You just received a Dutch oven: here are 18 protein-rich recipes to prepare first

Reviewed by registered dietitian Jessica Ball, MS, RD

A classic Dutch oven is a versatile tool that makes a great addition to any kitchen, and if you’re lucky enough to have one, you’ll want to save these delicious recipes! Each of these dishes contains at least 15 grams of protein per serving, a nutrient that can help with muscle repair and keep you feeling full longer. Options like our Chicken and Dumpling Soup and Vegan Lentil Stew are tasty, filling meals that will make good use of your Dutch oven.

Chicken and dumpling soup

This hearty and warming chicken and dumpling soup features whole-wheat biscuits that provide a boost of fiber while maintaining a light texture. Thyme and parsley add freshness to the traditional flavors of this crowd-pleasing soup.

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All-in-one spinach and tomato pasta

This one-pot pasta dinner is simple, fresh, and healthy: what’s not to love? Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce saves time and cleanup while giving the noodles more flavor.

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Vegan Lentil Stew

This comforting vegan lentil stew is incredibly satisfying thanks to the hearty lentils and sweet potato. Leeks bring a savory allium note while tomato paste, miso and cumin add bold flavor.

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Turkey Chili

In this healthy turkey chili recipe, we avoid browning the turkey for two reasons: it saves time and the lean turkey stays tender as it gently simmers in the chili. Poblano peppers and chipotles in adobo add a nice spicy, smoky touch to the dish. Top with your favorite toppings, like grated cheese, yogurt, avocado or lime wedges.

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Whole Roast Chicken

This roast chicken recipe may be the most useful recipe you’ve ever found. It’s a meal on its own or the start of any recipe that calls for cooked chicken, perfect for making lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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Chicken tagine

Shredded roast chicken simmers briefly in a flavor-packed base, rich with garlic and spices, sweet with dates and tangy with preserved olives and lemons. Lentils and chickpeas make this a hearty all-in-one dinner, although you can serve it with rice, couscous or pita bread.

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Vegetable and tofu soup

Tofu is marinated in Italian seasonings for up to four hours, making this vegetable-filled soup nourishing and full of flavor.

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Moroccan-Inspired Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup

This healthy chicken soup recipe gets bold Moroccan flavor from sweet potatoes, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a touch of fiery harissa. To get a homemade broth flavor with store-bought broth, we simmer bone-in chicken breasts in the broth before adding the rest of the soup ingredients.

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Italian wedding soup

Forget the marble-sized meatballs you find in many versions of this Italian wedding soup. In this easy recipe they are big, flavorful and very filling.

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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

This comforting Chicken and Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden is creamy, with soft, chewy gnocchi to satisfy your appetite. Serve with a green salad and breadsticks for dipping.

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Braised breast and roots

This braised brisket takes on a decidedly wintery feel thanks to the earthy and sweet flavors of carrots, parsnips and rutabaga.

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Potsticker and vegetable soup

Skip the frying pan and make a complete meal with store-bought dumplings with this quick and easy 30-minute soup. Shao Hsing (or Shaoxing) is a seasoned rice wine used in Chinese cuisine. Look for it at specialty Asian markets or with other Asian ingredients in major supermarkets.

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Coq au vin

This flavorful French chicken stew is all about the wine, so use a bottle so good you can enjoy a glass while you cook.

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Wild rice, shrimp and fennel soup

Bold fennel and sweet leeks add incredible flavor to this hearty wild rice and shrimp soup.

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Spicy Coconut, Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Coconut milk soothes the heat and combines deliciously with shredded chicken breast in this spicy Thai-inspired Chicken Coconut Soup.

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Mushroom and Beef Noodle Soup

You don’t need a lot of beef in this homemade mushroom noodle soup recipe, because the mushrooms and a little Worcestershire sauce give it plenty of savory flavor.

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Split pea soup with ham bones

Split pea soup gets its smoky flavor from a ham bone and a pinch of smoked paprika. Split peas break down during cooking, capturing flavor and giving a creamy texture to this rich, warming soup.

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