7 Dutch Oven Dinners for Every Night of the Week

Your trusty Dutch oven is, without a doubt, one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen. The dependable pot is perfect for braising meat, simmering soups and stews, and so much more. Find a new favorite in this collection of seven Dutch oven dinner recipes for every night of the week!

Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s

Photography: Carson Downing / Food: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Laura Ellefson/Lexi Juhl

“There are so many ways to make this dish, and since our brothers and sisters cook as well our family has several versions. I often ask the meat department or butcher to hand cut a whole chicken into pieces for me (the backbone and wings can be used later to make stock). This is one of Dolly’s favorite dishes, so I usually make it for her birthday in January.” — Rachel Parton George

One Pot Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo

Allrecipes / Karen Hibbard

“This one pot Tuscan shrimp and orzo is hearty yet elegant, every bite bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavors. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist, perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.” —TheDailyGourmet

Marry Me Bean Soup

Allrecipes/Qi Ai

“This creamy marry me bean soup is packed with protein and is sure to keep you warm and full. The best part is you can have it on the table in less than 25 minutes. It’s easy to double the recipe, too.” —Yolanda Gutierrez

Classic Swiss Steak

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“This classic Swiss steak, round or rump steak slowly braised with tomatoes and vegetables, is best served over rice. This comforting dish is also easy on the budget.” —Nicole McLaughlin

Hoppin’ John

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“Hoppin’ John is a hearty dish made by slowly simmering black-eyed peas with pork and vegetables, thought to bring luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. Our version has been simplified to use frozen black eyed peas.” —Juliana Hale

Chicken and Orzo Bake

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“This chicken and orzo bake is a tasty one-pot dinner, suitable for weeknights. The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a nice pop of color and loads of flavor to the cheesy orzo.” —Barrett Heald

Beef Ragu

“Beef ragu—a traditional Italian dish—is a slow-simmered sauce made with beef, tomatoes, pasta, etc. Many newer ragu recipes use sambal oelek or anchovy paste to help build flavor, so I’ve used harissa, but feel free to replace with 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or 1 teaspoon fennel seeds or omit.” —Liv Dansky