The more versatility you have in the kitchen, the better your culinary creations can be, and no piece of cookware is more versatile than a Dutch oven.
Typically made of cast iron, these robust cooking pots can be used for all types of cooking methods, including roasting, stewing, frying, and baking.
If you have a Dutch oven and are raring to use it, all you need are some tasty recipes to try out. If you’re struggling to find dishes that grab your attention, we are here to help.
Today, we are turning to American icon and master chef Martha Stewart. With a career spanning over 50 years, we are spoiled rotten with thousands of incredible Martha Stewart recipes. These include delectable dishes that can be made using a Dutch oven.
Join us as we guide you through 11 Martha Stewart Dutch oven recipes that we love and are sure you will, too. Get those taste buds ready for a festival of stunning flavors!
We start our list with this comforting dish, also known as “coq au vin.” It is essentially a chicken stew, but this particular recipe boasts the best-tasting adaptation of this dish we have ever tried.
This wine-braised chicken dish contains fresh thyme and bacon, adding to its incredible depth. Best of all, you can make a big pot of it, and it will taste even better the next day.
For your next St Patrick’s Day, this is THE dish you need to make. It is perfect for a cold March day, as each mouthful will warm your bones and give you a comforting feeling.
This recipe is super easy to follow and has just two steps. You start with tender cubed beef, onions, and potatoes, while a rich Irish stout and broth make up the divine liquid.
This stew will be ready after a few hours in your Dutch oven, and ready to wow guests at the dinner table. If you have any left over, it can be stored in the freezer for a later date.
There’s nothing better than a classic beef stew on a chilly winter’s night, and this recipe is possibly the ultimate one pot meal to keep you cozy all night long.
Packed with nutritious goodness, this stew includes peas, carrots, Yukon Gold potatoes, pearl onions, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, all adding unique textures and flavors to the pot.
This is an aromatic and satisfying bowl of goodness, hitting the mark perfectly. The cuts of marbled beef simmer until they fall apart with tenderness, while the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, and red wine provide robust aromatics and a little smokiness.
Mop up the gravy with some crusty bread and serve over a bed of rice for the perfect indulgent meal.
One-pot pasta is the perfect go-to dish when you need to rustle something up quickly during the week. This delicious recipe will definitely be a big hit in your household, with bacon taking center stage alongside walnuts, broccoli rabe, and garlic.
The flavor profile of this dish is astounding, with the bold flavor of the broccoli rabe being complemented by the savory richness of the bacon.
The toasted walnuts, meanwhile, provide a crunchy-sweet contrast, while the garlic and Parmesan cheese give it some extra depth. This magical combination pairs excellently with short pasta such as fusilli or penne.
In less than an hour, this summer smoked-salmon chowder will be ready and waiting on your dinner table. It is another fantastic weeknight dinner option which can be cooked entirely in one pot. Easy!
If you’re in the mood for some summer veggies, you can add them all to this chowder. This recipe calls for fresh corn, celery, zucchini, and baby potatoes, but you can add some other leafy greens to the mix, like spinach or kale, for added nutrients and color. If you like a little spice with your food, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
The salmon provides extra flavor, protein, and nutrients to this dish, ensuring it is healthy as well as tasty.
With its rich, savory flavor, and creamy, sultry texture, this Normandy-Style Chicken and Leeks with Crème fraîche offers everything you’d ever want in an elegant dish and more.
The tender chicken is what gives the dish its savory burst, while the softened leeks are balanced beautifully by the creamy texture of the crème fraîche sauce.
There is a secret ingredient to this recipe – hard apple cider. This carbonated, sweet drink ensures the meat stays tender and gives the dish a slight fall flavor. You can also use white wine for a more nuanced taste and include herbs such as chives or tarragon for more depth.
Here is a fun one pot twist on the classic buttermilk fried chicken recipe, with the chicken being poached in buttermilk, garlic, and sage, giving the dish a rich, tangy flavor. The buttermilk adds a little acidity, complementing the garlic and savory herbs.
Poaching the chicken keeps it tender and juicy, with a delicate texture that melts in the mouth, while the buttermilk shines once again, tenderizing the meat for succulent mouthfuls.
Nevertheless, it still retains its signature tangy flavor of buttermilk, resulting in a lighter alternative but just as delicious. As for the sauce, this is made with yogurt, cornichons, lemon, and capers draped over the chicken, imparting a sharp yet tangy taste.
If you’re a fan of heat in your food, this spicy beef chili is a must-try. Jalapeño peppers, chili powder, and fire-roasted tomatoes provide a spicy kick, but not so much that it takes flavor away from the ground beef as the sour cream gives the dish a creamy, fresher contrast.
The richness of cocoa complements the savory spices with perfection, making each bite truly irresistible. If you fancy some variations, try ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
We could have included this in our hearty section above, as this veggie chili may be one of the most comforting chili dishes we have ever tried.
Featuring black beans, brown lentils, and black-eyed peas, this recipe makes a generous 10 servings. The finishing touch of avocado cream is exquisite, giving the dish a unique flavor and texture.
You can make this chili four days ahead and store it in your refrigerator for a later occasion. Once you tuck in, you are met with a robust flavor profile with layers of warmth and smokiness. Ancho chilies impart a slightly sweet yet deep undertone, while the chipotle chilies add a slight heat to the mix.
The vegetables are divine and caramelized for a rich, savory base. The cumin’s earthiness complements these, while the combination of sweet potatoes, lentils, black beans, and black-eyed peas form a hearty, wholesome texture and a distinct bite.
With juicy, tender slices of pork shoulder, diced green chilies, sliced onions, and store-bought green salsa, this easy Chile Verde is perfect for any fans of Mexican cuisine.
The store-bought ingredients provide maximum flavor without all the fuss of making everything from scratch.
The succulent pork pairs beautifully with the rich, smoky flavors emanating from the canned chilies and salsa. The slow roasting process in the Dutch oven results in incredibly tender and juicy meat, while the onions add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
The result? A comforting and highly satisfying dish, boasting a depth of savory flavors.
If you’re looking for convenience, this recipe is the one for you. It takes just 35 minutes to prepare and an hour before it’s ready to serve and wow everyone at the dinner table.
We love the combination of turkey meat, corn, and chickpeas, which creates a hearty and satisfying dish packed with fiber and protein.
An aromatic blend of spices pairs brilliantly with poblano peppers and garlic, infusing the chili with layers upon layers of rich flavors.
Like most dishes on this list, you can customize this recipe with add-ons like cilantro, cheese, and jalapeño. Whether you cook this with an instant pot or a Dutch oven, this chili is a fuss-free meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Dutch ovens are a chef’s best friend. You can throw everything in one pot and create culinary masterpieces with little effort. Reliable and versatile, Dutch ovens also look great on the table while keeping the food warm for second helpings.
Yes, Dutch Ovens from Martha Stewart are a high-quality and versatile piece of kitchen equipment. They’re perfect for cooking a variety of meals for your family. You can grab one from Amazon here.
Is There Anything You Shouldn’t Cook In A Dutch oven?
We’d recommend you avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes or vinegar-based sauces in a bare cast iron Dutch oven as they can react with the iron and acquire a metallic taste. However, enameled cast iron Dutch ovens do not have this issue.
What Cooks Best In A Dutch Oven?
Dutch ovens are ideal for slow-cooking recipes, such as stews, braises, and soups, because they distribute heat evenly and retain heat well. They are also excellent for baking bread due to their ability to maintain high temperatures and create a steamy environment, which helps achieve a good crust.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
