11 Healthy Dutch Oven Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals | Livestrong.com (2024)

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.

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.

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"

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.

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

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

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

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

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This recipe only costs less than $3 per serving.

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

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"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.

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Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C.

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

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

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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.

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This vegan recipe is dairy and nut-free.

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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."

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