Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This hearty garlic and herb beef stew with winter squash and potatoes
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of garlic, herbs, and beef creates a rich and savory flavor profile that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
- Hearty and Filling: This stew is packed with tender beef, sweet winter squash, and fluffy potatoes, making it a satisfying and filling meal that's perfect for a cold winter's night.
- Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavor profile, this stew is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, swapping out ingredients and adding your own favorite spices and herbs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors only improve with time, making it a great option for meal prep or special occasions.
- Nourishing and Healthy: This stew is packed with nutritious ingredients, including lean beef, fiber-rich winter squash, and potassium-rich potatoes, making it a healthy and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner.
- Comforting and Soothing: There's something about a warm, comforting bowl of stew that just feels like a big hug, making this recipe perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up or a cozy night in.
- Impressive and Elegant: Despite its humble ingredients, this stew is surprisingly elegant and impressive, making it a great option for special occasions or dinner parties.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the beef stew meat, winter squash, potatoes, garlic, and herbs. The beef provides a rich, meaty flavor and tender texture, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and a pop of color. The potatoes help to thicken the stew and add a comforting, homey feel. The garlic and herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and parsley, add a savory, aromatic flavor that ties the whole dish together. When selecting these ingredients, look for high-quality, fresh options, and don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different types of squash and herbs to find your favorite combinations.
How to Make hearty garlic and herb beef stew with winter squash and potatoes
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onions and cook until they're softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the chopped fresh herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and parsley, to the pot, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the herbs are fragrant and the spices are toasted.
Add the diced winter squash and potatoes to the pot, along with enough beef broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash and potatoes are tender.
Add the browned beef back to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Simmer the stew for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.
Tips for Perfect Results
The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of your stew. Look for fresh, high-quality options, and don't be afraid to splurge on the good stuff.
Overcooking the beef can make it tough and dry. Cook it until it's just tender, then remove it from the heat and let it rest.
Letting the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the juices. It's worth the wait, trust us!
The herbs you use can make or break the flavor of your stew. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite, and don't be afraid to add a few sprigs of fresh herbs at the end for added freshness.
A good pot can make all the difference in the world. Look for a heavy-bottomed pot that can distribute heat evenly, and don't be afraid to invest in a high-quality option.
Browning the beef and onions adds a depth of flavor to the stew that's hard to replicate. Take the time to do it right, and you'll be rewarded with a rich, satisfying flavor.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar can add a brightness and depth to the stew that's hard to replicate. Experiment with different types of acid to find your favorite.
Letting the stew simmer for a long time allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the juices. It's worth the wait, trust us!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Beef: Overcooking the beef can make it tough and dry. Cook it until it's just tender, then remove it from the heat and let it rest.
Fix: Cook the beef until it's just tender, then remove it from the heat and let it rest. If you've already overcooked it, try shredding or chopping it into smaller pieces to distribute the dryness.
-
Not Browning the Beef: Not browning the beef can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor and depth. Take the time to brown the beef properly, and you'll be rewarded with a rich, satisfying flavor.
Fix: Take the time to brown the beef properly, using a high heat and a small amount of oil. This will create a rich, caramelized crust on the beef that adds depth and flavor to the stew.
-
Not Letting it Rest: Not letting the stew rest can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor and texture. Letting it rest allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the juices.
Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the juices. This will result in a stew that's rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
-
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality ingredients can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor and texture. Look for fresh, high-quality options, and don't be afraid to splurge on the good stuff.
Fix: Look for fresh, high-quality ingredients, and don't be afraid to splurge on the good stuff. This will result in a stew that's rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the beef with additional winter squash and potatoes, and add some sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for added protein and flavor.
Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and be sure to use gluten-free broth and wine.
Replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, and be sure to use dairy-free broth and wine.
Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.
Add some diced tomatoes and Italian seasonings, such as oregano and basil, for a flavorful and herby twist on the classic stew.
Add some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers, along with some cumin and chili powder, for a flavorful and spicy twist on the classic stew.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's recommended to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, add a little water or broth to the stew to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I use different types of winter squash?
Yes! You can use a variety of winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, or delicata. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of squash you use.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes! You can add a variety of ingredients to the stew, such as diced onions, carrots, or celery. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you add.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes! You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and being careful to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can make this recipe dairy-free by using a non-dairy milk and being careful to avoid cross-contamination with dairy-containing ingredients.
Can I serve this recipe at a dinner party?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for a dinner party. It's hearty, flavorful, and can be made in large quantities. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the number of guests you're serving.
hearty garlic and herb beef stew with winter squash and potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cups mixed winter squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the beef. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Step 2: Soften the onion and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the winter squash and potatoes. Add the cubed winter squash and potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add the herbs and spices. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the beef broth and browned beef. Add the beef broth and browned beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Step 6: Season and serve. Remove the pot from the heat and season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Step 7: Store leftovers. Let the stew cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Recipe Notes
- To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the beef and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- You can use any combination of winter squash you like, such as butternut, acorn, or delicata.
- If using fresh herbs, you can add them to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- You can also make this recipe with lamb or pork instead of beef, if you prefer.
