15 Hearty Stews Steeped in Fall Flavors

Red Chile Braised Beef Stew over Mashed Sweet Potatoes in a white bowl
Photo: Valerie Brunmeier

When autumn finally puts the chill to summer's steamy heat, it's time to break out the hearty, long-simmering stews. These savory stew recipes are some of our absolute favorites. They celebrate fall flavors in five-star style with seasonal ingredients and simple preparations. And if you're like us, you'll devour them clear through into winter and spring, too.

01 of 15

Creamy Pork Stew

Creamy Pork Stew on a plate with rice and apple slices
ANT

This creamy pork stew features fall favorites like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mushrooms, and root vegetables. Add squash if you like. And if pork doesn't do it for you, this recipe is very versatile; Chef John also recommends "veal, beef, or chicken thighs." Enjoy over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

02 of 15

Boeuf Bourguignon

beef burgundy in a stainless steel braising dish, garnished with a parsley sprig
lutzflcat

In this classic French beef stew, lean beef cooks low and slow with onions, mushrooms, and red wine. "I got this going about mid-morning in my Instant Hot Pot using the slow cook feature," says lutzflcat. "Really easy to make, and it has a rich, robust flavor. Very tender."

03 of 15

Harvest Pork Stew

Harvest Pork Stew in a blue, green, and white bowl
outofthyme

A terrific autumn stew, butternut squash and apples add a hint of sweetness to the savory flavors. Make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. "The flavor of the butternut and the spices was amazing," says chefcheri. "It's a recipe you can add to or subtract from and make your own!"

04 of 15

Beef Stew IV

Beef Stew IV in a white bowl
CHEEZEKAKEMAKER

A true classic! Seasoned browned beef simmers with onions, carrots, potatoes, and frozen corn. "This was excellent," raves MCGLAUNT. "Easiest and best stew I have eaten besides my grandmothers. I added a can of French cut green beans with the corn."

05 of 15

Polish Bean and Sausage Stew

Polish Bean and Sausage Stew in a white bowl
Olenka

Cannellini beans, kielbasa sausage, bacon, and tomatoes combine in this hearty, satisfying Polish stew that sticks to the ribs on chilly fall nights.

06 of 15

Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)

Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)
Olenka

Traditionally made with wild game such as venison or boar, this meaty stew also tastes delicious with beef and pork. "Perfect for feeding a crowd, especially when the weather turns cold and dreary," says Chef John.

07 of 15

Mexican Beef and Vegetable Stew

Mexican Beef and Vegetable Stew
Allrecipes

A pressure cooker will create a "simmered all day" taste in less than an hour. Chunks of seasoned beef emerge tender and tasty, along with zesty diced tomatoes and veggies. "This stew has deep, rich and robust layers of flavor," says lutzflcat, "with Mexican tastes lingering in the background, and the beef almost melts in your mouth."

08 of 15

Chicken Stew with Dumplings

Chicken Stew with Dumplings
jodieleigh

A true comfort classic! "I love this recipe and I make it as much as I can," says Monica. "It's easy and the taste is GREAT!"

09 of 15

Chef John's Beef and Barley Stew

Chef John's Beef and Barley Stew in a blue bowl
KristalwithaK

This beautiful bowl of beef and barley will become a favorite cool-weather dish. "When it comes to stick-to-your-ribs stews," says Chef John, "it doesn't get any better than shank. It makes an especially satisfying sauce for your meat and grain."

10 of 15

Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew)

Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew) on white dinnerware
Ghormeh Sabzi. LauraF

Ghormeh sabzi is delicious Persian beef and kidney bean stew loaded with greens and herbs like spinach, cilantro, fenugreek, and parsley. "It's traditionally served atop white rice (polow)," says marybakes. "You can also serve it with lavash bread."

11 of 15

Chef John's Irish Pork Stew

Chef John's Irish Pork Stew in a large pot
mommyluvs2cook

Don't limit Chef John's Irish Pork Stew to your St. Patrick's Day menu. With in-season Brussels sprouts — as well as mashed potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion — this pork stew will fit right in on your fall dinner menu.

12 of 15

Red Chile Braised Beef Stew over Mashed Sweet Potatoes"

Red Chile Braised Beef Stew over Mashed Sweet Potatoes in a white bowl
Valerie Brunmeier

"My husband is raving about this dish and even proposed making it for Christmas dinner. It has a great combination of the sweet and creamy sweet potatoes paired with the mildly-spicy beef. We will definitely do this again," Michelle says.

13 of 15

Cara's Moroccan Stew

Cara's Moroccan Stew in a red bowl
Brenda

Green lentils, chickpeas, butternut squash, zucchini, and bell peppers form the base of this filling vegetarian stew. A handful of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, add to its warm, comforting flavor.

14 of 15

Masala Beef with Ginger and Curry Leaf

Masala Beef with Ginger and Curry Leaf
Stephen Lesko

Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon are among the spices that give this beef dish its kick. I can tell you by just looking at this recipe that it's VERY authentic," reviewer eljaustin says. "I'm of Indian descent, and this is pretty much how we make meat as a side dish to eat with rice."

15 of 15

West African-Style Peanut Stew with Chicken

West African-Style Peanut Stew with Chicken in a bowl over a printed napkin
Allrecipes Magazine

"African-inspired spices infuse the peanut butter and tomato base of this hearty one-pot stew starring chicken, sweet potatoes, and collard greens," says recipe creator Ellie Krieger.

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