3 Hearty Country-Style Stew Recipes to Warm Your Soul
Nothing says cozy country cooking like a steaming pot of stew. Packed with tender meats, seasonal veggies, and rich, savory broths, these recipes are the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Let’s dive into three hearty country-style stews that’ll make your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds sing.
1. Classic Beef and Barley Stew Recipe
This timeless recipe is all about deep, beefy flavor and hearty grains. The barley soaks up the rich broth, creating a stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup pearl barley
4 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine (optional but highly recommended)
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for searing
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits, then add the beef back to the pot.
4. Pour in beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and barley. Simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
5. Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve with crusty bread.
2. Rustic Chicken and Vegetable Stew
This lighter option is bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of tender chicken and garden veggies makes it perfect for spring or fall.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
2 potatoes, diced
2 parsnips, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 leek, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup white wine (or extra stock)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp rosemary (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for searing
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Add leek and garlic to the pot, cooking until fragrant. Toss in potatoes, parsnips, and rosemary. Stir well.
3. Deglaze with white wine, then add chicken back to the pot. Pour in chicken stock.
4. Simmer for 45 minutes, then add green beans. Cook for another 15 minutes.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
3. Smoky Sausage and Lentil Stew Recipe
This bold, smoky stew brings a kick of spice and a rich, earthy flavor. Lentils add a rustic touch while smoky sausage steals the show.
Ingredients:
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa work great)
1 cup lentils, rinsed
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and broth. Toss in the bay leaf.
4. Simmer for 35–40 minutes, until lentils are tender. Return sausage to the pot for the final 10 minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
These country-style stews are guaranteed to satisfy, whether you're feeding a family or savoring a bowl solo by the fire. The best part? They taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
