Gathering family around a warm, cozy meal is one of the best ways to create lasting memories. Stews, with their hearty ingredients and rich flavors, are perfect for this occasion. Plus, what’s better than a dish that can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more moments with your loved ones?
Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

Old Fashioned Beef Barley Stew from Feeling Foodish
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 45 min Total Time: 1 h 45 min.

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Stew from A Farmgirl's Dabbles
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: 6 h 25 min Total Time: 6 h 25 min.

Beef & Barley Stew from The Jam Jar Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 2 h 45 min Total Time: 2 h 45 min.
This stew is a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with savory flavors and the delightful chewiness of barley. The beef is seared to perfection, locking in all the juices, and then simmered slowly with carrots, onions, and a rich broth. The barley adds a wonderful texture, soaking up all the deliciousness while creating a filling dish that warms the heart.
What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a classic that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you might have lying around!
Spicy Chicken and Chorizo Stew

Spanish Chicken and Chorizo Stew from Effortless Foodie
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
If you’re looking to spice things up, this chicken and chorizo stew is the way to go! The combination of tender chicken pieces and smoky chorizo creates a flavor explosion that your family will rave about. With a kick of spices and a base of tomatoes, this stew is as vibrant as it is delicious.
This recipe shines because it’s both comforting and exciting. The chorizo adds a depth that transforms the ordinary chicken stew into something extraordinary. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your family’s taste preferences!
Vegetarian Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew from Eat Yourself Skinny
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Ginger Sweet Potato and Coconut Milk Stew with Lentils and Kale from The First Mess
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 5 min Total Time: 1 h 5 min.

Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew from The Garden Grazer
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.
For those who prefer a plant-based option, this lentil and sweet potato stew is a winner! It’s packed with protein-rich lentils, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a fragrant broth. The sweetness of the potatoes balances beautifully with the earthiness of the lentils, making each bite a delightful experience.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings where everyone can enjoy it. It’s a colorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate, and it’s a great way to show that vegetarian meals can be just as hearty and satisfying!