushrooms, plenty of fresh herbs, and root vegetables typically available to the Vikings, is a seemingly primitive dish with a remarkably sophisticated flavor. It works with any meat, so if you cannot hunt for wild boar, do not be dismayed—you can still make it!” —Chef John
Easy Oxtail Stew
B. Tario
“Great hearty meal on cold winter days. The oxtails were super tender. I added more salt and some wilted spinach and it was perfect.” —B Tario
Easy Brunswick Stew
“Second year in a row making this Brunswick stew and it was GREAT! I substituted canned white meat chicken and used smoked pork from a Boston butt that a co-worker made for me and threw in the bone too, low simmer about 2 1/2 hours for more flavor. My added ingredient…..brown sugar.” —irockuroll_65
Slow Cooker Chicken Gumbo with Shrimp
“I loved this recipe. I did make 1 change though. Instead of rice, which I can’t stand, I added some wide noodles to the crock pot. It was to die for. Everyone loved this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing.” —CyanBowl5028
Sexy Fish Stew
“Chef John, your recipes never disappoint and this one is no different. I used a combination of tilapia and snapper, and half & half instead of the cream because that’s what I had on hand, and it was fantastic! I served it with a simple green salad and some bread, and it was a great meal that looked way more expensive and labor intensive than it was.” —Jet
West African Peanut Stew
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Addelyn Evans / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
“A hearty African peanut stew that’s super easy to make and great for peanut butter lovers. It can be made vegetarian or with chicken. In a pinch, feel free to use vegetable or corn oil for peanut oil, powdered ginger for fresh, water for stock, etc.” —km1312
Tava or Turkish Stew
“This is a delicious Turkish dish that was created for American palates close to the military base. The recipe for tava does not have to be exact, you can add more or less of your ingredients to taste. The secret ingredient for the Turkish taste is the red peppers. Serve over rice.” —Carrie H
Dot’s Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
“Loved this soup. Whole family did, grandkids too! I replaced pork butt with ham bone from Christmas. Also added 32 oz chicken broth, Then chopped leftover ham & added it. Mmmm sooo good. Thank you for this simple recipe.” —geeky
Easy Brazilian Black Bean Stew
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I made this dish for some girls that came to the US from Brazil a few weeks ago. They loved it and told me it was just like how their grandma makes it! It has now became the favorite way my husband and I make beans!” —brittany
Colorado Green Chili (Chile Verde)
Yoly
“Legit, the best green chili I have ever made. Reduce to 4 cups broth, mix of medium and hot green chilis, pitch of clove and cumin tops it off.” –CrispHoney5572
French Style Mushroom Stew
“What a great dish for a cold day, it’s like a warm hug in your belly. I prefer it with mashed potatoes, but I think noodles would have been nice too.” —Rita
Turkey Goulash
4everhungry
“Love this simple but delicious goulash. I used up some the pasta I had in my pantry. My girls eat this up!” —Wheresmytoast
Panang Curry with Chicken
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This is so good! I’ve made it many times tastes just like a restaurant. I always load it up with zucchini, red bell pepper, onions,carrot and mushrooms .My family likes it with rice noodles I do brown rice for me and I always top it off with cilantro! 😋 yummy.” —FunScoop6486
