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Every well-stocked kitchen should have a Dutch oven on hand. (Psst: If you don't have one, you'll love all the options from The Pioneer Woman collection.) Here's why: Dutch ovens have high sides and tight-fitting lids to trap in steam and produce aromatic juices for braises, soups, and stews. The slow, even heat from the heavy cast iron allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other cookware. So whether you're making a whole pot roast or juicy chicken for a crowd, serving up soup, or even baking a loaf of bread, this cookware is your trusty friend.
The Dutch oven recipes we've rounded up here are great one-pot meals, too, so you can get your dinner on the table with less dishes. They're also pure comfort food, so next time you have a craving for something hot, cheesy, or creamy, consider getting out your Dutch oven for dinner. You can cook family meals like beef stew, creamy goat cheese pasta, as well as good ol' chicken and dumplings. Dutch ovens are also oven-safe—which means you can toss in all of the ingredients, pop the pot in the oven, and let it cook while you take care of more important things. It's dinner made easy for any night of the week!
1
Chicken and Dumplings
Ree describes this recipe as "comfort food like no one's business." If that's not the perfect description for something you'd want on a chilly night, we don't know what is!
Get Ree's Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
2
Shrimp Étouffée
French for "smothered," étouffée is a classic Cajun dish that's hearty and comforting. Smother tasty shrimp in a flavorful gravy and serve over rice. It will be on the table in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Shrimp Étouffée recipe.
3
Lobster Bisque
Looking for something a little more special? Lobster bisque is rich and decadent soup that works for any celebration. Surprisingly, it only takes 15 minutes of prep time, too!
Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.
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4
Hoppin' John
Typically served on New Year's Day for good luck, this hearty black-eyed peas dish is worth making any time of year. Add peppers and kale for added veggies, or leave as is over white or brown rice.
Get Ree's Hoppin' John recipe.
5
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
It's easy to see why this recipe went viral on TikTok. It's basically the best of both worlds, combining French onion soup with pasta, then topping it with cheesy bread.
Get the One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.
6
Chicken Tortellini Soup
You want easy? We'll give you easy. In less than 30 minutes, you can have this cozy soup on the table. It uses store-bought tortellini to speed up the process and only takes a few steps to jazz them up.
Get the Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.
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7
Beef and Noodles
This is a spin on beef stew that's made with a little more broth, mushrooms, and soft, chewy egg noodles. It's a cozy, warming meal to try this winter.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
8
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta
This is a go-to weeknight dinner in which melty, gooey goat cheese becomes a sauce to coat pasta and fresh tomatoes. What could be better?
Get the Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta recipe.
9
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
This is one of Ree's favorite ways to cook a whole roasted chicken. As the skin gets crispy and golden, the meat stays super juicy, thanks to the Dutch oven. Veggies cook at the same time in the pot and absorb all of those delicious juices.
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
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10
No-Knead Bread (Boule)
Your Dutch oven isn't just for one-pot dinners, and this crusty, rustic bread is proof! The pot gives your loaf structure so it turns out looking professional with minimal effort.
Get the No-Knead Bread recipe.
11
Broccoli Cheese Soup
This Dutch oven soup is all about balance: fresh broccoli and loads of cheese. It's a kid favorite, especially when you serve it in a bread bowl!
Get the Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
12
Black Bean Chili
Chili is a classic cold weather dinner, and this version is made with ground turkey, lots of beans, tomatoes, and hit of cocoa powder for a lovely layer of flavor.
Get the Black Bean Chili recipe.
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13
Dr Pepper Shredded Pork
This pulled pork recipe is braised in Dr Pepper with a hit of spice from chipotle peppers in adobo. Serve the meat alone or on burger buns with your favorite crunchy slaw.
Get the Dr Pepper Shredded Pork recipe.
14
Homemade Chicken and Noodles
Don't be put off by the name—you won't have to roll out any homemade noodles for this cozy chicken noodle soup. It's made with premade egg noodles, which are delightfully soft and chewy in the broth.
Get the Homemade Chicken and Noodles recipe.
15
Chicken Parm Soup
All of the elements of chicken parmesan, turned into a family-friendly soup? Count us in! This 30-minute meal is made with tomatoes, small pasta, and shredded rotisserie chicken.
Get the Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
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16
Potato Leek Soup
This is a cozy, creamy soup made with winter veggies and plenty of garlic and herbs. Top your bowls with celery leaves, hot sauce and crispy fried onions for a satisfying meal.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.
17
Italian Wedding Soup
We love a soup full of meatballs, and Italian wedding soup also happens to be loaded with pearled couscous, veggies, and cheese, so what's not to love?
Get the Italian Wedding Soup recipe.
18
Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika
The addition of smoked paprika in this traditional beef and vegetable stew adds a touch of heat and a layer of warm, toasty flavor.
Get the Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika recipe.
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19
Clam Chowder
You don't need to deal with any clam shells for this creamy soup, which is made with canned chopped clams and clam juice for a bold seafood flavor without the mess. Don't forget the oyster crackers!
Get the Clam Chowder recipe.
20
Lemon Chicken-Orzo Soup
The fresh lemon juice in this springy soup recipe adds lots of brightness and pep to every bite. Orzo is a great pasta for soups because it's easily spoonable, too!
Get the Lemon Chicken-Orzo Soup recipe.
