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Stews and chilis are the backbone of practical, nourishing home cooking. They’re efficient, deeply flavourful, and designed to deliver balanced nutrition in a single bowl. This collection brings together Rily-approved stews and chilis that prioritize protein, fibre-rich vegetables, and steady energy, without relying on heavy ingredients or complicated techniques.
You’ll find slow-simmered classics, pressure-cooker favourites, and plant-forward options that hold up well for leftovers and meal prep. These recipes are ideal for colder months, busy schedules, and anyone looking for meals that feel grounding and satisfying while still supporting digestion, blood sugar balance, and overall well-being.
Whether you’re cooking for a family, stocking your freezer, or just craving something warm and reliable, these stews and chilis deliver comfort with intention.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew is a streamlined take on a classic comfort dish, delivering deep, slow-simmered flavour in a fraction of the time. Cubes of stewing beef are browned and pressure-cooked until tender, then finished with a generous mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and cipollini onions for a hearty, balanced bowl. Herbs like oregano and thyme add warmth, while tomato paste, tamari, and a splash of vinegar create a rich, savoury base with subtle depth.
Naturally gluten-free and high in protein, this stew is designed to be both satisfying and practical. It works well for weeknight dinners, cold-weather cooking, or batch prep, holding its texture and flavour beautifully as leftovers. An optional arrowroot slurry allows you to adjust the thickness to your preference, making it easy to tailor for serving on its own or alongside bread or grains. Comforting without being heavy, this recipe earns its place as a reliable, nourishing staple within any stew and chili rotation.
Recipe by Fran Allen
These stewed white beans strike a thoughtful balance between hearty and bright, making them especially well suited for the transition from colder months into spring. Dried cannellini beans are slowly simmered until tender with onion, garlic, lemon, miso, and chili flakes, creating a deeply savoury broth with gentle acidity and warmth. Kale is folded in at the end, adding colour, texture, and a fresh, grounding element, while parmesan brings richness and umami without overpowering the dish.
This recipe is naturally filling and fibre-rich, offering a plant-forward option that still feels substantial enough for dinner. It’s designed with flexibility in mind: the cheese can be omitted or swapped for a non-dairy alternative, making it easy to adapt to different dietary needs. The beans store and reheat beautifully, making them an excellent choice for batch cooking, cozy lunches, or freezer-friendly meals. Simple, comforting, and thoughtfully composed, this dish fits seamlessly into a stew-focused rotation that values both nourishment and flavour.
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Our favourite Southwest veggie chili is a one-pot, plant-based staple designed for ease, flavour, and nourishment. Built on a base of onion, garlic, tomato, and warming spices, it layers in sweet potato, bell pepper, celery, black beans, and corn for a hearty texture and naturally satisfying finish. The result is a balanced chili that delivers plenty of fibre and plant protein while remaining light enough for regular rotation.
Vegan and naturally supportive of gut health, this recipe is especially well suited for busy weeks when reliable, make-ahead meals matter. It comes together quickly, holds its structure well as leftovers, and tastes just as good reheated for lunches or dinners later in the week. The ingredient list is flexible and forgiving, allowing for easy swaps based on what you have on hand without compromising flavour. Comforting, practical, and deeply warming, this chili is an ideal example of how plant-forward cooking can be both efficient and genuinely satisfying within a stew and chili–focused collection.
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Built for comfort, nourishment, and practicality on cold short days. Extra-lean ground turkey provides a high-protein base, while kidney beans, black beans, and a mix of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic add fibre, texture, and depth. Simmered slowly with crushed tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin, the result is a hearty, well-balanced chili that feels rich and filling without being overly heavy.
Turkey contributes an impressive nutrient profile, including B vitamins that support energy production, nerve function, and overall metabolic health, making this a smart choice for sustaining energy through busy days. The combination of protein, fibre, and warming spices helps promote satiety and steady blood sugar, making it especially well suited for dinner or make-ahead lunches. This chili stores and reheats beautifully, holding its flavour and structure for several days and freezing well for future meals. Reliable, adaptable, and deeply satisfying, it’s a dependable addition to any stew and chili rotation.
Recipe by Fran Allen
Cozy and nutritious, tofu kimchi stew is a fast, flavour-packed dish inspired by Korean soondubu and kimchi jjigae, designed for busy days when you want something warming without a long cook time. Aromatic garlic, ginger, onion, and sesame oil create a savoury base, while aged kimchi and its brine bring depth, tang, and gentle heat. Soft tofu, enoki mushrooms, zucchini, and tinned tuna add protein and texture, resulting in a stew that feels satisfying without being overly heavy.
Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe works well for quick lunches or low-effort dinners, especially on colder or rainy days. It’s naturally high in protein and can be served with or without rice depending on appetite and energy needs. The dish is also easily adaptable: omit the tuna and use vegetarian kimchi for a plant-based version, or adjust spice levels to suit your preference. Bold, comforting, and efficient, this stew offers big flavour in a short amount of time.
Recipe by Fran Allen
This fennel and white bean stew is a light yet satisfying dish that bridges the shift from winter into early spring. Delicate white beans are gently simmered with leeks, fennel, garlic, and chili flakes, creating a stew that feels comforting without being heavy. The natural sweetness of the fennel and leeks balances the savoury broth, while oregano and black pepper add subtle warmth and depth. Partially mashing the beans thickens the stew naturally, giving it a creamy texture without the need for dairy or added starches.
Vegetarian and gluten-free, this recipe is well suited for simple dinners or make-ahead lunches during busy weeks. It reheats beautifully and develops even more flavour after resting, making it an ideal meal-prep option. Finished with wilted greens and a small amount of parmesan, the stew remains flexible and easy to adapt with different herbs or broths. Straightforward, nourishing, and quietly elegant, this is the kind of recipe that earns a regular place in a stew-focused rotation.
Recipe by Julia Gibson
A lighter take on a classic comfort food while still delivering depth, warmth, and staying power. Ground turkey replaces beef for a leaner, protein-rich base, while sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, and garlic add texture and natural sweetness. Kidney beans and black beans contribute fibre and heartiness, creating a well-balanced chili that feels filling without being overly heavy. A generous blend of chili powder, cumin, coriander, and cayenne brings steady heat and complexity, making each bowl deeply satisfying.
Designed with flexibility in mind, this chili works equally well for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. It comes together quickly, reheats well, and holds its flavour over several days. The topping options allow for easy customization, avocado or sour cream for creaminess, jalapeño for extra heat, or lime and cilantro for brightness. Gluten-free and adaptable to different dietary preferences, this recipe is a reliable, crowd-pleasing addition to any stew and chili rotation.
Recipe by Fran Allen
Who doesn’t love a comforting one-pan meal built around simple pantry staples and flexible vegetables? Chickpeas bring a hearty, fibre-rich base, while onion, garlic, zucchini, and spinach add texture, colour, and balance. Everything is simmered briefly in marinara sauce, then finished in the oven with a generous layer of mozzarella until bubbling and golden. The result is a stew-like skillet that feels indulgent while still delivering steady energy from plant-based protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Designed with weeknight cooking in mind, this dish comes together quickly and works well as a budget-friendly dinner or low-effort meal prep option. It’s highly adaptable, making it ideal for using up leftover vegetables or tailoring to what you have on hand. Serve it straight from the pan with crusty bread and a simple salad, or adjust with non-dairy cheese for a dairy-free version. Cozy, filling, and unfussy, this skillet is a reliable addition to a stew-forward rotation that prioritizes ease without sacrificing comfort.
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Rich and nutty, our spicy chickpea peanut stew is a fast, flavour-forward dish that delivers comfort and nourishment in a single pot. Chickpeas form a hearty, fibre-rich base, simmered with onion, garlic, bell peppers, and tomato paste before being finished with warming spices like cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Creamy natural peanut butter adds richness and body, creating a stew that feels substantial while remaining fully plant-based. Gently mashing some of the chickpeas thickens the stew naturally, resulting in a satisfying texture that works well on its own or served with rice or naan.
Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe is especially well suited for busy weeknights and make-ahead lunches. It stores well in the fridge and freezer, holding its flavour and structure over time. Naturally gluten-free, high in fibre, and lower in saturated fat and sodium, this stew supports steady energy and gut health without sacrificing comfort. Bold, warming, and efficient, it’s a reliable plant-based option within a stew-focused rotation.
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Slow-simmered and deeply comforting, this meal is designed for colder days and make-ahead cooking. Chunks of beef are browned and gently cooked until tender, then combined with carrots, parsnips, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, and peas for a hearty, vegetable-forward base. The broth is layered with tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, tamari, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and bay leaves, creating depth and richness without relying on heavy ingredients. A small amount of tapioca flour thickens the stew naturally, giving it a satisfying, stew-like consistency.
Beef provides a strong nutritional foundation, offering protein along with compounds like L-carnitine, which plays a role in fat metabolism, and glutathione, known for its antioxidant and immune-supportive properties. This recipe is gluten-free, well balanced, and built to hold up over time, making it especially well suited for meal prep. It reheats beautifully and continues to develop flavour after resting, earning its place as a reliable, nourishing staple within any stew-focused rotation.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Inspired by traditional bò kho, this Vietnamese Beef Stew is a deeply aromatic, warming dish that brings comfort and complexity to the table. Cubes of beef chuck are marinated with five spice, fish sauce, ginger, and coconut sugar, then slowly simmered until tender in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, garlic, and tomato paste. Carrots add subtle sweetness and body, while the spice-forward broth delivers richness without feeling heavy.
Designed for colder nights, this stew is both nourishing and satisfying, offering a generous dose of protein alongside warming spices that support digestion and circulation. It’s flexible in how it’s served, ladled over noodles for a hearty meal or paired with a crusty baguette for dipping. Despite its layered flavour profile, the recipe is straightforward and well suited for weekend cooking or shared meals. Cozy, nutrient-dense, and deeply flavourful, this stew is a standout addition to a collection focused on comforting, globally inspired stews.
Recipe by Fran Allen
This beef short rib stew is a slow-simmered, deeply nourishing dish designed for cold days and unhurried cooking. Thick-cut short ribs are browned and gently cooked until fall-apart tender, creating a rich base that’s layered with onion, garlic, tomato paste, red wine, and herbs. As the stew simmers, collagen from the bones enriches the broth, giving it body and depth while supporting digestion and nutrient absorption. Carrots, potatoes, and peas round out the dish, adding fibre, colour, and natural sweetness.
Thanks to its long cooking time, this stew is especially well suited for those who benefit from softer, more digestible meals. It delivers iron, vitamin A, and protein in a format that feels grounding without being heavy. The flavour continues to develop as it rests, making it an excellent option for meal prep or freezer storage. Wholesome, comforting, and quietly restorative, this short rib stew is a reliable, classic addition to any stew-focused collection built around warmth, nourishment, and longevity.
Recipe by Fran Allen
Light yet deeply flavourful, this stew brings warmth and elegance to the table without feeling heavy. A fragrant base of fennel, shallots, garlic, fennel seeds, and chili flakes is gently simmered with tomatoes, seafood stock, and white wine to create a bright, aromatic broth. Cod, shrimp, clams, and mussels are added at the end and cooked just until tender, allowing each type of seafood to retain its texture and natural sweetness while infusing the stew with richness.
Naturally gluten-free and allergen-friendly, this stew works equally well as a cozy starter or a satisfying main. It’s well suited for holiday gatherings but simple enough for weeknight cooking, especially when paired with crusty bread, pasta, or a crisp green salad. High in protein and minerals yet lighter than cream-based stews, it offers nourishment without excess. Balanced, elegant, and unfussy, this seafood stew is a refined addition to a stew-focused collection that values flavour, versatility, and thoughtful preparation.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Chicken cacciatore is a classic, slow-simmered stew rooted in comfort and tradition. Bone-in chicken drumsticks are gently browned, then cooked low and slow in a tomato and red wine–based sauce with onion, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves infuse the stew with depth and warmth, while fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth create a rich, savoury base that thickens naturally as it cooks. The result is tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken in a deeply flavourful sauce that feels both rustic and nourishing.
Traditionally known as a hunter’s stew, chicken cacciatore is built to be hearty, practical, and satisfying. This version is gluten-free, one-pot, and well suited for colder months when comforting, reliable meals matter most. It reheats beautifully and continues to develop flavour over time, making it a strong option for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Familiar, grounding, and deeply comforting, this dish is a timeless addition to any stew-focused collection built around warmth, nourishment, and simplicity.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
A streamlined, one-pot alternative to traditional tomato-based chili, offering comfort with a lighter, more herb-forward profile. Boneless chicken thighs are gently simmered in broth until tender, then shredded and returned to the pot alongside cannellini beans, salsa verde, garlic, onion, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano. Blending a portion of the beans creates a naturally creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, giving the chili body while keeping it balanced and nourishing.
High in protein and fibre, this chili is designed to be filling and steadying, making it a reliable option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The flavours continue to develop as it rests, and the dish reheats well without losing structure. Optional toppings like sour cream, pickled jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, and lime allow for easy customization depending on preference and appetite. Gluten-free, approachable, and quietly satisfying, this white chicken chili earns its place as a dependable staple within a stew and chili–focused rotation.
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