Winter is still hitting most of us with some chilly weather so I have just the dinner to serve to warm your tummy and your soul. Slow Cooker Winter Squash Beef Stew is a comforting, homemade stew made with lots of vegetables, including butternut and acorn squash.
I use my slow cooker pretty rarely but I do like to use it once in a while. Meat always comes out so tender, I just love it. The reason I don’t use it a lot is because that thing is huge and my family is picky about leftovers. They will tolerate eating the same thing twice, may be three times, but that’s about it. Since it’s only three of us, I cook things in small batches. I do love the ease of a slow cooker and wish I had a small one. I don’t even keep it in the kitchen, I have it sitting in the pantry until I want to use it. That could be why it took me 14 hours to make this batch of Winter Squash Beef Stew. I’m not used to it being out.
Let me explain. I took out my slow cooker and set it on the counter next to my stand-up mixer. I cut the meat and put it in there. I peeled and chopped my veggies and added it. I put the hot water in, added all the herbs and spices. All happy and good. Closed the lid and set the time. An hour later, I walked by to mix it. The meat was starting to get brown and it was smelling good. An hour later, the meat was still only starting to brown so I thought “wow that is a very slow cooker.” So I raised the heat and left to run errands. Came back to notice that nothing happened. “Oh no, this thing is broken!” I checked everything, even checked if the plug was broken. The plug…it was fine but it was comfortably laying behind the slow cooker. What’s wrong with this picture? I forgot to plug it in…oh great. In my defense, the plug looks just like the plug for the mixer and I thought that I plugged it in. Blonde moment! Once I plugged it in, it cooked beautifully.
This is a delicious beef stew that has an addition of winter squash. Much more veggies packed in this great dish and there is much more flavor.
One note: if you notice, I used only half of a butternut squash. That is because butternut squash tends to be very big. Don’t fret, there are many recipes where you can use the leftover squash. Particular one that comes to mind, is the Butternut Squash Potato Soup.
Slow Cooker Winter Squash Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew beef cut into about 1 inch chunks
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 lb golden potatoes
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 1/2 medium butternut squash
- Water to cover the meat and vegetables hot
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3-4 springs of thyme
- 8 oz of tomato sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the stew beef into 1-inch chunks. I like to trim some of the fat off but not all.
- Place the beef in the slow cooker and sprinkle with flour. Stir well so that the meat is coated in flour.
- Peel and chop your vegetable into about 1/2-1 inch cubes and add them to the pot.
- Add hot water slowly, while stirring, until all the vegetables are covered.
- Add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Throw in the bay leaf and thyme springs.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
Nutrition
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More Recipes You May Like:
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Kelly says
I have your squash and beef stew recipe cooking right now and yummers! I did a slight modification because I did not have acorn on hand so instead I used half of a hubbard squash and half of the butternut squash.
It is making the house smell so good!
lyuba says
Wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that 🙂 Thank you, Kelly! Enjoy.
carrie ann says
Do you cook it on high or low?
lyuba says
Hi Carrie,
I usually cook it on low, which usually takes about 6-8 hours. My slow cooker only has 2 settings, so I use the low one.
Kristen Duke says
I’ve been trying to use my crockpot more so I’m going to have to try this out!
Kelly - LEFT SIDE OF THE TABLE says
This looks perfect. Literally. Love beef stew, the best winter comfort meal. Makes me want to make it again before it starts to warm up!! Interesting to add acorn squash! Fabulous idea! I love to as a little red wine into mine 😀 Thanks for the recipe! And love the dish you put in it….fitting!!
lyuba says
You are so sweet, Kelly! Thank you!
Tonia says
Sounds amazing and your pictures are gorgeous!
lyuba says
Thank you so much, Tonia!
Nana says
Check around your area thrift stores and yard sales for crockpots. I have purchased them for as low as $2.00. I just wash then thoroughly and give them a bleach rinse and they are good to go. I also highly recommend the little Crockette size. I cook for one and they are great for a couple chicken pieces or a couple pork chops. I have also used them many times for keeping dips hot and melted as well as serving veggies in them especially at a buffet style meal. I still have my very first crockpot…circa 1973.
lyuba says
Ooo, good idea, Nana! Thank you for the suggestion 🙂
I do have a setting on my slow cooker to keep things warm, I really like that.
Thank you!
Heather {Woods of Bell Trees} says
I am going to be honest, I don’t think I have ever had squash I am a little scared of it. This would be a good recipe to give it a try!
lyuba says
Oh no, why does it scare you, Heather?
I hope you will give this a try 🙂 Thank you!
Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says
I don’t use my slow cooker nearly as much as I should in the winter. But this stew is gonna make me dust it out again. Love the winter squashes and that tender beef. Hmmmmm!! I wish this was waiting for me at home right now 🙂
lyuba says
Thank you so much, Zainab! I hope you give it a try!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
Yum! This looks delicious! I feel like I have been making soups and stews at least 3 or 4 times a week to warm up with this cold weather. I can’t wait to add this to my menu! 🙂
lyuba says
Thank you, Shannon! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Marisa Franca says
I can smell it now. Yummy! You are right — it is still nippy down here and some soup would be ideal. When I was younger I would turn up my nose when my mamma made soup and now I crave it. I think I’ve gotten wiser 🙂
lyuba says
I was the same way, with veggies too.
Thank you, Marisa!
Stephanie @ Sustaining the Powers says
I am your complete opposite. There’s only 2 of us, but I use my Crock-Pot 2-3 times a week. I have a giant one, but it came with a nice divided insert that lets you make two recipes at once (dinner and dessert) or a small batch with hot water on the other side if you don’t want to use the full large size.
I’m a sucker for butternut squash and stew, so this is getting pinned on my meal plan for next week! Love the photos.
Visiting from Marvelous Mondays.
-Steph
lyuba says
That is pretty cool. Mine didn’t have a divider, I need to look for one like that.
Thank you, Stephanie!
Stephanie @ Sustaining the Powers says
I got mine in a set at Costco. It came with 2 of the crock inserts- one regular and one divided. Kind of the best of both options. Plus is has a timer/auto switch to warm function. I pretty much adore it.
I made this last week and Hubby loved it! I’ll be keeping this one. 🙂
lyuba says
I will be hunting for one of those 🙂
I’m so glad you and your hubby liked it!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Love me some butternut squash and tender meat! Pinning this bad boy, and I’m like you. I don’t use my slow cooker very often either, but this sounds like a winner so I’m willing to make an exception. 🙂
lyuba says
Thank you, Krista! I hope you do 🙂