One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew: Ultimate Fall Comfort

Strolling through the bustling aisles of the farmer’s market, I stumbled upon an abundance of autumn’s finest bounty. The colorful display of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and pumpkins instantly inspired me to cook something warm and comforting. These seasonal treasures brought to mind my favorite cozy dish, One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew, transforming ordinary ingredients into a delightful, hearty meal.

This recipe takes me back to afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, where we would let the stew simmer as we chatted and laughed. The aroma of beef searing in olive oil, mingling with the earthy scent of pumpkin puree, fills the room with warmth and nostalgia. It’s those moments, filled with love and laughter, that make cooking such a joyful experience.

One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. The tender beef, seasoned with garlic powder and black pepper, combined with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes and the creamy texture of pumpkin, creates a symphony of flavors. As the stew gently cooks in the oven, the flavors deepen, offering a rich taste that warms the soul.

Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this stew invites you to savor each moment. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe, capturing the essence of fall in every spoonful. Join me in making this One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew, and let’s create delicious memories together.

One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew

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• Author: Billie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Discover the hearty and flavorful One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew recipe perfect for cozy nights in. Learn how to make this delicious fall-inspired dish with ease!

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef stew meat (1.36 kg)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 cup chopped celery (240 ml)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 cup chopped carrots (240 ml)
• 4 cups beef broth (960 ml)
• 5 oz can beef consomme (298 g)
• 2 oz onion soup packet (57 g)
• 87 oz brown gravy packet (25 g)
• 15 oz canned pumpkin puree (425 g)

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Instructions

1. – Set your oven to 275°F to start warming up.
2. – Put the beef stew pieces into a large resealable bag. Add in the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Close the bag and shake it gently to coat the beef uniformly.
3. – Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a 6-quart Dutch oven or a similar ovenproof pot. Place half of the beef into the pot, sear both sides, then take it out. Repeat with the remaining beef pieces.
4. – Lower the heat to a gentle setting and toss in the sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and celery. Let the vegetables cook for a couple of minutes.
5. – As the vegetables are sautéing, mix together the beef broth, consomme, pumpkin puree, onion soup mix, and brown gravy.
6. – Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables and return the beef to the pot. Stir gently to combine everything.
7. – Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the oven that you preheated. Let it bake for four hours.
8. – Once done, take the pot out of the oven and serve the stew alongside mashed potatoes or rice.

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Notes

• For a thicker stew, consider creating a slurry with flour and water in the final hour of cooking.
• Add mushrooms or peas to enhance variety and nutrition in the stew.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking by incorporating more salt, pepper, or herbs before serving.

Crafting One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew begins with selecting quality ingredients. The beef stew meat, the star of the dish, needs to be tender and well-marinated with flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures that each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

The addition of vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, celery, and carrots provides a colorful and nutritious base. These ingredients not only enhance the stew’s flavor but also add a delightful texture that complements the tender beef. The pumpkin puree adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness, elevating the overall taste profile.

Preparation/setup

Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F, a crucial step to ensure the stew cooks evenly. Coat the beef stew pieces with the flour mixture to create a crispy exterior when searing. This step locks in the juices, keeping the meat tender throughout the cooking process.

In a 6-quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches. This technique prevents overcrowding, allowing each piece to brown nicely. Once seared, set the beef aside and sauté the vegetables briefly to enhance their natural flavors.

Mix beef broth, beef consomme, pumpkin puree, onion soup mix, and brown gravy in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables and return the beef to the pot. Stir gently to combine, cover, and place in the preheated oven. Let the stew bake for four hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Mastering One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew

Technique

The key to mastering One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew lies in the patience of slow cooking. This method allows the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing the stew with deep, robust flavors. The low and slow approach ensures that all ingredients harmonize perfectly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

It’s important to sear the beef properly. A good sear locks in the meat’s natural juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor that is foundational to the stew’s taste. Don’t rush this step; allow each piece to develop a nice crust before removing it from the pot.

Tips/tricks

To achieve the best results, choose high-quality beef stew meat from your local butcher. Fresh, tender cuts make a noticeable difference in texture and taste. When coating the beef, ensure that each piece is thoroughly covered with the flour mixture for even browning.

Consider chopping the vegetables uniformly. Consistent sizes ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked. This attention to detail enhances the overall eating experience, allowing each bite to offer a balanced blend of flavors and textures.

If you love hearty stews, explore other comforting recipes like this Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry or this Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef, which are perfect for cozy nights in.

Enhancing Your Stew Experience

Perfecting results

For a perfectly smooth and velvety texture, use a high-quality pumpkin puree. This ingredient not only adds flavor but also enhances the stew’s consistency, making each spoonful a delight. The pumpkin puree acts as a natural thickener, providing body and richness to the dish.

Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process. Keeping the Dutch oven covered traps heat and moisture, ensuring the beef remains tender and the flavors develop fully. Patience during cooking pays off with a stew that is both richly flavored and deeply satisfying.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find the stew too thick, gradually add more beef broth until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.

For a variation, experiment by adding different root vegetables like turnips or rutabagas. These additions can bring new flavors and textures, making the stew uniquely yours. If you enjoy experimenting with seasonal ingredients, consider trying a Sous Vide Beef Stew for a modern twist on a classic dish.

Serving and Storing One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew

Serving/presentation

Serve One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, allowing the stew’s rich sauce to be soaked up beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. The vibrant presentation will make your meal as visually appealing as it is delicious.

The stew pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread, providing a contrasting texture that enhances the dining experience. For more inspired beef dishes, check out One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shell or Honey Mustard Glazed Beef Chops with Sweet Potato Gratin.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The stew’s flavors only deepen over time, making it even more enjoyable the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the stew’s creamy consistency.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. This makes for a convenient meal on busy weeknights, ready to be enjoyed at a moment’s notice. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop for best results.

Conclusion

One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew embodies the essence of comfort food, combining hearty ingredients with simple preparation to create a meal that warms the heart and soul. This dish showcases how seasonal produce like pumpkin and root vegetables can transform a classic stew into something extraordinary.

The slow-cooked process and thoughtful selection of ingredients result in a stew that is both flavorful and nourishing. From the tender beef to the creamy pumpkin-infused broth, each component plays a crucial role in crafting this delightful dish. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a staple for any home cook looking to create memorable meals.

FAQs – One Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew