Description
Beef pumpkin stew is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender beef, savory pumpkin, and aromatic vegetables in a rich broth. Perfect for fall and winter, this stew offers a delightful mix of flavors with the sweetness of pumpkin complementing the robust taste of beef. Easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches, browning all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, and paprika, cooking for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids:
- Pour in the red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and browned beef back into the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer:
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add the pumpkin, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove bay leaves and discard.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter or cream before serving.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
- You can substitute butternut squash for pumpkin if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course, Stew
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg