Stews are the very definition of comfort food; they’re hearty, warming, and immensely satisfying. Stew meat recipes are popular around the world, and meat stews are among everyone’s favorite meals. Here are my favorite 25 meat stew recipes from around the world. Why not try them all?
Here’s the thing with meat stew recipes; you can’t get them wrong. Most of the time, they’re made by throwing in a whole bunch of delicious food into a pot and simmering it for long hours. What can go wrong, right?
Of course, people in different countries have perfected their stews, sometimes for centuries, to create authentic, heart-warming meals that taste like home.
Stew recipes abound, and it seems everyone has their signature ingredients! Well, it’s time to learn from the best and make some tasty stews from every corner of the earth. This collection of recipes is sure to have something for you and your family.
1. Jamaican Curry Goat
Yes, curry is a big deal in Jamaica, and they infuse it with the most thrilling Caribbean ingredients. As colorful as it is hearty, you’ve never tried goat like this. I know; goat is not that popular in the west, but the meat is tender and flavorful, and it makes for the meatiest of stew recipes.
This stew calls for goat meat as well. And, of course, ginger, garlic, potatoes, and lots of aromatic herbs and spices. Don’t forget the spicy Scotch bonnet pepper!
2. Chicken Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Gumbo is the famous stew of Southern cuisine. This hot pot combines chicken and seafood in perfect harmony. It is always made to be shared, so make an extra-large batch and call your friends over! This is what I call an easy meat stew recipe.
Chicken, sausage, shrimp, and crab legs are the stars here, and they’re supported by the richest tomato-based broth.
3. Jamaican Oxtail Stew
Jamaica might be known for its tropical-flavored seafood, but they also make some fabulous meat stews. Their oxtail stew is as meaty as stews get and elevates the lesser-known meat to heavenly heights!
Make this complete meal with authentic oxtail, spicy Scotch bonnets, beans, and a spicy tomato sauce. And we’re bringing out the big guns with allspice, paprika, and Worcestershire for a sophisticated yet homey meat stew recipe.
4. Brown Stew Chicken
Since we’re already talking about the famous Jamaican stews, check out this stew recipe that makes chicken genuinely shine. This one is fast and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner, but exotic enough for a Caribbean-themed dinner party!
Marinating the chicken is critical for this one; we’re truly infusing the bird with incredible flavor. Then it goes into an even tastier broth for one good Caribbean meal.
5. Chicken Stew (African-Style)
Not all chicken stew recipes are created equal, though. This African-style delight is based on a spicy tomato sauce for a dish that goes well with rice or bread rolls. You’ll want to scoop up that tasty sauce!
Chicken and tomato puree are the main ingredients here. Still, the Creole seasoning, dried herbs, and spicy paprika give this stew its African personality.
6. African Beef Stew
Similar to the African stew above, this traditional West African stew comes with fork-tender beef that goes perfectly with the well-seasoned tomato sauce. This is a Christmas specialty, by the way, so you might want to add it to your holiday menu.
It’s pretty easy to make. The secret behind this beef stew recipe is using the right spices in the perfect amount. Thyme, celery, parsley, and even curry powder play a role in this one.
7. Jamaican Stew Peas
I couldn’t resist sharing another Jamaican recipe in this stew recipe list. That’s because Jamaican stew peas are just on another level. The broth is light and savory, thanks to the fragrant coconut milk and Jamaican red peas, which are more like beans, by the way.
Kidney beans work perfectly in this recipe and nicely complement the turkey, beef, oxtail, or pork. This is the Jamaican version of chili, and it’s just so soul-satisfying.
8. Slow Cooker Jamaican Beef Stew
Now, if you have a slow cooker, stew recipes just got a whole lot easier. This slow-cooker Jamaican stew is fantastic with ripe plantains, and you don’t have to do much to get a big pot of goodness. The slow cooker does all the tenderizing.
Beef chunks and tomato paste intensified by ginger, garlic, and my favorite spices become a smoky stew that proves everyone should own a slow cooker!
9. Sancocho Recipe
Sancocho means “parboil” in Spanish, which is precisely what we’re doing with chicken thighs, andouille sausage, and corn. Caribbean pumpkin adds a seasonal feel to this tasty stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Start with a sofrito and end with a wholesome stew with a wide range of flavors, colors, and textures. This one is layers on top of layers of endless pleasure.
10. Swiss Steak
Now, for a restaurant-quality stew, there’s nothing like the famous Swiss steak. NO, this stew doesn’t come from Switzerland, but the meat is traditionally ‘swissed‘ to tenderness. Who knew?
Round or bottom steak tenderizes nicely in a pureed tomato sauce flavored with addictive dried herbs and just a pinch of spices. Sliced bell peppers give lots of color to the stew recipe idea.
11. Osso Bucco
This hearty Italian stew is a specialty from the north part of “the boot” and is made with pretty tough beef shanks. That’s why we’re cooking these low and slow with beef broth blessed by herbs, spices, and a splash of red wine.
Enjoy this Italian specialty with gremolata, a tangy parsley sauce that will cut through the fat like a knife.
12. Guinness Beef Stew
Need an excuse to pour yourself a mug of Guinness beer? Well, here it is! 😉 This smoky, sweet, and savory stew with tender beef and diced bacon along with potatoes, carrots, and a few peas swimming around will give you the perfect excuse.
Beer plays a significant role in the kitchen, and this beef stew recipe is proof. Together with tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and brown sugar, this meat stew is quite sophisticated.
13. Doro Wat -Ethiopian Chicken Stew
Ethiopia’s traditional dish, and one of the most flavorful meat stews in the African continent, Doro Wat, is larger than life. Slowly simmered with robust spices, this one is a classic.
What makes Doro Wat unique is the berbere spice mix and many other spices Ethiopia is known for. This is not only a hearty meat stew recipe but also an incredible experience. Drooling!
14. Instant Pot Beef Stew
Stews usually take a lot of time, but not this one. This recipe is ready in minutes, and it’s as satisfying as any stew recipe out there!
Take advantage of your instant pot and have an insanely delicious meat stew in an hour with this fast and easy recipe. Be creative with this one!
15. Brunswick Stew
This is one fantastic stew recipe! Comfort food at its finest! Veggies, meat, and a BBQ-based sauce come together to create the famous Brunswick stew.
This Virginia and Georgia classic is a beauty! BBQ sauce is the key element here. Together with pulled pork and chicken, this dish has it all.
16. Jamaican Brown Beef Short Ribs Stew
Short ribs are the perfect meat for any stew recipe, especially when seasoned with Caribbean spices. This one takes only ten minutes to prep, by the way.
What better way to use short ribs than in a stew? This one calls for herbs, spices, and just a spoonful of brown sugar to become a rich stew ideal for special occasions.
17. Curried Goat Stew
If you’ve never had goat stew before, you haven’t experienced how meaty and flavorful stew recipes can be. This Caribbean or African dish is on top of my list for favorite stews.
You’ll love cooking goat meat; it’s so remarkable! And the onion, garlic, herbs, and spices will deliver an exotic stew everyone will love.
18. Carne Guisada
Literally “stewed meat,” this Mexican specialty is not only hearty, but it’s also a great ambassador for the country’s seasonings.
The secret behind this one is using white onion, ripe tomatoes, and one good serrano pepper; they give the stew recipe a genuine Mexican feel.
19. Beef Bourguignon
Now, here’s a classic! Make this French recipe for fancy dinner parties on chilly nights! The larger-than-life beef Bourguignon is the ultimate meat stew recipe.
Beef bouillon and dry red wine give this dish an unmistakably French personality. Then mushrooms, onions, and a few dried herbs do the rest.
20. Coq Au Vin
This one is another French specialty that takes chicken stews to the next level. You’ll reap immense pleasure in mastering this recipe; just try it and see.
Chicken and wine, that’s all you need for this one. And, of course, the classic spices, veggies, and a whole lot of butter!
21. Pepperpot
You might not have heard about this one, but it’s a holiday stew in Guyana and the Caribbean. The gravy, cooked low and slow, gives oxtail a rich and celebratory touch.
Marinating the meat for this one is essential. Then it’s just a matter of throwing together the famous cassareep brown sauce for an unforgettable meat stew for sure.
22. Chicken Fricassee
This one-pot chicken is juicy and gets its intense flavor from the velvety broth in which it swims. It’s simply irresistible; I can’t think of a better way of cooking chicken thighs for a cozy weeknight dinner.
23. Moroccan Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Make the most out of your slow cooker and make your loved ones an authentic Moroccan feast. Chicken thighs and chickpeas are deliciously compatible and give this stew recipe a welcoming personality, Moroccan-style.
24. Muamba Chicken (Muamba De Galinha)
Have you ever cooked Angolan food? Well, now’s your chance. This Muamba chicken is remarkable because of the palm oil, giving it a silky mouthfeel and tropical flavor. Palm oil, butternut squash, and okra are some of the lesser-known ingredients in this one-pot beauty.
25. Poulet D.G
Plantains and veggies become one with chicken thighs for a French-inspired meal attractively similar to the Fricassee. For this one, I use sliced carrots, green beans, and green peppers to give the dish some color. The ripe plantains are the cherry on the cake, or rather, stew.
Seasoned Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups (277.5 g) uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) onion powder
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) bouillon
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) dried parsley
- 4 tablespoon s (56 g) butter
- 3 ⅓- 3 ½ cups (750 ml) chicken broth or water (see notes)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or cast iron, combine the rice, onion & garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, bouillon, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, dried parsley, unsalted butter, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Place on the stove and bring to a boil over high heat.
- As soon as it starts to bubble, cover and reduce to low heat.
- Simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes, add an additional 1 tablespoon of butter, if desired then fluff with a fork and serve.
- Garnish with dried parsley, if desired.
Tips & Notes:
- Do not open the lid while simmering the rice because the rice will not cook through.
- The 10 minutes rest time is essential. The rice will stick to the bottom of the pan if you don’t follow the 10 minutes resting time.
- Use a different container when storing the rice. Do not use the one where you let it cool. Because all the moisture is there and it might cause the rice to go bad.
- With the same ingredients, you can also cook this seasoned rice using a rice cooker.
- Amp up the flavor with Creole Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, cumin, and curry. Or make it spicier with cayenne pepper and more crushed red pepper.
- Make it vegan by using vegan butter or coconut oil and vegetable stock.
- Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
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