On busy weeknights, you can get dinner on the table fast thanks to these quick and easy Dutch oven recipes. They're ready in 30 minutes or less!
Our Best Quick and Easy Dutch Oven Recipes
Updated on Feb. 20, 2024
Chicken and Dumplings
Perfect for chilly winter nights, this main course is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
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Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 391 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/38
Green Beans with Creamy Pistachio Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was asked to bring vegetables for a party and wasn’t feeling inspired until I remembered Mom served green beans with butter and evaporated milk. I love pistachios, so I added those instead of almonds. Everybody wanted the recipe, and I was really pleased—very little work and lots of happy family and friends! —Loretta Ouellette, Pompano Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
Find 100 more Dutch oven recipes to love.
4/38
Pork and Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 372 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
End your meal on a sweet note. These Dutch oven dessert recipes are perfection.
5/38
Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We punch up our pasta with smoked sausage and fire-roasted tomato sauce. It's an easy recipe to switch up—use whatever noodles and spaghetti sauce are in your pantry. —Jean Komlos, Plymouth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 463 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1634mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
6/38
Caribbean Potato Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
An interesting blend of veggies that includes okra, kale and black-eyed peas goes into this bright and hearty soup. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 213 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
7/38
Zucchini in Dill Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I were dairy farmers until we retired, so I always use fresh, real dairy products in my recipes. This creamy sauce combines all our favorite foods! —Josephine Vanden Heuvel, Hart, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 71 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Still hungry? Find more Dutch oven side dishes.
8/38
Creamy Seafood Bisque
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowlfuls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 453 calories, 36g fat (22g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
9/38
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
10/38
Brussels Sprouts & Kale Saute
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In an effort to add more greens to our meals, I created this dish—and my kids eat it up. The crispy salami is the "hook." —Jennifer Mcnabb, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 126 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
11/38
Hearty Vegetarian Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 238 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
12/38
Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
13/38
Creamy Beef & Potatoes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. One day I prepared it using potatoes O'Brien instead. Now I always make it this way. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 664 calories, 38g fat (19g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1851mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
14/38
Chickpea Tortilla Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it's served. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 289 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
15/38
Ham and Noodle Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe when I had leftover ham to use up. You'll find it's the perfect little casserole for any night of the week! —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 326 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
16/38
Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 279 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
17/38
Makeover Creamed Corn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy creamed corn has all the rich feel and flavor of the original, but only about half the calories and about a third of the saturated fat. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 234 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
18/38
One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thick like chili and with plenty of stuffed pepper flavor, this dish will
warm you up on chilly days. —Charlotte Smith, McDonald, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 415 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
19/38
Cheese Chicken Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (22/3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 429 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
20/38
Hearty Sausage Minestrone
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a teacher, I appreciate quick and easy recipes. If I make this for just my husband and me, we have leftovers for lunches. But when there are more people at the table, every bit is eaten. —Tami Stoudt, Evans, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 372 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1481mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 18g protein.
21/38
Orzo Shrimp Stew
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I really enjoy seafood, so I don’t skimp on shrimp in this mildly seasoned stew. We also adore the broccoli, tomatoes and pasta. —Lisa Stinger, Hamilton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 387 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 875mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
22/38
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
23/38
Turkey & Noodle Tomato Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn V8 juice, veggies and ramen noodles into a wonderful soup that takes just a few minutes to make. I like to serve it with biscuits. —Jennifer Bridges, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 331 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 1247mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein.
24/38
Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Time to gather round the table, y'all! This dish has special meaning on New Year's Day, when Southerners eat greens for future wealth and black-eyed peas for prosperity. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
25/38
Turkey Linguine with Tomato Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love an easy weeknight meal! This meal comes together quickly and uses up the half block of cream cheese that always ends up in my fridge. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 510 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
26/38
Minestrone with Turkey
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without cheese): 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 1251mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
27/38
Beef Noodle Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious soup only takes minutes—but tastes as if it simmers all day! —Margery Bryan, Moses Lake, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 144 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 804mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
28/38
Pork Noodle Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter created this soup when she needed to use up some leftover pork. You can use more water for a thinner soup or less water for a noodle dish. It’s good with mushroom flavored ramen noodles, too. —Eleanor Niska, Twin Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 116 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
29/38
All-American Barbecue Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this delicious barbecue sandwich on my own. Out of all my barbecue recipes, this one's my husband's favorite. It's also a big hit with family and friends who enjoy it at our Fourth of July picnic.—Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
30/38
Chili Beef Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Right after I got married, an aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it a healthier dish that my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without tomatoes): 319 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
31/38
Italian White Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
32/38
Shrimp Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of buying a jar of sauce, make it from scratch for this easy shrimp Alfredo recipe. The garlic aroma will call your family to the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 788 calories, 51g fat (31g saturated fat), 317mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
33/38
Weeknight Taco Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup turned out delicious on the first try, when I was working without a recipe. You could also add cooked ground beef or cubed stew meat dredged in seasoned flour and browned for a heartier meal. —Amanda Swartz, Goderich, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 333 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 1288mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
34/38
Chicken Stew
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating. — Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
35/38
Herbed Artichoke Cheese Tortellini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavor-packed meatless recipe features tomatoes, black olives and artichoke hearts tossed with tender cheese tortellini. —Karen Anzelc, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 474 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 975mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
36/38
Taco Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1369mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
37/38
Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
38/38
Pear & Turkey Sausage Rigatoni
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sweet pear, salty sausage and creamy blue cheese are a wonderful combination in this dish. It tastes just like something you'd get at a great restaurant. —Debby Harden, Williamston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without almonds): 273 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
