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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes » Beef and Butternut Squash Stew

    Published: Jun 21, 2021 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links

    Beef and Butternut Squash Stew

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    Want a hearty filling meal that will warm your belly and your soul? It sounds like a big promise to make, but this Beef and Butternut Squash Stew won't disappoint!

    beef and butternut squash stew in bowl with spoon

    What are the health benefits of Butternut Squash?

    Butternut squash has many health benefits and can be used in recipes as an alternative to potatoes. Butternut squash has fewer calories than potatoes but have comparable amounts of fiber and sodium. When cooked, their textures are similar making butternut squash a good substitution for potatoes when one is counting calories. Butternut squash also adds an "earthy" flavor to recipes that offers a nice change from typical soups and stews.

    • bowl of cubed butternut squash
    • package of frozen butternut squash
    • bowl of tapioca pearls
    b

    Ingredients

    What is stew meat made from? Beef stew meat is made from cuts of round and and chuck roasts. While those cuts come from different parts of the cow, they are similar in that they both have a high amount of connective tissues (fat and tendons). Those connective tissues break down during the slow cooking process and are what gives the meat that robust "beefy" flavor.

    Do I have to use frozen squash? No, you don't have to use frozen squash. Fresh squash works just as well. However, if using frozen squash, add it in at the beginning of the cook time. This will help the stew thicken as the squash breaks down. if you'd like for your squash to be more "chunky", add it with 2-3 hours left in the cook time.

    • stew meat in a slow cooker
    • stew meat and butternut squash in a slow cooker

    Preparation

    Do I have to make Beef and Butternut Squash Stew in the slow cooker? Yes, you should. The slow cooking process allows the fat in the meat to break down slowly, making it juicy and tender. As the connective tissues break down, all of the flavors meld together.

    beef and butternut squash stew in a slow cooker with spoon

    Serving Suggestions

    Which sides pair well with Beef and Butternut Squash Stew? I like to serve my Beef and Butternut Squash Stew with a simple garden salad or fresh fruit and veggies. Some choose to serve it with their favorite type of bread (cornbread or biscuits), rice, or mashed potatoes.

    Related Recipes

    Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

    Slow Cooker Fall Harvest Chili

    overhead of bowl of beef and butternut squash
    overhead of bowl of beef and butternut squash

    Beef and Butternut Squash Stew

    Jennifer Draper
    Want a hearty filling meal that will warm your belly and your soul? It sounds like a big promise to make, but this Beef and Butternut Squash Stew won't disappoint!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
    Course Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 1 cup servings
    Calories 273 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds stew meat
    • 16 oz frozen cubed butternut squash
    • 1 ½ cups beef broth
    • 2 T tapioca pearls
    • 2 oz tomato paste
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • ½ teaspoon sage
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir to combine
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and cooked through

    Notes

    • Add frozen squash at the beginning for softer texture.  Add it with 2-3 hours left to leave it more intact.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 579mgPotassium: 914mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8189IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
    Important nutritional disclaimer
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan says

      June 22, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      I only have Instant Tapioca......will that work?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        July 08, 2021 at 7:46 am

        I haven't tested this, so I can't say for sure.

        Reply
        • JoAnn says

          September 16, 2021 at 12:10 pm

          Hi I’m wondering can I use pearl couscous instead of tapioca?

          Reply
          • Jennifer says

            September 30, 2021 at 10:19 am

            No, unfortunately that likely wouldn't dissolve and thicken.

            Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I love creating fresh recipes that are quick and simple to make so that I can help you get dinner on the table without the fuss!

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