The first cold weather really does sneak up on our bodies (see: Here’s Why a 50-degree Day Feels Colder in Fall Than in Spring). While we’re getting accustomed to the lower temperatures, it’s the perfect time to warm the kitchen (and house, and people) with a hearty stew for dinner, yes?

Love to Cook: If you have the time, try Jacques Pépin’s beef stew (wisdom from the comments: boil it on the stovetop long enough for the alcohol to evaporate before covering and placing in the oven). For a vegetarian (could easily be vegan) version, how about a stew of giant lima beans (the Rancho Gordo beans are worth trying to find, or ordering online).

Weeknight Reality: This relatively quick version of green chile pork stew (45 minutes) is good – and even better the next day wrapped up in a burrito.  Another option might be Martha Stewart’s wine-braised chicken, which takes more time than a weeknight might allow, but it’s easy prep (and you can easily use a good spoonful of herbes de Provence instead of tying a fresh bouquet garni).

Need a Miracle: Have an Instant Pot? This spaghetti is foolproof, warm, and delicious. No Instant Pot? No problem: Make some couscous, and while it’s steaming, shred a rotisserie chicken (the go-to miracle dinner). Brown some butter (more than you think you’ll want) in a skillet, toss the chicken to coat; spoon over the couscous to serve, with some chopped some parsley or cilantro (or a mix of the two) on top. It’s not stew, but it’s warm and tasty.