A collection of healthy dutch oven recipes perfect for your cast iron pot! These recipes for the dutch oven are easy, simple, and healthy!
If there’s anything I love in the winter, it’s a cozy, one-pot meal. But not all pots are created equal! Dutch ovens give you the ability to braise, boil, roast, saute, and even bake, all in one cast iron pot!
So, if you’ve been gifted a dutch oven recently, or are still contemplating buying one, here are 40 different healthy dutch oven recipes that you can try out at home! From homemade bread to chili, whole chicken, and even braised lamb, there are almost endless possibilities and uses for your cast iron dutch oven!
Is cooking in a Dutch oven healthy?
Most of the time, cooking in a dutch oven is perfectly healthy! You can make many healthy recipes in your cast iron pot! The enamel companies use is completely non-toxic and food-safe, so you don’t have to worry about that.
The only concern is that if the enamel on your pot is chipping, it is considered unsafe to use because you don’t want to end up with enamel in your food! The cast iron underneath is also suitable and food-safe and can make all of the food you cook in the cast iron pot fortified with iron.
Is it worth buying a Dutch oven?
In my opinion, a cast iron dutch oven is completely worth the money! Dutch ovens are versatile cooking vessels that provide almost endless uses!
Because both the pot and the lid are oven-safe and made of cast iron, they conduct and retain heat better than any other appliance you own. They are masters at braising and roasting, but can be used for baking, soups, slow cooking, and much more!
The enameled dutch ovens available on the market are often very beautiful and come in many different colors as well, which make them great gifts and additions to any kitchen.
What is the best Dutch oven to buy?
Personally, I own two dutch ovens, and love both equally! One is a Cuisinart 5 qt, and the other is a Martha Stewart 6 qt. One is smaller than the other, but they both cook healthy meals for my family perfectly!
Here are a few options when looking to purchase a dutch oven:
Each of these cast iron pots will do perfectly for all of these healthy dutch oven recipes!
1. Dutch Oven Chicken and Vegetables
This simple dutch oven chicken and vegetable meal comes together easily and is an entire meal all in one pot!
Dutch Oven Chicken Breast and Vegetables
This Dutch oven chicken breast recipe is juicy, simple, and creamy, too! Grab some boneless chicken breast and make this one-pot dinner!
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2. Healthy Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Using red wine and Worcestershire sauce, you can create the most flavor and rich dutch oven beef stew in less than an hour!
Healthy Dutch Oven Stew
Dutch oven beef stew is healthy, easy, & is made all in one pot! Make sure to use a cast iron pot in the oven, & don't forget the red wine!
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3. One Pot Beef Macaroni and Cheese
This recipe is so cheesy and flavorful, your family will never notice how healthy it actually is! This is a healthy dutch oven recipe that’s perfect for dinner, and can be made into a freezer meal, too!
Healthy One Pot Mac and Cheese
A cheesy, beefy, veggie loaded mac and cheese perfect for a quick dinner. Leftovers can be turned into a freezer meal, too!
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4. Dutch Oven Pork Ribs
These ribs are incredibly easy to make and they are always a huge hit. Let your Dutch oven do all the hard work!
Dutch Oven Ribs
These are the best Dutch Oven Ribs! They are so tender, flavorful and hearty. These pork ribs are super easy and delicious!
5. Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Juicy chicken, crispy skin, and veggie sidesall done in one potmake family dinners a breeze!
Easy Dutch Oven Chicken
Dutch oven chicken is simple but true comfort food with incredible flavor! Juicy chicken, crispy skin, and veggie sides all done in one pot.
6. Braised Lamb Shanks with Balsamic
Love lamb but never sure how to cook it? These melt-in-the-mouth braised Lamb Shanks with Balsamic Vinegar are the perfect dish to try. So simple to make yet so delicious, the best thing about this slow-cooked recipe is that the oven does all the hard work.
Braised Lamb Shanks
These melt in the mouth Braised Lamb Shanks with Balsamic Vinegar are the perfect dish! So simple, yet delicious, the oven does all the hard work for this delicious slow cooked recipe!
7. Dutch Oven Corned Beef
There is no need to brine this Dutch oven corned beef, as it has plenty of seasonings and flavor. Serve with lots of vegetables roasted right alongside the corned beef, don’t forget the mustard sauce!
Dutch Oven Corned Beef
This is an easy way to cook corned beef in a dutch oven without brining. Add plenty of veggies to roast alongside and dinner’s ready!
8. Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin
Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze is cooked in a Dutch oven and is roasted to tender perfection. The balsamic glaze has no sugar added and is a sweet and savory sauce to brush over the pork.
Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin
This Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze is a tender and flavorful cut of pork. It’s glaze is a sweet syrupy drizzle without sugar added.
9. Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A tender and juicy pulled pork recipe using pork shoulder! Cooked to perfection in the dutch oven, let the oven do the work for you!
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This is the best Dutch Oven Pulled Pork recipe that’s super tender, flavor-packed and makes the best sandwiches!
10. Ground Turkey Pasta
Guaranteed to have the whole family begging for seconds, this ground turkey pasta recipe is made in the dutch oven all on the stovetop!
Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
This Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is a super easy, cheesy, and flavorful weeknight dinner made with lean ground turkey and pasta smothered in a creamy tomato sauce.
11. Dutch Oven Jambalaya
Jambalayais a classic one-pot recipe filled with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and rice. Completely irresistible, this easy recipe includes all the classic flavors of true Cajun/Creole cooking like Cajun seasoning and starts with finely diced onion, bell pepper, and celery – the holy trinity of Cajun cuisine.
Dutch Oven Jambalaya Recipe
This delicious Jambalaya recipe bursts from the pot with its mouthwatering flavors.
12. Dutch Oven Stuffed Bell Peppers
A simple and new way to make stuffed bell peppers!
Dutch Oven Stuffed Peppers
An easy recipe for stuffed green peppers that’s packed with flavor! Perfect for potlucks, or weeknight dinner with the leftovers later in the week!
13. Easy Cornish Hens
Try this easy cornish hens recipe, well-seasoned and easy to make. Plus, it’s less hassle than making a huge turkey or whole chicken!
Easy Cornish Hens Recipe
Make the perfect dish for Cornish Hens with this easy recipe. This is also a great alternative for Turkey recipe!
14. Gluten Free No-Knead Bread
A beautiful gluten-free artisan bread that is crazy easy to make, with no kneading required at all! This gorgeous no-knead bread recipe is totallygluten-freeanddairy-freetoo, but no one would care!
Easy Gluten-Free Artisan Bread
A beautiful gluten-free artisan bread that’s easy to make, and perfect for toast, rustic sandwiches, or with soups and dips. Dairy-free too.
15. Guinness Beef Stew
This is a whole meal in a pot! Big chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and turnips are the perfect comfort food on a cold night.If you’re not a beer drinker, you may still love cooking with it!
Guinness Beef Stew
A hearty, Irish-American stew made right in the Dutch oven! While Guinness is not technically a gluten free beer, so if you’re following a strict gluten free diet, you will need to substitute a dark, gluten free beer.
16. Beef Short Ribs
These Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine are cooked low and slow in a rich deep sauce, right in your Dutch oven Your family is sure to enjoy this!
Braised Beef Short Ribs
These Beef Short Ribs are braised low and slow in red wine. Fall of the bone tender and loaded with rich flavor. They are even more delicious the next day!
17. Smokey Dutch Oven Chili
This smokey dutch oven beer-braised chili is easy, flavorful, and hearty, and may be the best chili recipe you will ever make!
Smokey Dutch Oven Beer Braised Chili
This easy and hearty chili is smokey, rich, and has the perfect amount of spice. Its truly wonderful on a cold winter evening.
18. Braised Beef Shank Pasta
This Dutch oven pasta is perfect for fall and winter days and it loads you up with delicious, really healthy fat and protein-packed comfort food. You can even eat the bone marrow afterward.
Braised Beef Shank Pasta
Braised beef shank pasta is easily one of my favorite things I’ve ever made, and wonderfully easy to make! This recipe for a fantastic beef shank pasta is comfort-food reinvented.
19. Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken dum biryani is made by layering fragrant basmati rice over chicken marinated in a rich, delicious mix of spices and yogurt.
Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken dum biryani is made by layering fragrant rice with chicken that is cooked in spices and aromatics. Make it at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
20. Old Fashioned Goulash
This goulash recipe is simple, and made with healthy ingredients, all right in the Dutch oven!
Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash is a delicious simple recipe with ground beef, tomatoes & macaroni. It is an easy weeknight dinner. A kid friendly one-pot meal!
21. Dutch Oven Taco Soup
With adobo spiced turkey, black beans, tomatoes, and corn, in a delicious zesty broth, this Homemade Turkey Taco Soup is an easy healthy dutch oven recipe!
Dutch Oven Turkey Taco Soup
Turkey Taco Soup with adobo spiced turkey, black beans, tomatoes, and corn, in a delicious zesty broth, it is an easy healthy delicious dinner recipe!
22. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup is aneasy and healthy dutch oven dinner that you can make in less than an hour. It is packed with vegetables, chicken and cooked in a tomato-flavored chicken broth.
Chicken Vegetable Soup
This chicken vegetable soup is packed with hearty vegetables & shredded chicken in a tomato-flavored broth. An easy & healthy one-pot dinner!
23. Jackfruit Stew in the Dutch Oven
Jackfruit is a great alternative to beef and other meats, making this healthy dutch oven dinner recipe perfect when you need a warm and steamy bowl of delicious vegan comfort food.
Hearty Vegan Jackfruit Beef Stew
It is a rich, hearty and filling jackfruit stew recipe that is loaded with veggies and flavors. Easy to make just how a comfort food should be like.
24. Hungarian Mushroom Soup
One of the best soups to make on a cold winter day! This dutch oven version makes it simple and easy to whip up a big batch of cozy mushroom soup!
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup is worth the love and care you put into it, and might cure whatever ails you. It’s perfect anytime of year!
25. Dutch Oven Beef Barbacoa
Shredded beef barbacoa is a healthy dutch oven recipe that is great for tacos, salads, and even burritos!
Dutch Oven Shredded Beef Barbacoa
Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven Shredded Beef Barbacoa has loads of flavor & a little kick. Stuff tacos or lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free meal.
26. Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo
A New Orleans classic that takes about 30 minutes and is full of flavors infused right in your dutch oven!
Dutch Oven Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo
This one pot chicken and shrimp gumbo is made with sausage, okra and peppers and is ready in just 30 minutes. Serve over rice or with cornbread.
27. Dutch Oven Carnitas
With lots of citrus tones and authentic flavors, this Mexican pulled pork makes the best tacos, burritos, bowls, and more. Plus it’s an amazingmake-ahead or freezer meal!
Authentic Dutch Oven Carnitas
Authentic Dutch Oven Carnitas are fall-apart tender and juicy, then broiled until golden and crispy. It makes the best tacos, burritos, and more!
28. Italian Wedding Soup
A delicious and filling dutch oven soup recipe made with homemade meatballs and lots of vegetables!
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with flavor. Tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, pasta, all married together in a rich broth.
29. Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
The perfect fall dessert with corn flakes and oats, all made right in the dutch oven!
Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
With apples cooked down in apple cider, and a crunchy brown sugar-cornflake topping, Apple Cider Cornflake Crisp will be your new favourite fall recipe!
30. Beanless Dutch Oven Chili
A cozy and thick chili for those of you who absolutely hate beans!
No Bean Chili
This no bean chili is hearty, flavorful and savory. It is easy to make, healthy and delicious. Great for leftovers and meal prep too!
31. Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry
A plant-based, vegan dutch oven curry recipe that’s both savory and quick to make!
Hearty Vegan Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry
This one pot vegan sweet potato, chickpeas & spinach curry is incredibly hearty, cozy & filling! Minimal effort required, this dish is ready in 30 mins.
32. Dutch Oven Pot Roast
This Dutch Oven Pot Roast is made on the stove-top with beef chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, and thyme in a rich beef broth with Dijon, balsamic and brown sugar.
Dutch Oven Pot Roast
A delicious Dutch oven pot roast made on the stove-top with beef roast, potatoes, carrots and thyme in a rich beef broth.
33. Dutch Oven Tri Tip
This moist dutch oven tri-tip with vegetables is incredible in the oven. Tender protein with very little prep work on your part may become your family’s favorite new meal.
Perfectly Cooked Dutch Oven Tri Tip!
Moist dutch oven tri tip with vegetables in incredible. Tender protein with very little prep work may become your family’s favorite new meal.
34. Lentil and Kale Soup
A hearty and healthy dutch oven recipe with tons of flavor!
Lentil and Kale Soup
This lentil and kale soup is packed with veggies, lentils and seasonings. It comes together easily in one pan and tastes great as leftovers.
35. Mushroom Ramen Bowls
Use brown rice ramen or instant ramen packets for this shortcut ramen recipe in the dutch oven!
Shortcut Mushroom Ramen Bowls
This shortcut mushroom ramen tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours but comes together in just 30 minutes!
36. Rustic Braised Chicken and Vegetables
An easy braised chicken recipe to make in your dutch oven this winter!
Easy Rustic Braised Chicken with Vegetables and Gravy
This Easy Rustic Braised Chicken with Vegetables and Gravy is the most delicious fall off the bone comfort food the whole family will love.
37. Cheesy Everything But the Bagel Bread
If you’ve ever considered trying your hand at baking bread but considered the task too intimidating or you have a fear of working with yeast, this recipe forDutch OvenBread with Cheddar andEverything Bagel Seasoningis for you.
Dutch Oven Bread with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning
Easy, no-knead Dutch Oven bread with cheddar cheese and everything bagel seasoning will have you enjoying delicious homemade bread anytime!
38. Dutch Oven Chili Con Carne
This chili recipe is cooked slowly ina dutch ovenand best served with mini naan bread and a few slices of avocado. Who doesn’t like a good tender meat stew?
Dutch Oven Chili Con Carne
This family friendly chili recipe is for all chili minced meat stew lovers, because we are going to make a load of delicious trio meat stew.
39. Dutch Oven Lasagna
An incredibly fast and simple way to make layered lasagna in the dutch oven!
One Pot Dutch Oven Lasagna
A super easy lasagna recipe that is made in one pot and is ready in less than 1 hour! It is full of all the classic lasagna flavors you love!
40. Bolognese Sauce
A versatile sauce that can be used for pasta, lasagna, baked potatoes, and even stuffed zucchini boats!
Bolognese Sauce
This Bolognese Sauce recipe is the ultimate comfort food! A delicious, hearty meat sauce that is freezer friendly and a total crowd pleaser.
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xoxo Megan
