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Autumn Butternut Beef Stew

A close up of Autumn Butternut Beef stew, a delicious use of pumpkin in a savory soup!
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This delicious autumn butternut beef stew welcomes you and your loved ones to cozy up to the dinner table when the weather turns chilly.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3-4 lbs. Beef Roast or Stew Meat, cubed (I like to use a top round roast)
  • 4-5 c. Butternut Squash, Peeled and Cubed
  • 3 Medium-Sized Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
  • 3 Carrots, Peeled and Diced
  • 1 Medium-Sized Onion, Diced
  • 1 Rib Celery, Diced
  • 4 Tbsp. Butter, Divided
  • 5 c. Water
  • 3 Tbsp. Beef Flavor Better Than Bullion
  • 1/4 c. Cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp. Pepper
  • 2 tsp. Thyme
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt, to Taste

Instructions

  1. To begin, cut the beef into cubes about 1 - 1 1/2 inches thick. In a skillet or frying pan, sear the cubed beef on medium-high heat in 2 Tbsp. butter. Sear the beef on two sides. No need to worry about cooking the beef all the way through - hours in the slow cooker will accomplish that!  A roast has been cubed and fried in a pan.
  2. When the Beef has been seared, remove it from the pan and add to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Keep the pan on the stovetop and add the 5 cups of water, along with the beef flavored Better Than Bullion, and cornstarch. Use a whisk to dissolve them into the water. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter, the onion powder, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk occasionally until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes before turning the heat off completely. The broth you've crafted should be nicely thickened into a beautiful, rich gravy.  A rich, brown gravy has been prepared that will be added to the other ingredients.
  4. Chop and dice the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery and add them to the crock pot. Feel free to peel and dice the butternut squash awhile but do not add it to the stew yet. Simply, put it in the refrigerator for later! Cubed potatoes, carrots, and celery have been added to the crock pot.
  5. After the veggies have been added to the slow cooker, pour the rich, brown broth/gravy over everything. Tuck the 2 bay leaves into broth.  The rich, brown beef gravy has been poured over everything in the slow cooker.
  6. Put the lid on the slow cooker and set the temperature to low.
  7. Cook for 4 hours, then, add the cubed butternut squash. Using a large spoon, stir everything together well before replacing the lid.  After slow cooking for 4 hours, cubed butternut squash (pumpkin) is added to the soup.
  8. Continue to cook for another 3 1/2 hours. Before serving, sample the stew and add salt to taste. Gently stir to combine. Don't forget to remove the bay leaves!

Enjoy!

Notes

Serving Suggestions: The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew

Your hearty Autumn Butternut Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for the fall season. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most of this satisfying meal:

    • Warm, Fresh Bread: Serve your beef stew with warm, fresh bread on the side. A slice of Amish white bread or Amish honey wheat bread with butter and jelly are our go-to choice. Or a hunk of sourdough is perfect for dipping into the rich, savory broth!

    • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle your stew with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or thyme leaves. These herbs add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, enhancing both its flavor and presentation.

    • A Dollop of Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of your beef stew adds a delightful creaminess and a slightly tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.

    • Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar jack or regular cheddar cheese on your stew just before serving. The melted cheese adds a layer of richness and depth to each spoonful.

    • Fresh Salad: Balance the heartiness of your stew with a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a kale and apple salad, provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and comforting stew.

    • Dessert with Warm Spices: Round off your autumn spread with a dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. Apple crisp and pumpkin pie are always good choices!

Whether you choose to enjoy your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew with bread, a side salad, or choose to just it just as it is, the cozy and inviting flavors of this dish will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.

Storage Suggestions:

Autumn Butternut Beef Stew is not only a delicious and hearty meal but also one that's perfect for batch cooking and enjoying leftovers. To make the most of your stew and ensure it stays fresh and flavorful, follow these storage suggestions:

Refrigeration: If you have leftover stew that you plan to consume within a few days, refrigeration is the way to go. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of odors from the fridge. Properly stored, your stew will remain safe and tasty for up to 5-7 days.

Freezing: For longer-term storage, freezing your stew is a great option. Ensure the stew is at room temperature before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the stew freezes. Properly frozen, your stew can last for up to 3-4 months without significant loss of quality.

By following these storage suggestions, you can enjoy your Autumn Butternut Beef Stew whenever you crave its comf

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