7 Ways With a Dutch Oven

Dubbed "Dutch ovens," big pots with tight fitting lids are perfect for stewing, braising, or cooking up family-size batches of everything from chili to oatmeal.

For those times when you need a big batch of oatmeal for family or guests, this fancy version of the breakfast favorite, laced with dried apples, vanilla and toasted pecans, is guaranteed to please. Make a batch for yourself on a weekend and reheat the delicious leftovers during the busy workweek.Recipe: Spiced Apple Pecan Oatmeal

Packaged ravioli, ground beef, sliced mushrooms, bottled marinara, and shredded mozzarella all cook together in one pot, making for a fast and hearty weeknight supper that’s big on flavor and light on clean up. Recipe: One-Pot Pasta

Sweet hubbard squash and bitter radicchio add beautiful color and flavor to this creamy Parmesan-laced risotto. If you can't find hubbard squash, other winter squashes such as butternut or acorn will work just fine. Recipe: Winter Squash Risotto with Radicchio

Hard to believe, but a whole chicken can bake easily in a Dutch oven, saving both energy and space. Yes, it takes an hour and five minutes to cook, but, just like oven-roasted birds, you can nestle this one in the pot and forget about it while it cooks.Recipe: Angela's Stovetop Chicken

For an unusually quick meal, steam mussels and clams (or just mussels alone) in a Dutch oven over a seasoned wine mixture. Serve the seafood in shallow bowls with the cooking broth and crusty bread for dipping. Plate with two pantry-friendly sauces, one a buttery chive and the other a spicy horseradish.Recipe: Steamed Mussels and Clams with Two Sauces

It's just a basic chili, but this simple mixture of ground beef, canned beef broth, tomato soup, onions, and chili powder takes on a world of satisfying flavor as it simmers on the stovetop. Serve with assorted mix-ins including shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and sour cream.Recipe: Red Bean Chili

If the oven is tied up with roasted chicken or a casserole, throw together this super fast vegetable side dish on the stovetop using your Dutch oven. Tame pungent Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of crisp bacon and sweet brown sugar and a splash of chicken broth.Recipe: Bacon and Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts