These easy Dutch oven recipes showcase the versatility of this cast iron pot! Think chili, bread, soups, roast chicken…and even pizza.

Kale Soup

Do you have a Dutch oven? We asked for this heavy-duty cooking pot as a Christmas gift one year, and the rest is history! For years we’ve been using it to make bread, soups and stews, cook dried beans, and more. There are so many easy Dutch oven recipes, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are all our favorites: then scroll down to learn more about Dutch ovens and which we use.

And now…the best easy Dutch oven recipes!

What is a Dutch oven? Why use it?

A Dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot with a lid that’s used for braising meat and making soups and stews. Dutch ovens can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, and they’re typically made of cast iron. Some Dutch ovens have an enamel coating over the cast iron, which makes them easier to clean. Why use a Dutch oven?

  • Dutch ovens hold heat well! When we first started using our Dutch oven, we were surprised at how smoothly sautéing happens. It definitely feels more luxurious than doing the same thing in a normal pan.
  • Dutch ovens are oven proof! Sounds simple, but it’s nice to have a pan that can be used on the stovetop and in the oven.
  • Dutch ovens look pretty. Maybe this is silly, but we keep our Dutch oven out because it’s nice to look at and gives a cozy vibe.
  • Dutch ovens can cook a myriad of things! Dutch oven soup recipes are irresistible, but there are so many other things you can cook as well! Bread, dried beans, risottos, pizza, lasagna, and more. You can also use it for camping recipes over a fire.

Which and what size Dutch oven should I buy?

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, it can be overwhelming to try to find which brand and size of Dutch oven you should buy. Here are the ones we use: we have had great luck with both:

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Black Bean Chili

15 Great Dutch Oven Recipes: Chili & More!


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

This Dutch Oven Chili recipe is easy to make and full of big flavor! It’s cozy and hearty: and you can make it on the stovetop or a campfire. To make the soup in the photo, head to Kale Soup with White Beans.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ cup dry quinoa
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 15-ounce cans black beans, drained (not rinsed)
  • 2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes, fire roasted if possible
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (replace with 2 tablespoons olive oil or refined coconut oil for vegan)
  • 1 15-ounce can corn (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons each chili powder and dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon each garlic powder and cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender.
  3. Add all other ingredients except for the smoked paprika. Simmer for 25 minutes, then stir in the smoked paprika. Serve immediately with toppings of your choice. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for 3 months.
  4. Campfire chili instructions: Follow the instructions above, but remove the smoked paprika (the fire will add smoky flavor). If you’re taking it camping, prep the minced onion and garlic and place in a sealed container. Place the ingredients from water through kosher salt in another large sealed container (keep out the dry quinoa and add when cooking). Keep everything cool until making the chili.
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Dutch Oven
  • Cuisine: Chili
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Dutch Oven Recipes

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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2 Comments

  1. Hello there! Your info about Dutch oven recipes is amazing! Thank you! I recently got one as a gift, not enameled. I’m wondering if I have to worry about what I can cook in it…will the cast iron react to say, spaghetti sauce? Can I make soup in it?
    Thanks in advance!
    Roxanne

    1. Hi! I wouldn’t make anything completely tomato based like sauce, but otherwise it should work the same!