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 meat goes best with pumpkin? ›

Fresh or canned pumpkin would taste good with meat proteins.
  1. Beef.
  2. Shrimp.
  3. Pork chops.
  4. Lobster.
  5. Crab.
  6. Chicken breast.
  7. Rabbit.
  8. Turkey (turkey legs)
Jun 17, 2022

What flavor compliments pumpkin? ›

To complement pumpkin with sweet flavor pairings, consider using spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and vanilla, or sweet ingredients like chocolate, maple, honey, cranberries or brown sugar. Create savory dishes by pairing pumpkin with spices like chilies, cajun, cayenne or pepper.

What is the secret to good stew? ›

For most types of stew, it takes time to develop great flavor. Stew uses collagen-rich, tough cuts of meat, which need at least two hours to break down. If you try to rush it and boil the stew, the muscle fibers will shrink and become tough. So give yourself a few hours to let it do its thing.

What gives beef stew a rich flavor? ›

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

What is the meat of the pumpkin called? ›

The pulp is part of the pumpkin fruit that we eat, and is often called the 'meat' of the pumpkin. This is what is used to cook soups, pies, bread, and other yummy treats!

What spices enhance pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin is notorious for pairing well with warm winter spices – as found in a variety of Moroccan-inspired cuisines. Try incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cumin and chilli with your pumpkin dishes for flavour-packed feasts.

What meat goes with pumpkin soup? ›

Like all sweet and creamy textures, pumpkin loves the savoury flavour of bacon, fried until crisp and sprinkled on top of a pumpkin and potato puree. Grilled pork goes well with pumpkin. Beef is also a great protein for pumpkin dishes.

What cheese pairs best with pumpkin? ›

Blue cheeses like gorgonzola team up well with the notes of dried fruit typical of pumpkin. Another excellent pairing is with a nice fresh goat's cheese since its acidulous notes offset the sweetness of pumpkin.

What not to put in a stew? ›

But the liquid itself should not be thick in the same way that gravy is thick. So skip the roux, and don't bother dusting the meat with flour or cornstarch before browning, either, as some recipes will suggest. That will just interfere with getting a good sear on the meat, and gum up the stew with unneeded starch.

Should beef stew be thick or soupy? ›

Part of what makes a stew a stew and not a soup is the mixture's thickness and the chunks of ingredients. The liquid suspending the chunky ingredients in a stew should be more of a gravy than a watery dish.

Why put vinegar in stews? ›

Vinegar can add depth of flavour to soups, sauces, and stews. Especially great for tomato-based recipes, you can add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar towards the end of the cooking process to amplify the flavours of your other ingredients.

How do you add depth of flavour to stew? ›

Dried mushrooms in a stew can add lots of depth of flavour. I soak them first and add the liquid too. 11. Whole spices like cinnamon, star anise or cloves are great added to a stew if you want your dish to have a warm, spicy flavour in a middle eastern style.

What is the best thickener for beef stew? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

Why does my beef stew have no flavor? ›

Not browning the beef enough would be the first possible problem. That adds a lot of flavour to the finished stew. You can toss the beef in seasoned flour before browning it which will also help thicken the stew. Not adding enough seasoning would be the second potential issue.

What do you eat with pumpkin? ›

Top 20 pumpkin recipes
  • Pumpkin curry with chickpeas. Warm up on autumn nights with a fragrant pumpkin and chickpea curry. ...
  • Halloween pumpkin cake. ...
  • Pumpkin soup. ...
  • Stuffed pumpkin. ...
  • Pumpkin pie s'mores. ...
  • Pumpkin hummus. ...
  • Roast pumpkin & spinach lasagne. ...
  • Pumpkin spice scones.

What main dish goes well with pumpkin soup? ›

Butternut squash risotto is perfect alongside pumpkin soup because it shares many of the same fall flavors but has a different texture. Risotto is made easier in the Instant Pot in this recipe.

What is the best combination with meat? ›

Carrots & Parsnips

The slight earthy and sweet taste of carrots and parsnips makes them another popular choice with meat. Carrots and parsnips are often served with a roast of beef or tender lamb. The richness of these meats levels out the sweetness, creating a flavourful and balanced dish.

References

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