Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe

This beef pumpkin stew recipe is hearty and delicious! Made with pumpkin puree and beef stew meat, it is savory and guaranteed to warm you up.

As the trees’ leaves start to change color and fall and the temperatures begin to drop, I start to crave heartier dinners. The warmer the meal, the better.

I pile on more and more layers of clothing and I start to eat fewer sandwiches and more soups and stews. At the end of summer, I’m all about the lecso. At the beginning of fall, its beef pumpkin stew to the rescue.

This recipe is the perfect savory pumpkin recipe. It combines one of my favorite fall flavors (I want pumpkin everything!!) with beef stew.

I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like beef stew.

For anyone out there who may be scared about combining pumpkin with beef, this is the recipe for you. The pumpkin flavor is subtle thanks to the slow simmer of the stew.

Beef Pumpkin Stew Ingredients

• Beef – The beef serves as the heart of this stew, providing rich, savory flavors and a hearty texture. Stew meat or chuck roast are excellent choices, as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• All-Purpose Flour – The flour coats the beef before browning it. This step helps thicken the stew and adds a slight crust to the meat, enhancing its texture and flavor.
• Butter – Butter is initially used to sauté the beef, adding a rich, buttery flavor to the meat and helping with browning. It also serves as the base for cooking the onions and garlic, contributing to the stew’s aromatic base.

• Yellow Onion – Chopped yellow onions provide a sweet and savory base to the stew, lending depth and flavor to the overall dish. They complement the beef and pumpkin beautifully.
• Garlic – Minced garlic adds a subtle yet essential layer of flavor to the stew. Its aromatic quality enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• Beef Stock or Broth – Beef stock or broth forms the liquid foundation of the stew, infusing it with rich and savory flavors. It’s essential for creating a delicious and comforting base.

• Pumpkin Puree – Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient that gives the stew its distinctive flavor and seasonal twist. It adds creaminess, earthiness, and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce contributes a savory and slightly tangy flavor, enhancing the beef and deepening the overall taste of the stew.
• Kosher or Sea Salt – Salt is a crucial seasoning that balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. It ensures that the stew is well-seasoned.

• Ground Black Pepper – Ground black pepper adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the stew, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Potatoes – Diced potatoes add a hearty and starchy element to the stew, thickening the broth and providing substance. They absorb the flavors of the stew, making them a comforting addition.
• Carrots – Sliced carrots introduce a sweet and earthy note to the stew, complementing the pumpkin and adding vibrant color and texture.

• Thyme Sprigs – Fresh thyme sprigs infuse the stew with a delightful herbal aroma and flavor. They are typically added whole and removed before serving, enhancing the overall taste profile.

When combined and slow-cooked, these ingredients create a Beef Pumpkin Stew that’s hearty and comforting, with layers of flavor and a touch of seasonal warmth.

It’s a perfect dish for fall and winter gatherings.

Looking for more soup recipes? Check out these fall soup recipes!

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How to Make Beef Pumpkin Stew

The secret to beef stew is just that – letting it stew. The longer you let it simmer, the more tender the beef becomes.

Begin by cutting the beef into 1-inch chunks, then dredging them in flour until they’re evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew and adds a delightful texture to the meat.

In a large soup pot (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat, melt the butter. In small batches, brown the floured beef chunks on all sides. As each batch is browned, set it aside in a large bowl to make room for the next.

This browning process is essential for developing rich, savory flavors in the stew.

It’s time to create the aromatic base with all the beef browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about a minute.

While doing so, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits left behind from browning the beef. This step infuses the stew with aromatic richness and depth.

Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef stock (or broth), pumpkin puree, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture.

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the stew simmer for a slow and gentle three-hour cook, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.

After the initial simmering period, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pot. These vegetables will infuse the stew with hearty goodness and vibrant colors.

Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking for 30 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender and perfectly incorporated.

Season with salt to taste, providing the seasoning that suits your preference, and your beef pumpkin stew is ready to be served.

With these detailed steps, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful Beef Pumpkin Stew lovingly prepared with tender beef, savory aromatics, pumpkin goodness, and a medley of vegetables.

Once my timer goes off, I serve myself a big bowl and sip a glass of wine. It’s the perfect way to end any autumn night!

What to serve with beef stew?

I recommend serving beef pumpkin stew with crusty bread or rolls (to soak up allll of that gravy) and a small side salad.

More soups to warm you up!

• Chicken Corn Chowder
• Garlic Soup
• Slow Cooker Beer Cheese Soup

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