Description
Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender slow-cooked beef with fresh fall vegetables and a fragrant blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew embraces seasonal flavors and is simple to prepare, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups beef broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Cut beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized crust. This step locks in juices and builds flavor depth.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onions, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This creates a savory base for the stew.
- Build the Stew Base: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add chopped carrots, cubed butternut squash, diced tomatoes, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Pour in beef broth until ingredients are covered. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let stew simmer gently for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning. The beef should become tender and flavors meld beautifully during this time.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Brown the beef well for maximum flavor depth; don’t rush this step.
- Use fresh thyme and rosemary for the best aromatic impact.
- Allow the stew to simmer slowly to ensure tender beef and rich flavors.
- Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Let the stew rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld further.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Autumn stew, Beef stew, Fall recipe, Comfort food, Slow cooked beef stew, Seasonal vegetables stew
