Keep Warm From Head-to-Toe With These 19 Winter Stews and Casseroles (2024)

Winter Mains
Dinner
British Mains

Elaine Lemm

Elaine Lemm is a renowned British food writer, classically trained chef, teacher, and author with over 25 years of experience writing about British food and cooking.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 06/2/20

Trending Videos

Keep Warm From Head-to-Toe With These 19 Winter Stews and Casseroles (2)

It's often said that the backbone of both British and Irish food is the wealth of its stews and casseroles. There are so many traditional recipes that it would be almost impossible to mention all of them. However, there are some hearty stews and casseroles that are essential to British Isle cuisine.

There is little difference between a casserole and a stew. A purist would say thata casserole goes in the oven, heating the dish from all directions, while a stew goes on the stovetop and is heated from the bottom. Another point of difference is a casserole is the name of the pot used for cooking. It has become known as the cooking method as well. The two,however, are relatively interchangeable as the end result is very similar. Whatever you call them, one thing is certain; These dishes are favorites for cold winter months.

01 of 20
Dublin Coddle
The ultimate comfort food must be a classic Dublin coddle. In this hearty stew, you will findsalty bacon, sausage, and heaps of potatoes. Coddle is a popular pub food in Dublin and it's also easy to make at home.
02 of 20
Welsh Cawl
A classic stew from the tiny country of Wales is this Welsh cawl. It stands out from the rest because it is both a stew and a soup—two dishes in one. The Welsh will first drink the broth followed by the meat and vegetables in a separatebowl.
03 of 20
See Also
Are Stew and Soup the Same Thing?8 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Beef Stew 6 Wines Similar to Burgundy for When You Need an Alternative | Drinks Saloon Help! Left Beef Stew in kitchen overnight - should we eat it? | Mumsnet
English Beef Stew and Dumplings
The English also know a thing or two about stews. Their famous offering of English beef stew and dumplings involves lots of beef, vegetables, and rib-sticking dumplings. The dumplings must be made with suetto be authentic but there are substitutions youcan use.
04 of 20
Corned Beef Hash
Corned beef hash is another top choice for comfort food in British households. This stew is \so quick and easy to make that you'll quickly see why it's a staple. It's definitely worth it to buy the best beef you can.
Continue to 5 of 20 below.
05 of 20
Traditional Lancashire Hotpot
If there were a contender for the title of Britain's favorite casserole the traditional Lancashire hotpot is it. The dish is filled with onions, beef, and crispy potatoes, and is so popular that it's known quite simply as "hotpot."
06 of 20
Mum's Oxtail Stew
For many, mum's oxtail stew was a thing of childhood. It fell out of fashion—or rather the eating of the tail did—for many years. However, it is back and now recognized for the fabulous, tasty meat it is.
07 of 20
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tinga
Smoky chipotle peppers, charred tomatoes, and onions are key to this chicken tinga recipe. The Mexican chicken stew is cooked in the slow cooker and takes all day. It has tons of flavor and may actually be better in a day or two, so it's great for meal planning.
08 of 20
Turkey Cajun Stew
When you have leftover turkey to use up, make this turkey Cajun stew. It's a lot like gumbo, complete with shrimp, andouille sausage, okra, and bacon. The Cajun seasoning, garlic, and onion give it a nice spice, too. Serve it with steamed rice and you have a delicious dinner everyone will enjoy.
Continue to 9 of 20 below.
09 of 20
Traditional Irish Stew
A traditional Irish stew is Ireland's national dish and a favorite on St. Patrick's Day. Traditionally, the classic stew was made with mutton, but that is becoming increasingly hard to find. Most cooks substitute lamb,which tastes just as good but is also more tender.
See Also
Beef Bourguignon: A slow-cooked Burgundy meal
10 of 20
British Beef, Leek, and Mushroom Stew
British beef, leek, and mushroom stew is the perfect warming winter dish. Chunks of beef are teamed with nutritious leeks while carrots, mushrooms, and onions add texture and taste. It's so healthy as well as delicious.
11 of 20
Slow-Cooked British Brisket Casserole
For far too long a beef brisket was an underrated cut ofbeef often reserved for the barbecue or smokehouse. Well, not in Britain. The slow-cooked British brisket casserole shows that it's a perfect meat for long slow cooking. Since it's also a relatively cheap cut, it's ideal for family suppers.
12 of 20
Slow Cooked Shoulder of Lamb Casserole
Lamb can so often be expensive, but if you look for a shoulder, you may be surprised at how cheap they are. A shoulderof lamb, however, must be cooked for a long time to allow the meat to tenderize. You will not be disappointed in this super-slow shoulder of lamb casserole.
Continue to 13 of 20 below.
13 of 20
British Pork and Cider Casserole
This super warming, tasty British pork and cider casserole brings together two lovely British ingredients. Pork and cider are a match made in heaven. And, if those don't already make this a super dish, a hefty dose of French tarragon finishes it beautifully.
14 of 20
Easy Cauliflower and Chicken Curry
Cauliflower is enjoying a massive rise in popularity and it shines with chickenthigh meat. Curry is a quick form of a casserole, and here it is fast-cooked and easyto make. This quick-cook cauliflower and chicken curry truly is a great mid-week supper.
15 of 20
Classic Chicken Balti Curry
Another fast-cooked dish teeming with deliciousness is a classic chicken balti curry. Balti denotes foods with a Pakistani or Kashmiri origin. In Britain, the city of Birmingham is considered home to this style of spicy casserole.
16 of 20
Quick Chicken Casserole
Thisis a recipe you will return to time and time again because it is one of the quickest and tastiestquick chicken casserole recipes. From this basic casserole, you can play with the ingredients to create whatever you want.
Continue to 17 of 20 below.
17 of 20
Moroccan Spiced Goats Stew
When you want to switch from the usual beef, chicken, or lamb dish, you can't do better than cooking some healthy, lean goats' meat. Add to that a hefty dose of warming spices, and you have a perfect winter's dish with this Moroccan spiced goats stew recipe.
18 of 20
Vegetarian Tomato and White Bean Casserole
The vegetarian tomato and white bean casserole is a hearty, filling winter dish. The beans, herbs, and fresh vegetables make it deliciously healthy too.
19 of 20
Chickpea and Coconut Curry
Another meat-free recipe that packs a punch oozing in goodness, texture, and flavor is this chickpea and coconut curry. It's super easy to maketoo. Thisone also freezes well so you can make a big batch and make another dinner even simpler.
20 of 20
Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
The best foodismadewith the freshest of ingredients and when cooked quickly, it retains all the goodness. That's why this cauliflower and chickpea curry is so good. It certainly doesn't hurt that it's easytomake, too.