A Dutch oven is used primarily in oven baking.
A Dutch oven is a heavy pot made of ceramic, steel or cast iron with a tight-fitting lid. It is oven-safe and is used primarily for braising and stewing tough cuts of meat in the oven or on the stove top after browning. If you don't have a Dutch oven, other cooking containers make suitable replacements.
Casserole Dishes
For baking items not browned on the stove top, a casserole dish with lid makes a fine substitute for a Dutch oven. Check the manufacturer's label for recommended temperatures for glass or ceramic dishes.
Sauce Pots
A sauce pot is a small stock pot, and it can be used in place of a Dutch oven when browning the food prior to oven baking is necessary. Using a sauce pot makes it a one-dish meal, as everything is cooked in the same pan.
Frying Pan With Lid
When oven baking isn't necessary to finish the dish, a frying pan with a tight-fitting lid makes a good substitute for a Dutch oven. You can brown foods, add other ingredients and cook the items over low heat with a lid to tenderize and finish the meal.
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