Hello, comfort food lovers! If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying dish that weaves together the rich flavors of beef and the natural sweetness of pumpkin, this Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe is about to become your next family favorite. The tender chunks of beef, silky pumpkin purée, and vibrant veggies simmer together to create an irresistibly hearty stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a bowl of nurturing goodness. Every spoonful feels like a celebration of fall flavors, yet it’s absolutely wonderful year-round!

Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe lies in its simple ingredient list—each element plays a specific role in delivering robust taste, enticing aromas, and beautiful color. With a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll have everything you need for a nourishing, show-stopping stew.

Beef stew meat (2 pounds): Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck for the most melt-in-your-mouth results.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps create a luscious texture and lightly thickens the stew as it simmers.
Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): These essential seasonings wake up all the flavors in the pot.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives a silky base for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics.
Onion, chopped (1 large): Provides savory depth and gentle sweetness as it softens.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Aromatic and punchy, garlic is a must for a deeply flavorful base.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds rich umami and balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Beef broth (4 cups): The liquid backbone of the stew, infusing every bite with savory richness.
Pumpkin purée (1 can, 15 ounces): For silkiness, earthy sweetness, and gorgeous color.
Peeled and cubed pumpkin or butternut squash (2 cups): Adds texture and another layer of autumn flavor.
Carrots, sliced (2 large): Bring color and a subtle pop of sweetness.
Celery stalks, chopped (2): Lends freshness and a gentle crunch as it cooks down.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Herbaceous notes that complement both beef and pumpkin perfectly.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): The secret to this stew’s warm, lingering complexity.
Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch for subtle, comforting fragrance.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses a hint of earthy aroma throughout the cooking time.
Chopped parsley for garnish: Fresh, bright, and the perfect finishing touch before serving.

How to Make Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by tossing the beef chunks in a large bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper. This coating not only enhances each bite with gentle seasoning, but also helps seal in those flavorful juices as the meat browns, setting the foundation for a thick, hearty stew.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches (be patient, it’s worth it!), letting each side caramelize beautifully—this is where deep, meaty flavor begins to build. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for three or four minutes until it turns soft and golden around the edges. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for just a minute more to intensify those fragrant notes that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Build the Stew Base

Return the browned beef (and any juices) to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the canned pumpkin, cubed pumpkin or squash, carrots, celery, dried thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaf. These ingredients meld beautifully, creating a stew that’s as flavorful as it is wholesome. Stir to combine, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring your pot to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 2 to 2 ½ hours, checking occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are velvety-soft. This slow cooking transforms everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust your seasonings as needed. Ladle into deep bowls, topping each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness. That first spoonful you’ll scoop up? Pure magic.

How to Serve Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch that makes this Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe shine. For extra flair, try a swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, or a dusting of grated aged cheese—each adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is non-negotiable for soaking up every drop of the rich stew, but creamy mashed potatoes also make a swoon-worthy pairing. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, serve with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation at special gatherings, serve the stew inside hollowed-out pumpkin bowls. You can also ladle it over a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice for a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to add roasted pepitas or a drizzle of chili oil if you love bold flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Those robust flavors actually deepen and mellow as it sits, making every bowl even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags. Label them so you remember what treasure awaits inside! It’ll keep happily for up to three months—thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also use the microwave for single servings, using medium power to avoid overcooking the meat or pumpkin. Add a splash of broth if it needs loosening up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Simply roast, steam, or boil fresh pumpkin and blend until smooth for the purée portion. The flavor will be even earthier and more pronounced, making your Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe even more special.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—with a small adjustment! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or even cornstarch for dredging the beef. The flavor and texture won’t skip a beat.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

You sure can. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, and you’ll come home to an amazing Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe ready to warm you up.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even chunks of acorn squash. Just cut everything the same size so they cook evenly—it’s a great way to clean out the fridge!

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

While this dish celebrates the rich flavors of beef, you can create a plant-forward version by swapping in hearty mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils and using vegetable broth. The stew remains just as comforting and full of fall flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a taste of the season to your table, you simply must try this Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or as the star of a cozy dinner party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Grab your spoon and dive in—you’ll be so glad you did!

Beef Stew with Pumpkin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty Beef Stew with Pumpkin recipe perfect for fall. Tender beef, savory pumpkin flavors, and aromatic spices come together in a delicious one-pot meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Stew:

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Stew Base:

1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée

Vegetables and Seasonings:

2 cups peeled and cubed pumpkin or butternut squash
2 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 bay leaf
Chopped parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Toss Beef: In a large bowl, toss beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper.
Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a pot, brown beef in batches, then transfer to a plate.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook briefly.
Cook Stew: Return beef to the pot. Add broth, pumpkin, vegetables, and seasonings. Simmer covered for 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

You can make this in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 7–8 hours after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
For added texture, serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
Acorn squash is a good substitute for pumpkin cubes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American