No matter the season, our test kitchen experts love to use a Dutch oven. This versatile pot is perfect for every dish, from quick and flavor-packed soup recipes to sweet fried donuts, and these best Dutch oven recipes prove it. We our favorite simmered stews gathered, tender embers and easy sautéed seafood recipes so you can put your Dutch oven to good use.
But first, you may be wondering, what is a Dutch oven used for? Simple Dutch oven recipes, like a one-pot slow-simmered dinner (beef stew, anyone?), as well as baked recipes, like no-knead bread all benefit from this kitchen tool. And curious why they are so great for so many recipes? Dutch ovens are heavy-duty pots made with different types of materials. Our favorites are made with cast-iron, which gets hot quickly and holds heat well for even cooking, from browning and searing to deep-frying and even roasting. Many Dutch ovens on the market are also coated in enamel, which makes the cast-iron vessel more durable and easier to clean.
Looking to buy your first Dutch oven or upgrade this kitchen workhouse? Check out the best Dutch ovens according to the product testing experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. Once you’ve got your pick, you’ll never put it away. Feed the crew some epic family dinner ideas, great vegetarian Dutch oven recipes and luxurious apple fritters for dessert. And, with all the pretty buys out there, you’ll feel good about taking dinner straight from the stove to the table. Look no further for some great inspiration to use your Dutch oven tonight.
7
White Wine Mussels
Mussels are the perfect quick dinner winner — once you add them to your Dutch oven and pop on the lid, they’re ready in 3 to 4 minutes. Dinner, done!
Get the White Wine Mussels recipe.
9
chicken curry
Garlic, ginger, onion and spices all contribute to the flavor of this quick simmered dinner, but you can still get it on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Chicken Curry recipe.
10
Kale and Chickpea Soup
11
Rooster in Rosé Wine
A twist on classic coq au vin, this crowd-pleaser is loaded with mushrooms and bacon too.
Get the Coq au Vin Rosé recipe.
12
Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew
13
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
14
Best Ever Fried Chicken
15
Coconut Curry Chicken
Cashew butter is the genius, secret pantry ingredient to this delicious dinner. It adds body and richness to contrast all those flavorful spices.
Get the Coconut Curry Chicken recipe.
16
Spiced Fresh Tomato Soup with Sweet and Herby Pitas
17
Maple-Glazed Five-Spice Pork
18
Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup
19
Five-Spice Beef Stew
Five-spice powder, a spice blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, Sichuan peppercorns and cloves, gives this beef stew recipe an extra flavorful boost.
Get the Five-Spice Beef Stew recipe.
20
Pasta and Fagioli
Craving soup, but could also go for a pasta recipe? Look no further than this classic Italian dish of al dente pasta, plenty of veggies and creamy white beans.
Get the Pasta and Fagioli recipe.
21
Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew
22
Beans and Greens with Lemon-Parmesan Polenta
23
Seafood, Chorizo and Vegetable Stew
24
Chicken Meatball Pea Soup
Think of this comforting dish as a lighter take on your favorite Italian wedding soup, using farro (a healthy whole grain) instead of pasta.
Get the Chicken Meatball Pea Soup recipe from Woman’s Day.
25
Easy Beef Bourguignon
Your Dutch oven is the perfect vessel to both simmer this slow-cooked beef stew and then serve it to your guests!
Get the Easy Beef Bourguignon recipe from Woman’s Day.
Becca Miller
Becca Miller has been working with the Good Housekeeping food team since October 2018, where she researches and writes about tasty recipes, fascinating food trends, and top tools.
