Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

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Craving something cozy that tastes like fall in a bowl? Imagine the scent of simmering herbs, slow-cooked beef, and autumn vegetables wafting through your kitchen. This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is a heartwarming medley of tender beef chunks, sweet root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that brings comfort with every bite.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe to batch-cook for the week or a centerpiece dish for a crisp weekend dinner, this stew delivers deep flavor and rustic charm. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and makes you feel at home. Best of all, it leans into seasonal produce, making it both wholesome and naturally flavorful.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make a truly rich and tender Autumn Harvest Beef Stew, you’ll need a few key tools that make the difference between good and unforgettable.

• Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: This is essential for evenly browning the beef and slow-simmering the stew without scorching. Its thick base holds heat perfectly.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll be chopping hearty vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, so a good knife speeds things up and ensures even pieces.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the stew as it cooks. It won’t scratch your pot and gives you better control while mixing.
• Cutting Board: Use a large, sturdy board to handle all your chopping needs safely.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the stew while preserving all those chunks of meat and veggie goodness.

Having these tools at hand will help the process flow more smoothly and help extract the best flavor and texture from your ingredients.

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Ingredients for the Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

Each ingredient in this stew plays a specific role in building deep, comforting flavor:

• Beef Stew Meat: Typically chuck roast, this cut becomes tender and rich when simmered low and slow. It’s the hearty foundation of the stew.
• Carrots: These add natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory notes of the meat.
• Parsnips: Slightly earthy and sweet, parsnips give the stew a deeper, autumnal character.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they hold their shape while absorbing the broth’s flavor.
• Butternut Squash: A seasonal favorite that softens and melts into the stew, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Yellow Onion: Provides the essential aromatic base, bringing subtle sweetness and depth.
• Garlic Cloves: Just a few cloves punch up the savory profile with warm, nutty flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds body and umami-rich depth, creating a thicker, more complex broth.
• Beef Broth: The liquid gold that carries all the flavors. Choose a high-quality or homemade version if possible.
• Fresh Thyme & Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse the stew with a woodsy aroma and flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but critical for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Olive Oil: Used to brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, creating the flavor foundation.

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How To Make the Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef chunks on all sides. This step builds the base flavor of the stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and golden. Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining broth, bay leaf, and thyme.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.

Step 5: Add Butternut Squash

Stir in the cubed butternut squash and continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender and the broth is rich and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Remove bay leaf and thyme stems. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

This stew is best served piping hot in deep bowls with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, brothy base pairs beautifully with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves sprinkled on top.

For storage, let the stew cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I thicken the stew if it seems too brothy?

Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or mash a few potato chunks into the broth. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add celery, turnips, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor. Just keep the size of the cuts consistent so they cook evenly.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this stew is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your beef broth label to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold?

Yes! Sweet potatoes add an extra layer of sweetness and pair nicely with butternut squash and parsnips. They may break down more quickly, so add them later in the simmering stage.

How do I make it more spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the aromatics phase for a mild kick.

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Want More Cozy Stew & Comfort Food Ideas?

If you’re drawn to the soul-soothing depth of this Autumn Harvest Beef Stew, you’ll love exploring other comfort-forward recipes perfect for the cooler months.

Consider trying the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, loaded with legumes and rustic herbs for a satisfying meatless option. Or dive into the indulgent layers of Buffalo Chicken Lasagna for a spicy twist on a comfort classic.

If pasta is calling your name, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta offers a rich and creamy one-pan experience that’s both filling and weeknight-friendly.

Looking for more slow-cooked, meaty dishes? The Wendy’s Chili Recipe delivers deep, bold flavors with simple ingredients. Or head over to Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup for a hearty bowl filled with comfort in every spoonful.

For more recipe inspiration that brings warmth to your table, don’t forget to check out my collection on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your stew or fall recipe boards for the next chilly night. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add sweet potatoes? Swap the thyme? Leave a comment below and let’s share how your harvest stew came to life!

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