A Dutch oven is the ultimate cookware for one-pot dinners. It’s a large, wide, deep pan with a tight-fitting lid that stands out from other pots and pans in a well-stocked kitchen for its ability to take high temperatures and retain heat.
Dutch ovens are typically made from cast iron or enameled cast iron. (Fun fact: Enameled Dutch ovens are also known as French ovens.) Our Rockcrok® Dutch Oven is made from durable, heat-resistant clay that’s surprisingly lightweight and goes in the microwave, too.
Most people think of Dutch ovens only for hearty soups and stews, but it’s also one of the best pots you can use for browning meats, boiling, braising, baking, and deep-frying. Here are some of our best Dutch oven recipes that show off what it can do.
Make Pasta In a Dutch Oven
You need plenty of room to fully incorporate all the cheesy goodness and noodles in this Skinny Mac ‘N Cheese. It’s a big hit with families because it’s easy, yummy, and it’s loaded with vitamin-rich cauliflower.
Dutch ovens are perfect for cooking pasta and mixing sauce all together in one dish. You can combine everything together without losing a single noodle.
This fresh, easy Bruschetta Pasta dish is cooked entirely in the microwave.
Simmer Stews and Chowders
The reason Dutch ovens are associated with soups, stews, and chowder is that you can build flavors and richness easily on the stovetop and in the oven using one vessel.
Our Chicken Pot Pie Chowder starts building flavor by softening onion and garlic on the stove and then baking the whole thing in the oven with biscuits sitting on top until they turn golden brown.
Browning meat is another way to develop deep, savory flavors in stew or soup. This White Bean, Kale & Sausage Stew starts with browning the sausage and then building up the dish all in one pot until it’s bubbling and delicious.
Slow Cook in a Dutch Oven, Too
Our Dutch oven easily converts into a slow cooker with a slow cooking stand, so you don’t have to leave the oven running all day to make Root Beer Ribs. They’re so easy to make! Just add your favorite barbecue seasonings, barbecue sauce, and root beer.
Why wait for a formal Sunday night dinner for hearty Corned Beef & Cabbage? This corned beef cooks all day while you’re away and then finish the cabbage in the microwave when you get home. That way, the cabbage is tender, but not soggy. This corned beef recipe cooks while you’re out doing other things and then you finish the cabbage in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Now that you know what makes cooking in a Dutch oven so great, what recipes will you try? Homemade bread? Braised chicken? Chili? Tell us in the comments below.
Where can I find the French Onion Soup recipe! It looks awesome!
Here you go, Laurie!
https://www.pamperedchef.com/recipe/Side+Dishes/Rockcrok/French+Onion+%26+Mushroom+Soup/697423
Can the Dutch ovens be used in a fire pit?
Yes.