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Why You'll Love This onepot slow cooker beef and winter squash stew for family dinners
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal prep time and can be cooked entirely in a slow cooker.
- Customizable: You can add or substitute different ingredients to make this recipe your own, such as using different types of squash or adding other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- Comforting and Delicious: This stew is the perfect comfort food, with tender beef, sweet winter squash, and a rich, flavorful broth that's sure to become a new family favorite.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This recipe is packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great option for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch of stew that can be refrigerated or frozen for later, making it perfect for meal prep or planning ahead.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is designed specifically for slow cookers, making it easy to cook a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for families, as it's easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- Affordable: This recipe is budget-friendly, as it uses affordable ingredients and can be made in large batches, making it a great option for families or individuals on a budget.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are beef, winter squash, onions, garlic, and beef broth. The beef provides protein and flavor, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor and aroma, while the beef broth helps to bring everything together. When selecting these ingredients, look for high-quality beef that's tender and lean, and choose a variety of winter squash that's sweet and flavorful, such as butternut or acorn squash. You can also customize this recipe by adding other ingredients, such as diced carrots or potatoes, or using different types of broth or seasonings.
How to Make onepot slow cooker beef and winter squash stew for family dinners
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and winter squash to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the squash is slightly tender.
Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Using high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed beef and fresh winter squash, will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the stew.
Make sure to cook the beef until it's tender, but not overcooked. Overcooking can make the beef tough and dry.
Add the aromatics, such as garlic and onions, towards the end of cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
Make sure to use a slow cooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients. A 6-quart slow cooker is a good size for this recipe.
Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the flavor combination that you like best.
Serving the stew with crusty bread is a must. The bread helps to soak up the flavorful broth and adds texture to the dish.
Consider serving the stew with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make it a complete and balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Beef: Overcooking the beef can make it tough and dry. Make sure to cook the beef until it's tender, but not overcooked.
Fix: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. The recommended internal temperature for beef is 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
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Not Browning the Beef: Not browning the beef can result in a lack of flavor in the stew. Make sure to brown the beef on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker.
Fix: Use a skillet to brown the beef on all sides before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to create a rich and flavorful broth.
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Not Using the Right Size Slow Cooker: Using a slow cooker that's too small can result in the stew being overcooked or undercooked. Make sure to use a slow cooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients.
Fix: Use a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe. This size slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients and will help to ensure that the stew is cooked evenly.
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Not Letting it Rest: Not letting the stew rest can result in the meat being tough and the broth being too thin. Make sure to let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the meat to become tender and the broth to thicken.
Variations & Substitutions
You can use different types of squash, such as acorn or butternut squash, to change the flavor and texture of the stew.
You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to the stew to make it more filling and nutritious.
You can use different types of meat, such as pork or lamb, to change the flavor and texture of the stew.
You can add beans or legumes, such as kidney beans or lentils, to the stew to make it more filling and nutritious.
You can use different types of broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, to change the flavor of the stew.
You can add spices or herbs, such as cumin or thyme, to the stew to change the flavor and aroma.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to keep it covered and away from direct sunlight.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating and keep it covered.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before freezing and keep it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. The stew can be cooked and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use different types of meat, such as pork or lamb, to change the flavor and texture of the stew. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes, you can add other ingredients, such as carrots or potatoes, to the stew to make it more filling and nutritious. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
How long does the stew need to cook?
The stew needs to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a slow cooker. You can also cook it on the stovetop or in the oven, but the cooking time will be shorter.
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it.
How do I reheat the stew?
You can reheat the stew in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Simply heat it until it's hot and steaming, then serve.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven. Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the broth and simmer it on the stovetop or in the oven.
Can I make this recipe in a Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the broth and cook it on high pressure for 30-40 minutes.
onepot slow cooker beef and winter squash stew for family dinners
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat
- 2 medium winter squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Beef. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Step 2: Soften the Onions. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices. Add the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add the Winter Squash and Broth. Add the cubed winter squash, beef broth, and browned beef to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Cook the Stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Step 6: Add the Carrots and Potatoes. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Step 8: Store Leftovers. Let the stew cool, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Recipe Notes
- You can also use other types of winter squash, such as butternut or acorn squash.
- If using red wine, be sure to cook it until the liquid has reduced and the flavor has mellowed.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, to the stew if desired.
- To make the stew more substantial, you can serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
