18 Slow-Simmered Soups, Stews and Chilis to Make Ahead
Nothing beats the comfort of slow-simmered meals that fill your kitchen with rich, inviting aromas. These make-ahead soups, stews, and chilis are perfect for busy days, offering a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. With the flavors developing as they cook, you’ll enjoy a depth of taste that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re great for freezing and reheating, making busy nights much easier. If you want something simple yet satisfying, these slow-simmered meals will become a go-to in your rotation.
A Hearty Guinness Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

This rich beef stew slow-simmers with Guinness for a deep, comforting flavor. It’s one of the best slow-simmered meals when you need something warm and filling after a long day. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Get the Recipe: A Hearty Guinness Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights
The Best Dutch Oven Mexican Steak Picado Recipe

Tender steak, peppers, and spices cook low and slow to create a bold and hearty dish. It’s a great pick for slow-simmered meals because the flavors get better the longer they cook. Serve it with rice or warm tortillas for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: The Best Dutch Oven Mexican Steak Picado Recipe
Dutch Oven Venison Stew

This venison stew slow-simmers until the meat is fall-apart tender and the broth is rich with flavor. It’s one of those slow-simmered meals that make the most of wild game, giving you a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Perfect for chilly nights around the table.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Venison Stew
Split Pea Soup

Slow-simmered peas, ham, and vegetables come together in this thick and filling soup. It’s one of the easiest slow-simmered meals when you want something hearty with minimal effort. Let it cook until the peas break down into a rich, creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup
Stove Top Red Beans and Rice Recipe

This classic dish cooks low and slow, giving the beans plenty of time to soak up the smoky, seasoned broth. It’s one of the best slow-simmered meals when you need something budget-friendly but full of flavor. Serve it over fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings Soup

Tender chicken, rich broth, and soft dumplings make this a go-to comfort meal. As one of the best slow-simmered meals, it lets the flavors build while the dumplings cook to perfection. Serve it hot for a cozy, homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings Soup
Tuscan Kale, White Bean and Pasta Soup

This hearty soup simmers until the beans are creamy, the kale is tender, and the broth is full of flavor. It’s one of those slow-simmered meals that feel both simple and comforting. Serve it with fresh bread for an easy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Kale, White Bean and Pasta Soup
Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe

Venison, root vegetables, and herbs simmer for hours, creating a deep, rich stew. It’s one of the best slow-simmered meals for making wild game shine while keeping things warm and filling. Perfect for a weekend meal that cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Northern Hearty Venison Stew Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and a creamy broth make this soup a cold-weather favorite. As one of the easiest slow-simmered meals, it lets simple ingredients turn into something rich and comforting. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for an extra cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Quick and Easy Creamy Keto Taco Soup Recipe

Ground beef, taco seasoning, and a creamy broth come together in this slow-simmered soup. It’s one of the easiest slow-simmered meals when you need something warm, filling, and full of bold flavors. Top it with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Creamy Keto Taco Soup Recipe
Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

This slow-cooked classic fills your kitchen with the best kind of homemade comfort. It’s one of the easiest slow-simmered meals to throw together, giving you tender chicken, soft noodles, and a flavorful broth. Let it cook all day for the best results.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ptarmigan Spruce Grouse Stew Recipe

This wild game stew slow-simmers until the meat is tender and the broth is rich with herbs and spices. It’s one of those slow-simmered meals that bring out deep, earthy flavors while keeping things simple. Serve it hot for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ptarmigan Spruce Grouse Stew Recipe
Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This soup has all the flavors of a classic pot pie but with the ease of a slow-simmered meal. The rich broth, tender chicken, and vegetables cook low and slow for a warm and cozy dish. Serve with biscuits or crusty bread for the full effect.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cowboy Soup

Ground beef, potatoes, beans, and vegetables simmer together in this hearty one-pot meal. It’s one of those slow-simmered meals that feeds a crowd without much effort. Let it cook until the flavors meld, then serve with cornbread for a classic finish.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Soup
Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke And Apple Soup

This unique soup slow-simmers Jerusalem artichokes and apples for a smooth, rich texture. It’s one of those slow-simmered meals that balance earthy and sweet flavors in every bite. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil for extra depth.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Vegan Jerusalem Artichoke And Apple Soup
Pumpkin Soup With Canned Pumpkin

Smooth, spiced, and rich, this pumpkin soup slow-simmers into a cozy, fall-inspired meal. It’s one of the simplest slow-simmered meals since canned pumpkin does most of the work. Pair it with grilled cheese or a toasted baguette.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup With Canned Pumpkin
Northern Rabbit Stew and Dumplings

This traditional rabbit stew cooks low and slow, letting the meat become tender and the broth deeply flavorful. It’s one of the best slow-simmered meals when you want something hearty and homemade. The dumplings soak up all the rich broth for a perfect finish.
Get the Recipe: Northern Rabbit Stew and Dumplings
Dutch Oven Chili Low And Slow With Ground Beef And Pork

Slow-cooked chili builds deep flavor with every hour it simmers. It’s one of the best slow-simmered meals when you want a thick, rich dish that’s packed with tender beef, pork, and spices. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili Low And Slow With Ground Beef And Pork