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beef butternut squash stew recipe

Hearty Beef Butternut Squash Stew

A smiling woman in a modern kitchen, wearing a brown apron, preparing a delicious dish with fresh ingredients.Sorrel Calver
A comforting stew combining tender beef and sweet butternut squash, perfect for cozy winter nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bowls
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large butternut squash peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper. Peel and cube the butternut squash, and chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
  • Return beef to the pot and add butternut squash, beef broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 45 minutes.

Final Touches

  • If using mushrooms or peas, add them now and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serving

  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Storage

  • Allow stew to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Notes

Pro Tips: Searing the beef adds depth to the stew's flavor. Use fresh herbs for the best taste. Simmer slowly for tender meat.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute beef chuck with chicken thighs for a different flavor. Use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash if desired.
How to Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare a day in advance to allow flavors to meld. Reheat gently before serving.
Keyword beef butternut squash stew, comfort food stew, winter squash dinner