11 Classic Stews Americans Turn to on Cold Nights

When the temperature drops, nothing brings comfort quite like a steaming bowl of stew. Hearty, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, these dishes warm both body and soul. Across the United States, stews have become staples that families return to again and again. From beef simmered for hours to seafood packed with coastal flavor, each stew reflects a unique slice of American food culture. Here are 11 classic stews that people across the country crave whenever the nights grow colder.

1. Beef Stew

Beef stew is perhaps the most iconic American cold-weather dish. Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly with carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery in a savory broth. The extended cooking time allows flavors to blend deeply, transforming humble ingredients into a hearty meal. Some cooks add red wine or fresh herbs for richness, while others keep it rustic and simple. Served with a slice of crusty bread, beef stew delivers the kind of nourishment and warmth that families have relied on for generations. It is the very definition of comfort food.

2. Chicken and Dumplings

A staple of Southern kitchens, chicken and dumplings combine tender chicken simmered in broth with pillowy dumplings that soak up flavor. Some dumplings are dropped into the pot like biscuits, while others are rolled flat for a chewier texture. Both versions create a filling and nostalgic dish that has been passed down through generations. The balance of savory broth, soft chicken, and hearty dumplings makes it both satisfying and comforting. It is a dish often shared at family tables during the colder months when something hearty is needed.

3. Chili

Chili may be one of the most argued-over stews in America. Texas-style purists insist chili should never include beans, while others embrace bean-filled versions as household staples. No matter the preference, chili remains a hearty stew of beef, tomatoes, and spices, with chili peppers providing signature heat. Topped with shredded cheese, onions, or sour cream, it is as customizable as it is filling. Its bold flavor and fiery kick make it a dish that both warms the body and brings people together, whether at cook-offs, tailgates, or family dinners.

4. Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew has long been tied to the South, with both Virginia and Georgia claiming to have invented it. Originally made with wild game such as rabbit or squirrel, the dish has evolved to use chicken, pork, or a mix of meats. Corn, lima beans, potatoes, and tomatoes create a colorful and hearty base. Some recipes add barbecue sauce, lending a smoky and tangy flavor. Traditionally served at gatherings and community events, Brunswick stew reflects the South’s agricultural roots and resourcefulness, transforming local ingredients into a beloved regional specialty.

5. Gumbo

A cornerstone of Louisiana cuisine, gumbo is a rich, hearty stew with deep cultural roots. Built on a dark roux and thickened with either okra or filé powder, gumbo brings together influences from African, French, Spanish, and Native American cooking. It often features seafood, chicken, sausage, or a combination of proteins, along with the “holy trinity” of Cajun vegetables: onions, celery, and bell peppers. Served over rice, gumbo is smoky, spicy, and layered with flavor. More than a stew, it is a cultural symbol that represents Louisiana’s unique history and traditions.

6. Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder is one of the most iconic seafood stews in America. Its creamy base holds tender clams, diced potatoes, onions, and celery, creating a hearty and filling dish. Typically served with oyster crackers or in a bread bowl, it has become synonymous with comfort along the New England coast. While tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder exists, the New England version is far more famous. On cold nights by the ocean, few dishes compare to the warmth and richness of a steaming bowl of clam chowder.

7. Irish Stew

Irish immigrants brought this stew to the United States, where it became a staple in colder regions. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, American versions often substitute beef for convenience. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley complete the rustic recipe. The long simmering process yields a dish that is hearty, filling, and packed with rich flavor. It remains especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day, though its simple ingredients and satisfying nature make it a comforting choice throughout winter. Irish stew continues to connect families to heritage and tradition.

8. Oyster Stew

Oyster stew has long been tied to holiday celebrations in the U.S., particularly on Christmas Eve in Catholic households. Made with fresh oysters simmered in milk or cream, it is seasoned with butter, onions, and sometimes celery. The result is delicate yet warming, highlighting the briny flavor of the oysters without overwhelming them. Though lighter than meat-based stews, it is deeply satisfying on cold nights. For many coastal families, oyster stew is more than just food; it is a seasonal tradition that has endured for generations.

9. Burgoo

Burgoo is a Kentucky specialty that doubles as both a dish and a community event. Traditionally simmered outdoors in massive kettles, burgoo combines beef, pork, chicken, or game meats with corn, lima beans, potatoes, and okra. The result is a thick, filling stew designed to feed large crowds. Often cooked for fundraisers, festivals, and family gatherings, burgoo is more than sustenance. It is a cultural ritual. For many Kentuckians, this hearty stew symbolizes hospitality, abundance, and the warmth of sharing a meal with friends and neighbors.

10. Jambalaya Stew

Jambalaya, often considered a rice dish, can also take on a stew-like consistency when cooked with extra broth. This Louisiana favorite combines andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, rice, and Cajun spices in one pot. The “holy trinity” of vegetables namely, onions, celery, and bell peppers, provides the flavor base, while smoky sausage and tender seafood create depth. Unlike gumbo, jambalaya does not use a roux but instead relies on spices and broth for richness. Served piping hot, it is bold, hearty, and perfect for cold nights when you crave something spicy and soulful.

11. Vegetable Stew

Vegetable stew proves that a dish can be hearty without relying on meat. Packed with potatoes, carrots, beans, peas, and sometimes leafy greens, it gains richness from slow simmering and layers of herbs. Tomato-based or broth-based versions are common, each offering warmth and flavor in every spoonful. For vegetarians or those looking for a lighter option, this stew delivers satisfaction without heaviness. Often served with bread or rice, it showcases how simple produce can transform into a wholesome and comforting meal that appeals to all eaters.