36 Dutch Oven Dinner Recipes We're Making All Winter Long (2024)

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36 Dutch Oven Dinner Recipes We're Making All Winter Long (1)Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Feb. 13, 2024

    On chilly days, there's nothing more comforting than a hot meal. These low-and-slow Dutch oven dinners are sure bets for staying warm and full.

    Saturday Afternoon Oven Pot Roast

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    Taste of Home

    This pot roast will be a welcome sight and will leave your house smelling heavenly. If the cooking liquid evaporates quickly, add more broth to the Dutch oven. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

    Need a side with that? Cozy up to these delicious Dutch oven side dish recipes.

    One-Pot Mac and Cheese

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    Taste of Home

    This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is always thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

    Find 100 more Dutch oven recipes to love.

    Favorite Corned Beef and Cabbage

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    It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick’s Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey

    Apple Cider Chicken 'n' Dumplings

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    Taste of Home

    I came up with this recipe one fall when I had an abundance of apple cider. Adding some to a down-home classic was a delectable decision. —Margaret Sumner-Wichmann, Questa, New Mexico

    Finish your meal with one of our best Dutch oven dessert recipes.

    Favorite Hamburger Stew

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    Taste of Home

    I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota

    Cashew Rice Pilaf

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    This hearty dish will add pizazz to your plate with its beautiful blend of flavors and colors. I often serve it as a main course with salad and bread. —Tina Coburn, Tucson, Arizona

    Creamy Seafood Bisque

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    Taste of Home

    This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowlfuls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida

    These Dutch oven soup recipes are perfect for chilly nights.

    One-Pot Salsa Chicken

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    This skillet recipe is a colorful and healthy main dish that can be on the table in just over an hour. The subtle sweet-spicy flavor is a nice surprise. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

    Start your meal with one of these Dutch oven appetizers.

    Meatless Chili Mac

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    I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

    Check out more vegetarian Dutch oven recipes the whole family will love.

    Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

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    You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

    Wake up to one of these beloved Dutch oven breakfast recipes.

    Glazed Corned Beef

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    I serve this delicious entree each St. Patrick's Day, even though my family is Dutch, not Irish. The tender meat is topped with a simple, tangy glaze that is so tasty. Leftovers make excellent Reuben sandwiches. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

    Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

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    Similar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas

    Craving more? We love these other Dutch oven chicken recipes, too. This Dutch oven chicken thighs recipe is a must-try.

    Creamy Noodle Casserole

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    My husband, Ronald, works long hours and frequently doesn't arrive home until past 7 p.m. This casserole is ideal for those late nights—it's just as tasty after it's been warmed in the microwave. —Barb Marshall, Pickerington, Ohio

    Chunky Vegetarian Chili

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    This robust chili teams rice, kidney and pinto beans, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a hearty meatless meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Learn how to make a Dutch oven chicken.

    Big-Batch Jambalaya

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    I make this dish for football-watching parties because it feeds so many people. It leaves my mouth watering for it the rest of the year! —Kecia McCaffrey, South Dennis, Massachusetts

    Firehouse Chili

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    As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California

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    Garlic and herb cream cheese adds subtle notes of flavor to this creamy, hearty soup. On a chilly day, it's like having a bowlful of comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada

    Bavarian Pot Roast

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    Taste of Home

    Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio

    Cazuela

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    Taste of Home

    I learned to make this dish while we were living in Chile for a few months. We grow extra butternut squash in our garden just for this recipe. —Louise Schmid, Marshall, Minnesota

    Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

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    My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

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    Taste of Home

    When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

    Chicken and Dumplings

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    Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas

    Stuffed Pepper Soup

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    TMB studio

    I was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania

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    With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

    Land of Enchantment Posole

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    My family named this spicy soup after our state moniker, “New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.” We usually make it around Christmas when we have lots of family over…and we never have leftovers.—Suzanne CaldwellArtesia, New Mexico

    Soup-Bowl Cabbage Rolls

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    This fabulous alternative to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls is so handy for busy weeknights. It warms you up from head to toe. —Terri Pearce, Houston, Texas

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

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    My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it's so easy and very flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan

    One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner

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    All you need is one pot to make this meal that features a simple homemade sauce. Allspice adds a unique taste, but you can use Italian seasoning if you prefer. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington

    Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew

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    My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

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    To give our mac and cheese a Sicilian touch, we mix sausage, basil and fennel with three cheeses for an incredibly comforting casserole. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California

    Mom's Roast Beef

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    Taste of Home

    Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

    Spicy White Chili

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    Taste of Home

    I thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son can't get enough spice, so I added green chiles and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild about. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida

    Lamb Stew

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    My grandmother used to make this stew as a special Sunday meal. It’s an unforgettable treat from Ireland. —Vickie Desourdy, Washington, North Carolina. If you’re looking for healthy recipes, check out our collection of low-carb dinner recipes.

    Minestrone with Turkey

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    Taste of Home

    I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii

    Originally Published: January 08, 2020

    36 Dutch Oven Dinner Recipes We're Making All Winter Long (36)

    Lisa Kaminski

    Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

    36 Dutch Oven Dinner Recipes We're Making All Winter Long (2024)

    FAQs

    Can you make everything in a Dutch oven? ›

    You've probably heard that your Dutch oven is the perfect choice for everything from roasts to desserts and we're here to tell you that it's true: this must-have piece really can do it all. Once you've picked your perfect model (and learned how to clean and care for it) all that's left to do is start cooking!

    What are 10 reasons to use a Dutch oven? ›

    What Is a Dutch Oven Used For?
    • Bread. One of the easiest (and more surprising) ways to use a Dutch oven is actually for breaking bread. ...
    • Casseroles and Lasagnas. ...
    • Skillet Cookies. ...
    • Chicken Stock. ...
    • Frying. ...
    • Braised Meats. ...
    • Roasting. ...
    • Poaching Chicken.
    Oct 27, 2022

    How long will food stay warm in Dutch oven? ›

    The durable cast-iron keeps the food at a consistent temperature for even cooking. Plus, when removed from the heat, the dish will stay piping hot for at least 30 minutes.

    When should I throw out my Dutch oven? ›

    Though Dutch ovens may last a long time, they might not last forever. It's time to replace your Dutch oven if you see the enamel chipping inside of the pot.

    Why does everything stick to my Dutch oven? ›

    Using it on very high heat.

    The pot can scorch if it's this hot and food can burn and actually stick to the surface. Cooking at medium heat is more than sufficient for the pot. Follow this tip: Always cook on medium or low heat, even when frying or searing.

    What is the magic of a Dutch oven? ›

    Its ability to transition from stovetop to oven seamlessly opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Even Heat Distribution: Thanks to its thick walls and heavy bottom, a Dutch Oven ensures even heat retention and distribution, eliminating hot spots and ensuring your dishes cook perfectly every time.

    Is a Dutch oven better than a casserole dish? ›

    The casserole pot serves the same purpose as a Dutch Oven, but it is much easier to handle due to its lighter weight. Unlike the heavy cast iron, casserole pots can be made from materials such as cast aluminium, ceramic, or glass.

    Is it OK to preheat an empty Dutch oven? ›

    Don't preheat an empty dutch oven on your stovetop—this can cause your cookware to crack or break. Some bread recipes call for preheating the dutch oven in the oven. This is perfectly safe to do since the heat will be more consistently distributed across the entire dutch oven.

    When cooking with a Dutch oven do you keep the lid on? ›

    You may need to take the lid off part way through the cooking process. However, some recipes may call for the lid to be off from the beginning, so consult your recipe. If the lid is not oven-safe, you'll need to leave it off no matter what. Tip: Most Dutch ovens come with oven-safe lids, but not all do.

    What happens if you don't season a Dutch oven? ›

    By the way, aluminum dutch ovens benefit from seasoning even though they don't rust like iron. Aluminum does oxidize and the seasoning layer will prevent that. Seasoning also makes it easier to clean up due to the non-stick surface.

    What damages Dutch oven? ›

    Applying heat to a dry enamel-coated Dutch oven can cause permanent damage. Whether you're preheating or cooking with a Dutch oven, always start with a liquid or fat—ensuring it coats or covers the entire bottom of the pan—before you turn on the heat.

    What cannot be cooked in enameled cast iron? ›

    4 Foods You Shouldn't Cook in Cast Iron
    1. Acidic foods (unless you make it snappy) ...
    2. Fish (particularly delicate varieties) ...
    3. Eggs. ...
    4. Skillet brownies (if you just fried a batch of chicken last night) ...
    5. A lot more (if your skillet isn't properly seasoned)
    Mar 11, 2023

    Can you damage the enamel in a Dutch oven? ›

    You never want to place a hot pan in cold water, or fill a hot pot with cold water. That may lead to cracking of the enamel due to thermal shock. Use a soft non-metal sponge to wash your Dutch oven with warm water and a mild dish soap. Rinse and dry the pot thoroughly before putting it away.

    Can you ruin enameled cast iron? ›

    Le Creuset enameled cast iron is extremely durable but it may be damaged if accidentally dropped or knocked against a hard surface.

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