25 January Stews That Are Both Hearty And Healthy

January calls for stews—big, hearty bowls of them. When it’s cold, and everyone’s pretending to enjoy the “new year, new me” vibe, nothing beats a dinner that’s actually warm and filling. Stews are the kind of meal that gets it right: easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for nights when you’d rather hibernate than spend hours cooking. Whether you’re into beef, chicken, seafood, or veggie-packed options, there’s a stew here that’s ready to hit the spot.

Bowl of beef stew. The stew is dark brown and contains chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms in a rich gravy. A sprig of thyme is on top. The bowl is white and sits on a beige linen napkin. A wooden cutting board with a loaf of bread is in the upper right corner. The background is a light gray surface. — Photo credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

This beef and mushroom stew is hearty and comforting, with tender beef and earthy mushrooms in a rich broth. The instant pot makes it quick and easy for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Turkey Stew

Shredded turkey, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, and fresh herbs come together in this savory stew. A touch of tomato paste and balsamic vinegar adds balance for a hearty, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

This turmeric lentil stew is packed with healthy ingredients and works great with any grain you have on hand. It’s a simple, hearty meal perfect for a cozy January night.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Lamb stew made in the slow cooker combines lean lamb, mushrooms, beans, kale, and tomatoes for a great one-pot meal. Perfect for when you want dinner ready without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Moroccan lamb lentil stew combines bold spices, chickpeas, and hearty lentils for a flavorful dinner. Add a dollop of yogurt and fresh cilantro for the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Ground Beef Stew

Simple and hearty, ground beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. Cooked in a Dutch oven, it’s packed with rich flavors and healthy ingredients, making it perfect for January nights when you need something reliable and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stew

Venison Stew

Packed with fall-apart tender venison and hearty vegetables, this stew is slow-cooked perfection. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you going when it’s freezing outside and you need something great to dig into.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew

American Irish Beef Stew

This beef stew combines the best of Irish and American comfort food traditions. Loaded with tender beef and chunky vegetables, it’s perfect for staying cozy on those long January evenings.
Get the Recipe: American Irish Beef Stew

Chicken Stew

This instant pot chicken stew is an easy one-pot solution for a healthy, hearty dinner. With tender chicken and plenty of vegetables, it’s perfect for anyone looking to feel good and full after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew

Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Creamy peanut butter and hearty sweet potatoes team up in this stew that’s loaded with flavor. It’s a comforting, wholesome choice when you need something both hearty and healthy to fight off the January chill.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Crab Stew

This crab stew brings the perfect balance of sweet and salty seafood flavors. Made with homemade stock, it’s a great choice for when you want a cozy dinner that’s a little more special than the usual fare.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stew

Mushroom Bourguignon

Inspired by the classic French dish, mushroom bourguignon swaps beef for rich, meaty mushrooms in a savory red wine sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and great for vegetarians or anyone craving a bold stew.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Bourguignon

Cowboy Stew

This one-pot cowboy stew combines ground beef, sausage, beans, and veggies for a meal that’s as filling as it is easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Fabulous Pork Stew

Slow-cooked pork stew is a hearty, flavorful option for a dinner everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare, kid-approved, and makes fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Fabulous Pork Stew

Spicy Beef Stew

This spicy beef stew is packed with tender beef and your choice of vegetables. Made in a slow cooker, it’s a versatile dinner with just the right kick to warm you up on a cold night.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef and Noodles

Chunks of tender beef, soft egg noodles, and rich gravy come together in this crockpot meal. It’s the perfect comfort food when you’re craving something simple but hearty.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef and Noodles

Lentil and Sausage Stew

Lentil and sausage stew is a quick, healthy dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Made with spinach, canned lentils, and tomatoes, it’s a hearty bowl that keeps things easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Sausage Stew

Mushroom Lentil Stew

Earthy mushrooms and lentils cook together with broth and vegetables for a rich, one-pot stew. Ready in less than an hour, this hearty meal is perfect for chilly January evenings.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Lentil Stew

Beef Stew

Instant pot beef stew gives you all the rich, slow-cooked flavors in under an hour. With tender beef and hearty vegetables, it’s a perfect go-to for a healthy, filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Beef Bourguignon

This instant pot beef bourguignon brings all the classic flavors in a fraction of the time. Tender beef, bacon, mushrooms, and red wine gravy make this a perfect dish for weeknights or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Cioppino

Cioppino is a seafood lover’s dream. Shrimp, clams, mussels, white fish, and crab simmered in a rich tomato broth make this one-pot stew great for a comforting dinner or even a special gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian goulash is a hearty stew made with tender beef, paprika, and vegetables. It’s a great choice for a flavorful dinner that’s both nourishing and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Goulash

Vegetable Stew

Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower. Photo credit: Refresh My Health.

This vegetable stew brings together onions, broccoli, and cauliflower in a light yet hearty dish. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for when you want something wholesome and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower

Beef Shank Stew

Beef shank stew is packed with protein-rich beef, hearty vegetables, and bold seasonings. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly option that makes for a great dinner on a cold night.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank Stew

Carbonnade Flamande Belgian Beef Stew

This Belgian beef stew combines tender beef and beer in a rich, flavorful dish. Though it takes time to cook, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting, slow-cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carbonnade Flamande Belgian Beef Stew

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.