When the cool autumn breeze starts to set in, it’s time to bring out the slow cooker and indulge in comforting and warming meals. One dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall is a hearty beef and pumpkin stew.

This flavorful recipe is a delightful combination of tender beef, earthy pumpkin, and aromatic spices, making it the ideal comfort food for colder days.

A Nutritional Powerhouse: Beef and Pumpkin

Not only is this stew delicious, but it is also highly nutritious. Beef is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

It also provides essential minerals like zinc and iron, which support a healthy immune system and red blood cell production. Pumpkin, on the other hand, is packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Including this vibrant fall vegetable in your stew adds both flavor and health benefits.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you dive into making this delectable beef and pumpkin stew, gather the following ingredients:.

2 pounds of beef stew meat, cubed
1 small pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks
2 large carrots, sliced
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
3 cups of beef broth
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

The Slow-Cooking Process

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to fire up the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Follow these steps:.

1. Brown the Beef

Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides. This helps seal in the juices and adds depth of flavor to the stew.

2. Prep the Vegetables

While the beef is browning, take the opportunity to prep the vegetables. Peel and cut the pumpkin into chunks, slice the carrots, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. These aromatics will infuse the stew with their tantalizing flavors.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef cubes to the slow cooker. Add the prepared vegetables, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.

4. Set It and Forget It

Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time infuses the stew with all the rich flavors, making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.

5. Adjust the Seasoning

Once the cooking time is up, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or any of the dried herbs to enhance the flavors.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the aromatic beef and pumpkin stew into bowls and garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a fluffy bowl of cooked rice for a satisfying meal that will warm both your body and soul.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, this stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.

A Fall Flavor Extravaganza

This slow-cooker beef and pumpkin stew is a fall flavor extravaganza that brings together the richness of beef, the earthiness of pumpkin, and the warmth of aromatic spices.

It’s a dish that will have your family coming back for seconds and thirds. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in this hearty and flavorful meal that perfectly captures the essence of autumn.