Hearty Dutch Oven Meat and Vegetable Stew Recipe
Introduction
Dutch oven recipes are a versatile and comforting way to prepare hearty meals. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create rich, flavorful dishes perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Meat (your choice, such as beef, chicken, or pork)
- Vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery)
- Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable, about 2-3 cups)
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the meat, chopped vegetables, broth, and seasonings in the Dutch oven.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low heat, either on the stovetop or in the oven, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, usually 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, brown the meat in the Dutch oven before adding the vegetables and broth.
- Add different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to enhance the aroma.
- Try adding beans or lentils for a heartier stew.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven?
Yes, the ingredients and cooking times can be adapted for a slow cooker, but the Dutch oven provides a unique flavor from stovetop or oven cooking that’s hard to replicate.
What if I don’t have broth on hand?
You can substitute broth with water, but adding extra seasonings will help maintain rich flavor.
PrintHearty Dutch Oven Meat and Vegetable Stew Recipe
This simple and hearty Dutch oven recipe combines meat, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to create a tender and flavorful one-pot meal. Perfect for comforting dinners, this method ensures all ingredients meld beautifully with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds of your choice of meat (beef chuck roast, chicken thighs, or pork shoulder)
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
Broth
- 4 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth, depending on the meat
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Dutch oven. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sear the meat. Add the meat and brown on all sides to develop flavor, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients. Return the meat to the Dutch oven and add potatoes, broth, and seasonings including salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Cook until tender. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Finish and serve. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use any sturdy cut of meat suitable for slow cooking to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust broth quantity based on desired stew consistency.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- For richer flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after searing the meat.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Keywords: Dutch oven, one-pot meal, stew, slow simmer, comfort food, meat stew, hearty dinner
