Unlock Irresistible Flavor with These Delicious and Healthy Dutch Oven Recipes!

Nothing satisfies quite like Dutch oven soup recipes. The Dutch oven is a versatile cooking vessel that provides almost endless uses! Because both the pot and the lid are oven-safe and made of cast iron, they conduct and retain heat better than any other appliance you own. The enameled dutch ovens available on the market are often very beautiful and come in many different colors as well, which make them great gifts and additions to any kitchen.

Why Use a Dutch Oven?

In my opinion, a cast iron dutch oven is completely worth the money! Most of the time, cooking in a dutch oven is perfectly healthy! You can make many healthy recipes in your cast iron pot! The enamel companies use is completely non-toxic and food-safe, so you don’t have to worry about that. The only concern is that if the enamel on your pot is chipping, it is considered unsafe to use because you don’t want to end up with enamel in your food! The cast iron underneath is also suitable and food-safe and can make all of the food you cook in the cast iron pot fortified with iron.

Soups, Stews, and More

When I first moved into my Philly row home, a bright red Dutch oven sat on the stovetop-”gifted” to us by the previous resident, who probably thought it was too heavy to pack. After a few good scrubs, I found myself making Dutch oven recipes weekly, from meatballs simmering in tomato sauce to braised short ribs and many, many Dutch oven soup recipes. Our favorite soup recipes put this all-purpose pot to good use, no matter how you acquired yours. Variety is the name of the game here, and there are so many recipes that you’ll never tire of your Dutch oven! There are creamy soups like vegetable chowder or cheesy potato soups and brothy favorites like beef stew, coconut curry and chicken and dumplings. There are plenty of dietary-friendly soups, stews and chilis here, too, accommodating gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diners. Most of these recipes are one-pot meals, and many can be made in under an hour.

Featured Dutch Oven Recipes

Soups and Stews

Cheeseburger Soup: Satisfy your burger cravings all year round with this creamy soup! It's beefy, cheesy, and heartwarming with fries and all your favorite fixings stirred right in. Serve with hot buttered rolls to complete your burger experience.
Chicken Stew: Old-fashioned chicken stew is one of the coziest stews you can make. It's full of carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and shredded chicken, simmered in a creamy broth flavored with fresh ginger and turmeric.
Gumbo: You don't have to travel down to New Orleans to savor this hearty Cajun stew. It's dark, thick, and rich with lots of shredded chicken and andouille sausage. Serve with rice and warm right up!
Lentil Soup: A bowl of lentil soup is one of those meals that is so cozy that it makes you forget that it's vegetarian. It's packed with protein so it fills you up without the meat!
Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup: Go on, make a giant batch of this when you're craving comfort. Beyond the sausage, white beans, and kale, it has a creamy base with a touch of smokiness from roasted red peppers.
Albóndigas (Mexican Meatball Soup): Try something a bit different but still so familiar for dinner. This meatball soup features a tomato-based broth, rice, and lots of veggies like potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and a hint of jalapeño.
Ham and Bean Soup: The secret to this soup is store-bought ham, which lets you skip having to simmer a ham hock for hours. You still get the salty, smoky flavor but in just 35 minutes.
Irish Stew: No, it doesn't have to be St. Patrick's Day to enjoy a bowl of this traditional lamb stew. And if you don't like or can't find lamb, it'll be just as tasty using beef chuck roast.
Red Beans and Rice: Nourish your body and soul with this classic bean stew. It's packed with veggies, spices, and some salty pork for extra flavor. When mixed with rice, it will fill you right up.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Get all the flavors of the classic comfort meal in a fraction of the time! The best part? The "dippers" you make out of store-bought pie crust that are like cheesy crackers to dunk as you eat.
Cauliflower Soup: Ree says, "Out of all the soups in my repertoire, the one that most says 'comfort food' to me is my mom's time-tested cauliflower soup." It's perfect for warming you up a chilly day!
Creamy Chicken and Corn Chili: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken and canned beans makes this chili much faster to make. And the secret ingredient that gives it so many body? Cream cheese!
Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven Shredded Beef Barbacoa: Has loads of flavor & a little kick.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup: One of the best soups to make on a cold winter day! Hungarian Mushroom Soup is worth the love and care you put into it, and might cure whatever ails you.
Chicken Vegetable Soup: This hearty soup is an easy and healthy dutch oven dinner that you can make in less than an hour. This chicken vegetable soup is packed with hearty vegetables & shredded chicken in a tomato-flavored broth.
Dutch Oven Beef Stew: Dutch oven beef stew is healthy, easy, & is made all in one pot!
Jackfruit Stew: It is a rich, hearty and filling jackfruit stew recipe that is loaded with veggies and flavors.

Meat Dishes

Pork and Sauerkraut: Your Dutch oven pulls double duty with this impressive dish. First, it browns the sides of the meat to develop flavor and then it braises the roast, onions, and apples until they're meltingly tender.
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: This twist on sloppy joes take the spicy, saucy, messy glory of buffalo wings and turn it into a delicious sandwich filling. Pile high on buns with some blue cheese or ranch.
Cowboy Stew: Ground beef, bacon, and kielbasa are mixed with potatoes, corn, and beans in a savory, smoky broth that ties everything together. It's like the best of chili and beef stew, all in one Dutch oven.
Dutch Oven Chicken Breast: This recipe is juicy, simple, and creamy, too!
Dutch Oven Ribs: These ribs are incredibly easy to make and they are always a huge hit. They are so tender, flavorful and hearty.
Dutch Oven Chicken: Is simple but true comfort food with incredible flavor!
Braised Lamb Shanks with Balsamic Vinegar: Love lamb but never sure how to cook it? These melt-in-the-mouth braised Lamb Shanks with Balsamic Vinegar are the perfect dish to try.
Dutch Oven Corned Beef: There is no need to brine this Dutch oven corned beef, as it has plenty of seasonings and flavor. This is an easy way to cook corned beef in a dutch oven without brining.
Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze: Is cooked in a Dutch oven and is roasted to tender perfection. The balsamic glaze has no sugar added and is a sweet and savory sauce to brush over the pork. This Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze is a tender and flavorful cut of pork.
Pulled Pork: A tender and juicy pulled pork recipe using pork shoulder!
Cornish Hens: Try this easy cornish hens recipe, well-seasoned and easy to make. Make the perfect dish for Cornish Hens with this easy recipe.
Beef Short Ribs: These Beef Short Ribs are braised low and slow in red wine. Fall of the bone tender and loaded with rich flavor.
Braised Beef Shank Pasta: This Dutch oven pasta is perfect for fall and winter days and it loads you up with delicious, really healthy fat and protein-packed comfort food. You can even eat the bone marrow afterward.
Chicken Dum Biryani: Is made by layering fragrant rice with chicken that is cooked in spices and aromatics.
Dutch Oven Pot Roast: This Dutch Oven Pot Roast is made on the stove-top with beef chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, and thyme in a rich beef broth with Dijon, balsamic and brown sugar.
Dutch Oven Tri-Tip with Vegetables: This moist dutch oven tri-tip with vegetables is incredible in the oven.
Authentic Dutch Oven Carnitas: With lots of citrus tones and authentic flavors, this Mexican pulled pork makes the best tacos, burritos, bowls, and more. Authentic Dutch Oven Carnitas are fall-apart tender and juicy, then broiled until golden and crispy.

Pasta and Rice Dishes

Chicken Fajita Pasta: Get everything you love about sizzling fajitas in pasta form. Each element from the chicken to the veggies and, of course, the pasta is cooked and then tossed together in one Dutch oven.
Lemon Pasta: All you need is a Dutch oven and a few simple ingredients like garlic and lemon to make this fresh, flavorful pasta. Best of all, you'll have it on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Goulash: This American-style goulash is like if chili and mac and cheese had a cozy, comforting offspring. It's the best of both worlds, all simmered in the same pot so there are less dishes to worry about after dinner.
Jambalaya: Another taste of New Orleans without leaving home! Spicy and flavorful rice gets mixed with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage for a filling and unforgettable meal.
Old Fashioned Goulash: Is a delicious simple recipe with ground beef, tomatoes & macaroni. It is an easy weeknight dinner.
One Pot Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo: This one pot chicken and shrimp gumbo is made with sausage, okra and peppers and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Lasagna: A super easy lasagna recipe that is made in one pot and is ready in less than 1 hour!
Bolognese Sauce: This Bolognese Sauce recipe is the ultimate comfort food!
Cheesy Mac and Cheese: This recipe is so cheesy and flavorful, your family will never notice how healthy it actually is! A cheesy, beefy, veggie loaded mac and cheese perfect for a quick dinner.

Vegetarian Dishes

Sweet Potato Chili: Check all of the boxes you want in a chili recipe: hearty, warm, tasty… so much so, that you won't even miss the meat. Top with anything and everything you want from cheese to sour cream.
One Pot Vegan Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Spinach Curry: Is incredibly hearty, cozy & filling!
Lentil and Kale Soup: This lentil and kale soup is packed with veggies, lentils and seasonings.
Chili: This chili recipe is cooked slowly in a dutch oven and best served with mini naan bread and a few slices of avocado.
No Bean Chili: This no bean chili is hearty, flavorful and savory. It is easy to make, healthy and delicious.
Vegan Potato Leek Soup: This vegan potato leek soup uses starchy potatoes to thicken and create a creamy consistency, so there's no need to stir in cream at the end. Top with green onions, chives or your favorite vegan shredded cheese before serving.
Vegan Tortilla Soup: This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it's served.
Stuffed Green Peppers: An easy recipe for stuffed green peppers that’s packed with flavor!
Gluten-Free Artisan Bread: A beautiful gluten-free artisan bread that is crazy easy to make, with no kneading required at all! A beautiful gluten-free artisan bread that’s easy to make, and perfect for toast, rustic sandwiches, or with soups and dips.
Italian Wedding Soup: Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with flavor.

Additional Dutch Oven Recipes

I hate being cold, but one of the best remedies for that is warm soup. I took my mother’s water-based vegetable soup recipe and worked with it to make the flavors richer. The meat and veggies in this dish are the perfect cure for a cold night and a hungry family. 1-1/3 cups: 260 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.

We adore everything pasta, so I used it as the inspiration for this unique soup. The meaty tomato base pairs perfectly with the cheesy ravioli pillows. My family can't get enough of this dish! 1 cup: 235 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.

It doesn't take long to put bowls of this comforting cheesy potato soup recipe on the table. Convenience items, such as canned soup and processed cheese, simplify the preparation. When I was a child, my grandmother could feed our entire family with a single chicken-and lots of dumplings. 1 cup: 310 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.

Although this soup is best when made with fresh asparagus, you can use frozen or canned. I like to blanch and freeze asparagus in portions just right for this recipe so I can make our favorite chowder all year. 1 cup: 187 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.

Soup comforts the soul and this creamy, healthy soup does nothing short of that. This makes a large pot and I love sharing it with others. 1-1/2 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.

This spicy chili recipe is the culmination of several years' worth of experimenting to get just the right flavor. For those who like their chili very hot, the secret is to add more jalapenos. The most I ever used in a recipe was five … was it spicy! My husband is an avid fisherman. When a family get-together was planned and we had to bring something, we created this recipe using fish from our freezer. The chowder got rave reviews from the relatives!

A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. 1 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.

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Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top.

My son and I concocted this brisket chili for a chili cook-off at his work. He proudly came home with a first-place ribbon! 1 cup: 404 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1309mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.

My family loves Canadian bacon, but I don't run across a lot of dishes that call for it. Everyone was thrilled the first time I offered this succulent soup. This is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. It makes a big batch perfect for serving a crowd. 1 cup: 281 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.

This healthy recipe is packed with protein from the beans and with vitamins from the pumpkin. The dollop of light sour cream adds a satisfying touch that feels indulgent.

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. 1-1/4 cups: 453 calories, 36g fat (22g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.

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This stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. 1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.

Bite-sized meatballs made from ground turkey perk up this fun alphabet soup. A variety of vegetables are mixed in a rich tomato broth seasoned with herbs to make this delicious, wholesome soup. 1-1/2 cups: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 742mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.

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. 1 serving: 601 calories, 34g fat (26g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1722mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.

Craving more chicken? This Italian zucchini soup recipe was given to me by my neighbor. Nice and simple, it's a good way to use a lot of your zucchini and other garden vegetables. It freezes well and is great to have on hand on a cold winter day. 1 cup: 156 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1046mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.

This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. 1-1/3 cups: 203 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.

An interesting blend of veggies that includes okra, kale and black-eyed peas goes into this bright and hearty soup. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. 1-1/2 cups: 213 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.

Shredded rotisserie chicken is complemented by fresh green spinach and cheese tortellini in this quick-to-fix soup. It makes a great starter or a light meal with a salad and crusty bread. 1 cup: 287 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1130mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.

This dish is well suited to my lower-carb way of eating. It's definitely soul food, and I love that it's very simple to prepare. 1-1/2 cups: 371 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.

Simmer up the earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms and the richness of Brie cheese in one delicious, creamy soup. I serve big bowlfuls to warm up everyone on chilly days. 1-1/4 cups: 328 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1192mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.

A friend gave me this recipe, and I tweaked a few things to make it healthier. It’s so delicious and quite easy to make! I use it for family gatherings, church functions, care packages … just about anything. For shortcuts, I sometimes replace the celery and carrots with 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. The prepackaged rice saves time, too, so you can have the soup ready and waiting even when the kids are busy with activities. 1 cup: 224 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.

I've always loved turkey, dumplings and stuffing, so I combined them and added a punch of Creole flavor. My family loves it, even my little ones. It's got some kick, but a dollop of sour cream can mellow that out. 1-1/4 cups: 390 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1252mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein.

The old-fashioned favorite is a snap to make, and it's economical too. Carrots, celery and onion accent the subtle flavor of the split peas, while a ham bone adds a meaty touch to this hearty soup. It's sure to chase away autumn's chill. 1 cup: 202 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.

This tasty crowd-pleasing soup comes together in minutes, and I like the fact that the ingredients are available in my little local grocery store. 1 cup: 163 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.

This well-seasoned, satisfying soup has a rich, full-bodied broth brimming with potatoes, navy beans and tender chunks of pork. It's been a family favorite for years. Served with cornbread, it's one of our comfort foods in winter. 1 cup: 206 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.

I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! 1 cup: 368 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.

With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this soup is something special. 1-1/4 cups: 438 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1059mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.

Whether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop individual servings into the freezer. 1 cup: 316 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1068mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.

This is now my family's most requested soup-so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste. 1-1/2 cups: 144 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 846mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.

Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. 1-1/3 cups: 429 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.

I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. 1 cup: 154 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

One night I didn’t have any noodles for my chicken soup, so I gave it a twist and added wonton wrappers. It was great! Don’t skip the celery leaves; they bring great flavor to this Asian chicken soup. 1 cup: 227 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1344mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.

While traveling in Thailand, my husband sampled a local version of this tasty soup from street vendors. We have tried many variations, and this comes the closest to his recollection. We double the recipe so we have lots of leftovers.

In the cold months, I like to put on a big pot of this comforting soup. It cooks away while I do other things, such as baking bread, crafting or even cleaning the house. 1-1/2 cups: 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1100mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.

This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. 1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.

My family loves making soup because it’s a great way to use up vegetables, and we’ll have leftovers for days. I made this copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup once and knew I needed the recipe in my soup Rolodex!

Just place some crusty rolls on the table when you serve this soup and you'll have a hearty, comforting meal that will chase away winter's chill. The slightly spicy soup is chock-full of veggies. 1-1/2 cups: 336 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1190mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.

Lentil lovers will want a second bowl of this nourishing soup with a subtle touch of curry. It looks particularly appealing thanks to the color added by the fresh spinach. 1 cup: 344 calories, 20g fat (13g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.

This hearty soup combines nutritious Swiss chard with other garden favorites. Its light broth is surprisingly rich in flavor, and the grated Parmesan packs an additional punch. 1 cup: 94 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.

My daughter created this soup when she needed to use up some leftover pork. You can use more water for a thinner soup or less water for a noodle dish. It’s good with mushroom flavored ramen noodles, too. 1 cup: 116 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.

Apple and winter squash are fantastic together. They are the perfect pair for this cozy, vegan butternut squash soup. For a slightly different flavor that still features cla…

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