Description
This hearty Beef Stew with Pumpkin combines tender chunks of beef chuck with sweet, tender pumpkin cooked slowly in a rich, savory broth infused with herbs and red wine. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this stew slow simmers to develop deep flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups chopped onion (from 1 large)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 4 cups cubed pumpkin (acorn or butternut squash can be substituted)
Meat
- 2 pounds beef chuck (cut in 1-inch cubes)
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup red wine
Seasonings & Herbs
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown Beef: Add the beef cubes and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the pot with the vegetables. Brown the beef thoroughly on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer Beef: Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Add dried oregano, fresh thyme sprig, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook gently until the beef is tender, approximately 1 ½ hours.
- Add Pumpkin: After the beef has become tender, add the cubed pumpkin to the pot. Continue cooking covered for another 30-35 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft and cooked through.
- Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the pumpkin with acorn or butternut squash if preferred.
- For added depth, sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Red wine can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version; replace with extra beef broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and the flavors improve overnight.
