11 Healthy Dutch Oven Recipes That Make Weeknight Dinners a Breeze

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The best Dutch oven recipes are full of nutrients and are easy to put together on busy weeknights.
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If you own a Dutch oven, chances are it was love at first use. It's a multitasking kitchen tool that can be used on the stove, in the oven and even served on the table in style, of course.

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And if you have a busy lifestyle, the Dutch oven makes cooking easier and faster. Dutch ovens are perfect for soups, stews, braised meats and veggies, sauces, casseroles and much more. We're talking fork-tender, melt-in-your-mouth meals that are loaded with tons of flavor.

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Best Dutch Ovens to Buy

  • Best Overall:​ Lodge 7.5 Quart Dutch Oven ​Buy it​: Amazon ($99.99)
  • Best Budget Buy:​ Martha Stewart 7-Quart Dutch Oven ​Buy it​: Walmart ($49.40)
  • Best for the Fancy Chef:​ Le Creuset Signature 5 1/2-Quart Dutch Oven ​Buy it​: Amazon ($369.99)
  • Best Small Version: ​Our Place The Perfect Pot ​Buy it​: Our Place ($165.00)

1. Dutch Oven Saucy Braised Root Vegetables

This vegetarian-friendly roast is a great main course or side dish during the cold winter months.

If you're looking for a meatless meal that is comforting and nourishing, look no further. "The addition of edamame provides a great source of vitamin K and folate," Andrea Mathis, RD says. "It's one of the few plant-based foods that's classified as a complete protein — meaning it provides all of the essential amino acids"

Get the Saucy Braised Root Vegetable Entrée recipe and nutrition info here.

2. Baja Chicken and Pepper 'Pasta'

This dinner is ready to serve in less than one hour.

Skip the pasta and fill up on veggies, thanks to this recipe. "A blend of vegetables instead of pasta significantly decreases the carb content and adds in more nutrients," Mathis says.

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Get the Baja Chicken and Pepper "Pasta" recipe and nutrition info here.

3. Boeuf Bourguignon

This recipe has an impressive 57 grams of protein per serving.

"Beef chuck is very flavorful, but also high in fat," Mathis warns. If you're looking to lower the fat content, bulk up on veggies and use a smaller piece of beef per serving.

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Get the Boeuf Bourguignon recipe and nutrition info here.

4. Easy Tomato Soup

This flavorful tomato soup is sure to please any picky eater.

To add even more nutrition to this tomato soup, consider adding white beans to bump up the protein and fiber content and make this soup more filling, Hannah Magee, RD says.

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Get the Easy Tomato Soup recipe and nutrition info from Natasha's Kitchen.

5. Creamy Lemon and Herb Pot Roasted Chicken

This one-pot meal is super simple when you have a quality tool like a Dutch oven.

"Chicken is a great source of lean protein and offers nutrients like iron and vitamin B6," Magee says. To make it a balanced meal, consider serving with a simple salad or green vegetable.

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Get the Creamy Lemon and Herb Pot Roasted Chicken recipe and nutrition info from Salt & Lavender.

6. Dutch Oven Lasagna

This family favorite is cooked and served in the same pot.

To make this Italian-inspired dish lighter, consider using less cheese and opting for whole-grain pasta.

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Get the Dutch Oven Lasagna recipe and nutrition info from The Cookie Rookie.

7. Chicken Stew

This recipe only costs less than $3 per serving.

Dutch ovens were practically made for recipes like this hearty stew. It's full of nutritious vegetables, potatoes and chicken that will keep you satiated for hours.

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Get the Chicken Stew recipe and nutrition info from Budget Bytes.

8. One-Pot Pork and Veggie Pasta

To bulk up on veggies, double the amount of spinach in this recipe.

"Using a pork loin is a good indicator of a lean cut of pork and it's an excellent source or protein, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6, all of which are essential to metabolism," Nicole Rodriguez, RD says.

Get the One Pot Pork and Veggie Pasta recipe and nutrition info from Buns In My Oven.

9. Cream of Broccoli Soup

Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C.

Using alliums like onion and garlic in this soup keeps it low in calories and gives it a ton of flavor, according to Rodriguez.

Get the Cream of Broccoli recipe and nutrition info from Cookie and Kate.

10. Bone Broth

Use your Dutch oven to make broth of any kind, including vegetable, beef, chicken or even seafood.

Not only does bone broth decrease food waste, but it's also full of nutrients. "Consider swapping in a cup of this in place of coffee or tea in the morning," Rodriguez suggests.

Get the Bone Broth recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker.

11. Vegan Lentil Curry

This vegan recipe is dairy and nut-free.

Lentils are the star of this Indian-inspired curry. "Lentils are affordable, versatile and full of nutrients like fiber, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6 and potassium," Magee says."To add even more nutrition, throw in a couple of handfuls of spinach or chopped kale a few minutes before serving."

Get the Vegan Lentil Curry recipe and nutrition info from Fit Mitten Kitchen.

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