Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (2024)

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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.

Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (1)

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 toeat 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.

Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (2)

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.

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

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.

Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (3)

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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.

Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (4)

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!

Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (5)

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
  • Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (6)

Beef Pumpkin Stew

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

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.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef (stew meat or chuck roast)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef stock or broth
  • 3 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3-4 thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Cut the beef into 1-inch chunks. Dredge the beef in the flour until all of the beef sides are covered.
  2. In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium high-heat. In small quantities, brown the beef on all sides, removing the browned beef and setting it aside in a large bowl as you go. When the beef is browned, add the onion and the garlic to the pot. Sauté the onion and garlic for one minute, scraping the bottom of the pot as you stir.
  3. Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef stock, pumpkin puree, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once the liquid is boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the potatoes, carrots and thyme sprigs to the pot and increase heat to medium. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Salt to taste and serve.

Notes

Serve this stew with Nero d'Avola.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 650Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 1033mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 7gSugar: 8gProtein: 44g

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Beef Pumpkin Stew Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to tender beef stew? ›

The most important key to making stew meat tender is being sure to cook it for a long time. If you want super tender beef, you'll need to cook it on a low heat in a Dutch oven on the stove or a slow cooker for at least a few hours.

How to make the perfect beef stew and the common mistakes to avoid? ›

Always sear your meat before you add the liquid and vegetables. A caramelised sear is essential to the flavour profile of a good stew, adding a rich undertone that you just won't get by throwing in the meat in its raw state. You want the stew to be slightly thickened, but not gloopy.

How to make beef stew more flavorful? ›

Getting a more beefy beef stew
  1. Mushrooms (Crimini, sh*take, Lions Mane, etc.), browned beforehand.
  2. Dried mushrooms.
  3. Caramelized onions.
  4. Roasted garlic.
  5. Deglaze your pan (since you don't use wine, deglaze with broth)
Oct 23, 2023

Does beef get more tender the longer you stew it? ›

Don't Stew the Stew Too Long Either

Your beef will be tough if you don't cook it enough and it will be tough if you cook it too much. It's just science, take it from us! We recommend doing a taste test or two throughout the cooking process to gauge the progress.

How long does it take for beef stew to become tender? ›

Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1½ hours.

What is the most tender meat to use for beef stew? ›

Next time you're shopping for stew beef, look at your options and see what cuts of meat will work best for your recipe. For example, chuck is a lean and tender cut of beef that works well in stew. However, if you would prefer a thicker and more flavorful stew, short ribs or oxtail may be better choices for you.

When should celery be added to stew? ›

Once all the meat has been seared and transfered out of the pan, cook the vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium and warm another teaspoon of oil. Add the onions and celery, and cook until the onions are softened and translucent, 8-10 minutes.

Why put tomato paste in beef stew? ›

A bit of tomato paste amps up the flavor of beef stew, giving it a richness and a punch of umami that makes the stew truly memorable.

When should I add potatoes to stew? ›

Your onions will be fine, but mushy potatoes and carrots are a no-no. Instead, add them about 20 minutes before the end of cooking. When they're tender, the stew is done.

What are the best vegetables to put in beef stew? ›

Root Vegetables

They really bring more substance and body to these dishes and turn velvety and soft as they cook. Carrots are a go-to for stews and braises, but look beyond them to parsnips, turnips, rutabaga, celeriac, and sweet potatoes. Be sure cut them on the larger size so they don't dissolve into mush.

What adds flavor to stew? ›

There are flavors in tomatoes that are alcohol-soluble, so adding red wine along with tomato paste also helps to enhance beef stew." Laurence has a few other tricks I've borrowed to create the best beef stew, including adding Worcestershire, which gets a serious umami punch from anchovies.

What is the best thickener for beef stew? ›

this is the easiest hack for thickening soups stews sauces and it does it instantly. instead of a roux or flour use cornstarch or arrowroot . equal parts water to cornstarch and arrowroot. mix that up and then you add it to simmering sauce or whatever.

Why add vinegar to beef stew? ›

The addition of the vinegar adds subtle acidity that balances well with the soy sauce and the honey giving this otherwise super hearty beef stew a nice lightness to it.

When to add vegetables to stew? ›

Add vegetables: After 1 hour 30 minutes, carefully remove pot from oven and use oven mitt to remove lid. Add vegetables and stir gently to combine. Carefully replace lid on pot and return stew to oven to cook for an additional hour.

Why is my beef still tough in stew? ›

Just keep cooking it for a few more hours or so. It'll take 4 - 5 hours for most stewing/braising meat to tenderize.

How to make beef tender like Chinese restaurants? ›

There are a few methods, but this is the easiest way:
  1. Sprinkle 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda) on 250g / 8oz sliced economical beef cuts.
  2. Toss with fingers, leave for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse, pat off excess water.
  4. Proceed with stir fry recipe. It can be marinated with wet or dry seasonings, or cooked plain.
Feb 23, 2019

Does baking soda tenderize meat? ›

Here's where it gets science-y: The baking soda raises the pH on the outside of the meat as it marinates, in a process known as velveting (which can also be done with a cornstarch slurry). This makes it so the proteins have a harder time bonding to each other when it's time to cook the meat.

How do you cook beef so it's tender? ›

To cook it until it's so tender it falls apart, you'll need to choose a joint like chuck and blade or beef brisket and either braise, slow roast or slow cook it for at least a couple of hours.

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