9+ Homemade Make-Ahead Stew Recipes Perfect for Your Next Family Reunion!

Family reunions are all about togetherness, laughter, and of course, fantastic food. Imagine the warmth of a delicious stew, simmering away, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas that pull everyone to the table. With these make-ahead recipes, your next gathering will not only be memorable but also incredibly tasty!

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Hearty Beef-Vegetable Stew

Hearty Beef-Vegetable Stew from Weekend at the Cottage

Ingredients: 3 h

Beef and Vegetable Stew

Beef and Vegetable Stew from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: 2 h 30 min Total Time: 2 h 30 min.

HEARTY BEEF AND VEGGIE STEW

HEARTY BEEF AND VEGGIE STEW from Momma Chef

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 2 h 5 min Total Time: 2 h 5 min.

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This classic stew is a comforting blend of tender beef, colorful veggies, and rich broth that warms the soul. The secret here is slow-cooking the beef until it practically melts in your mouth, while the vegetables soak up all that delicious flavor.

What makes this stew special is the combination of herbs like thyme and rosemary, which add a lovely earthy aroma. Plus, you can prep it a day ahead, letting the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat it on the day of the reunion, and watch everyone gather around for a hearty bowl!

Chicken and Dumplings Delight

Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings from Simple Recipes

Ingredients: Chicken soup, rotisserie chicken, buttermilk biscuits, chicken broth, carrots Total Time: 35 min.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings from Food52

Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: Chicken broth, poultry seasoning, carrots, olive oil, chicken parts

Curry Chicken and Dumplings Delight

Curry Chicken and Dumplings Delight from Food.com

Rating: 2. Ingredients: Egg noodles, oyster sauce, barley, curry, spinach Total Time: 40 min.

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If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, this chicken and dumplings stew is calling your name! It’s creamy, savory, and topped with fluffy dumplings that are simply irresistible. The chicken cooks in a rich broth, making it tender and full of flavor.

This recipe is a family favorite because the dumplings are so easy to make, yet they add a special touch that makes the dish feel like a warm hug. Prepare it ahead of time, and let it sit in the fridge overnight; the next day, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Spicy Vegetable and Chickpea Stew

Beef Stew for a Crowd from Kudos Kitchen by Renee

Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: Italian green beans, beef top round, kitchen bouquet, yukon gold potatoes, parsnips Total Time: 10 hr 30 min.

3 Sisters Stew from Food52

Ingredients: Butternut squash, pinto beans, corn, sweet, red peppers

Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew from Family Savvy

Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Boston butt pork, lima beans, creamed corn, liquid smoke, barbecue sauce Total Time: 5 hr 15 min.

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This vibrant stew is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with healthy ingredients. Think hearty chickpeas combined with a rainbow of vegetables and a kick of spices that will wake up your taste buds! The cooking technique involves sautéing the veggies first to bring out their natural sweetness before simmering them in a tasty broth.

What makes this recipe popular is its versatility; you can easily swap in any veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegan, making it a great option for everyone at your family reunion. Make it a day early, and let all those fabulous flavors mingle for an even tastier dish!

Classic Irish Beef Stew

Irish Beef Stew

Irish Beef Stew from Simply Recipes

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 2 h 15 min

Irish Beef Stew

Irish Beef Stew from Vikalinka

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 2 h 40 min

Beef and Guinness Stew

Beef and Guinness Stew from RecipeTin Eats

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 3 h 10 min

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This stew is a celebration of hearty ingredients and traditional flavors, bringing a taste of Ireland to your table. With tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a dark, rich gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The cooking technique involves browning the beef first, creating a deep flavor base before adding in the vegetables and broth.

This recipe stands out because of the addition of Guinness beer, which gives it a unique depth that’s hard to resist. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together for seconds!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili from EatingWell

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Sweet potato, black beans, diced tomatoes, olive oil, lime juice Total Time: 40 min.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili from Nora Cooks

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sweet potato, black beans, vegan cornbread, vegan sour cream, fire roasted tomatoes Total Time: 40 min.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, sour cream, unsweetened cocoa powder, red bell pepper Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

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This chili is a delightful twist on the classic, featuring sweet potatoes and black beans that create a sweet and savory flavor explosion. The cooking technique combines simmering and slow cooking, allowing the ingredients to blend perfectly over time.

What makes this chili special is its hearty texture and the wonderful aroma of spices like cumin and chili powder wafting through your kitchen. It’s perfect for chilly days, and you can make it ahead of time. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Your family will be asking for the recipe!