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From stews to crunchy fried chicken and bread, you'll want to cook everything with this kitchen staple.

No matter the season, our test kitchen experts love to use a Dutch oven. This versatile pot is perfect for every dish, from quick and flavor-packed soup recipes to sweet fried donuts, and these best Dutch oven recipes prove it. We gathered our favorite simmered stews, tender braises and easy sautéed seafood recipes so you can put your Dutch oven to good use.

But first, you may be wondering, what is a Dutch oven used for? Simple Dutch oven recipes, like a one-pot slow-simmered dinner (beef stew, anyone?), as well as baked recipes, like no-knead bread all benefit from this kitchen tool. And curious why they are so great for so many recipes? Dutch ovens are heavy-duty pots made with different types of materials. Our favorites are made with cast-iron, which gets hot quickly and holds heat well for even cooking, from browning and searing to deep-frying and even roasting. Many Dutch ovens on the market are also coated in enamel, which makes the cast-iron vessel more durable and easier to clean.

Looking to buy your first Dutch oven or upgrade this kitchen workhouse? Check out the best Dutch ovens according to the product testing experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. Once you've got your pick, you'll never put it away. Feed the crew some epic family dinner ideas, great vegetarian Dutch oven recipes and luxurious apple fritters for dessert. And, with all the pretty buys out there, you'll feel good about taking dinner straight from the stove to the table. Look no further for some great inspiration to use your Dutch oven tonight.

This warming seafood soup takes only 30 minutes to make but is big on flavor. Consider it a weeknight dinner winner!

Get the Manhattan Clam Chowder recipe.

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This traditional Irish meal gets richer and tastier the longer it simmers. Serve with warm soda bread to soak up every last bite.

Get the Guinness Beef Stew recipe.

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Use your Dutch oven for this easy, delicious one-pot dinner, rich from Thai curry paste, jalapeño and turmeric.

Get the Butternut Squash Curry recipe.

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Meaty mushrooms and protein-rich lentils beef up this plant-based dinner.

Get the Vegan Bolognese recipe.

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In less than an hour, start to finish, you'll have a rich, slightly spicy sauce on ultra-tender chicken.

Get the Chicken Mole recipe.

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Want to serve up some apple donuts? Reach for your Dutch oven! It provides the perfect vessel to fry a crispy sweet treat.

Get the Apple Fritters recipe.

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Mussels are the perfect quick dinner winner — once you add them to your Dutch oven and pop on the lid, they're ready in 3 to 4 minutes. Dinner, done!

Get the White Wine Mussels recipe.

Combine noodles, fresh tomatoes and water, then simmer for perfectly cooked pasta and a luxurious sauce all in one pot.

Get the One-Pot Spaghetti recipe.

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Garlic, ginger, onion and spices all contribute to the flavor of this quick simmered dinner, but you can still get it on the table in 30 minutes.

Get the Chicken Curry recipe.

For extra added flavor, simmer the soup with leftover pecorino rinds. They add a cheesy flavor that makes any vegetarian soup richer.

Get the Kale and Chickpea Soup recipe.

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A twist on classic coq au vin, this crowd-pleaser is loaded with mushrooms and bacon too.

Get the Coq au Vin Rosé recipe.

Saute chicken thighs, sausage and veggies in your Dutch oven until tender and falling off the bone, then bake with breadcrumbs for a crisp-topped casserole.

Get the Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew recipe.

With the help of your Dutch oven, this vegetarian soup can be made in just 30 minutes.

Get the Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe.

Hot or cold, this crispy and golden brown crowd-pleaser will be a winner at every summer party.

Get the Best Ever Fried Chicken recipe.

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Cashew butter is the genius, secret pantry ingredient to this delicious dinner. It adds body and richness to contrast all those flavorful spices.

Get the Coconut Curry Chicken recipe.

No matter the season, this quick soup serves up big tomato flavor.

Get the Spiced Fresh Tomato Soup with Sweet and Herby Pitas recipe.

A generous drizzle of maple syrup brings natural sweetness to this tender pork dinner.

Get the Maple-Glazed Five-Spice Pork recipe.

Squash cubes, legumes and couscous star in a delicious and cozy dinner. Swap vegetable stock for the chicken stock to make it vegetarian-friendly!

Get the Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup recipe.

Five-spice powder, a spice blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, Sichuan peppercorns and cloves, gives this beef stew recipe an extra flavorful boost.

Get the Five-Spice Beef Stew recipe.

Craving soup, but could also go for a pasta recipe? Look no further than this classic Italian dish of al dente pasta, plenty of veggies and creamy white beans.

Get the Pasta e Fagioli recipe.

Serve up a cozy one-pot dinner (in 30 minutes!) full of flavor and protein using kielbasa and white beans.

Get the Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew recipe.

This balanced bowl features zesty white beans and bitter escarole with rich, cheesy polenta.

Get the Beans and Greens with Lemon-Parmesan Polenta recipe from Woman's Day.

This stew's wine- and tomato-rich broth is the perfect complement to spicy chorizo and sweet, tender white fish and shrimp.

Get the Seafood, Chorizo and Vegetable Stew recipe from Woman's Day.

Think of this comforting dish as a lighter take on your favorite Italian wedding soup, using farro (a healthy whole grain) instead of pasta.

Get the Chicken Meatball Pea Soup recipe from Woman's Day.

Your Dutch oven is the perfect vessel to both simmer this slow-cooked beef stew and then serve it to your guests!

Get the Easy Beef Bourguignon recipe from Woman's Day.

Is your fridge full of leftover turkey or chicken? Make it come to life in this spicy posole.

Get the Turkey Posole recipe from Woman's Day.

Serve chili with chip bags and toppings to take this fun feast on the go.

Get the Frito Pie recipe from Woman's Day.

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