Stock Pot Meals: 10 Hearty Recipes to Cook Once, Eat All Week
By Rossi Voss | December 13, 2024 | Skill: Beginner-Friendly | Prep: 10–15 mins | Cook: 30–45 mins | Servings: 6 | Cost: $2.20–$3.40/serving
As someone who wrote Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes (only $0.99!), I know the magic of a big pot of stew simmering on the stove. These 10 hearty stockpot meals are designed to be cooked once and eaten all week — perfect for meal prep, freezing, and feeding a hungry family.
All recipes use pantry staples, cost under $3.50/serving, and reheat beautifully. Let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Chicken & Rice Soup
Servings: 6 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté chicken, carrot, and celery 5 mins. Add rice, broth, and thyme. Simmer 25–30 mins until rice is tender. Fluff and serve.
2. Turkey & Barley Stew
Servings: 6 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup barley
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté turkey, onion, and carrots 5 mins. Add barley, broth, and thyme. Simmer 40 mins. Cool and portion into jars.
3. Beefless Chili (Freezer-Friendly)
Servings: 6 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 1 cup seitan or mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
Instructions:
Sauté onion and pepper 5 mins. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 25 mins. Serve with cornbread.
4. Brothy Chicken Soup with Noodles
Servings: 6 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
Sauté chicken, onion, carrots, celery 5 mins. Add broth and thyme. Simmer 20–25 mins. Add noodles last 8 mins.
5. Winter Vegetable Stew
Servings: 6 | Protein: 16g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Cost: $2.60/serving
- 1 cup seitan or mushrooms
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 parsnip, sliced
- 1 turnip, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp rosemary
Instructions:
Sauté onion and seitan 5 mins. Add veggies and broth. Simmer 35–40 mins until tender.
6. Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Servings: 6 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bread, cubed and grilled
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic 5 mins. Add tomatoes, broth, and basil. Simmer 20 mins. Blend if smooth. Top with croutons.
7. Lentil & Sausage Stew
Servings: 6 | Protein: 22g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving
- 1 cup dried green lentils
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
Sauté sausage, onion, and carrots 5 mins. Add lentils and broth. Simmer 30 mins.
8. Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl
Servings: 6 | Protein: 12g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving
- 4 large potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- 4 slices bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
Simmer potatoes in broth 25–30 mins until tender. Mash slightly, stir in cheese, bacon, sour cream. Garnish with green onions.
9. Instant Pot Chicken Pho-Style Soup
Servings: 6 | Protein: 24g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, charred
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 2 oz rice noodles
- Lime, cilantro, bean sprouts (for serving)
Instructions:
Add chicken, broth, onion, ginger, and star anise to IP. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release. Shred chicken. Serve over noodles with toppings.
10. Chickpea Masala Stew
Servings: 6 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic 5 mins. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 20 mins. Serve over rice.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
- Store in fridge: Up to 4–5 days in airtight containers.
- Freeze: Portion into 1–2 cup freezer-safe bags or jars — lasts 2–3 months.
- Reheat: From frozen, simmer on low or microwave with a splash of broth.
More Resources
Cookbook Pick: Want more hearty meals? Try my Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes — packed with soups, stews, and one-pot wonders!
Free Printable: Download your Free 4-Week High-Protein Meal Plan PDF — includes grocery lists and appliance guides.
Final Thoughts
A full stockpot means a full fridge — and peace of mind for busy weeknights. With these 10 hearty recipes, you can cook once, eat all week, and enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without stress.
Want more comfort food inspiration? Try my Stockpot Cookbook for 139 tested recipes that feed families, freeze well, and warm hearts.
Which recipe will you try first? Share your creations with #RossiVossComfort.
Happy Cooking!
Rossi Voss