The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (2024)

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For the Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew recipe, we give you a full on Fall journey into a cozy and soul warming flavor explosion of Fall.

Our Best Crockpot Pumpkin Beef Stew will warm your senses and leave you fuzzy and satisfied. With tender stew beef, cubed pumpkin and savory seasonings and vegetables that are slow cooked, this will be your favorite taste of Fall.

As the weather turns cooler, crock pot cooking saves you time and gives you more time to gather together to enjoy the season, not to mention, slow cooking fills your home with the scent of comfort food.

This delicious recipe celebrates the thrill of Fall and will allow you to enjoy the simple pleasure of comfort food shared with the ones you love. Love in a bowl!

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (1)

What is the secret? Slow Cooking

The secret to any really good beef stew is in the cooking method. This Pumpkin Beef Stew is no exception. Taking a low cost cut of meet and transforming it into one that melts in your mouth is something that is hard to replicate in any other way but slow cooking.

The long cooking time also enhances the flavors from all of the ingredients allowing them time to marry and become a rich, comforting stew.

Some other really good slow cooked options you will find here at The Buttered Home follow these same principles. Recipes like, BEEF AND BROCCOLI, MISSISSIPPI ROAST and even BLUEBERRY COBBLER .

The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

By combining beef broth, bay leaves and thyme, we achieve this combination of fall flavors we all look forward to.

Slow cooking the beef for hours allows for a tenderness to the beef and the pumpkin and radishes absorb that fall flavor goodness. With very little effort on your part, this is the easiest way to achieve this flavorful fall homemade soup or stew.

By substituting the Pumpkin and Radishes for the normal potatoes and carrots, you are also getting the added health benefits of lower carb vegetables.

A healthy option that still has all of the Beef Stew flavor you love.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew

A simple prep and go and cook, this is a very easy recipe. We start by searing the beef to help it become tender beef!

After that, there is minimal effort aside from prep of the vegetables to enjoy this healthy and delicious Fall comfort food dish.

The full ingredient list and quantities are listed at the bottom of this post on a printable recipe card.

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (2)

Stew Meat, beef
Cubed Fresh Pumpkin
Smoked Paprika
Salt and Black Pepper
Radishes
Mushrooms
Beef Broth
Tomato Paste
Red Wine or Red wine vinegar
Dried Thyme
Bay leaf
Parsley
Chopped Onion
Minced Garlic

How to Make this Warm and Cozy Beef Stew

The only special equipment needed for the best crock pot pumpkin beef stew, is a tried and true Slow Cooker. We love our CROCK POT. It turns itself to warm when the cooking time is done! The only other requirement is a willingness to be patient when you start to smell that glorious smell.

Season Beef with smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet for 2-5 minutes until slightly browned on all sides.

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cut of Beef?

Certainly! Other cuts of beef that would work very well are cubed chuck roast and chuck eye. Lamb or even Chicken cubed would also be very good!

How do I pick a pumpkin?

The best pumpkins are pretty heavy. The heavier they are the more flesh. They can be cumbersome to cut so be sure and check out my post on HOW TO EASILY CUT SQUASH. Most all winter squashes are difficult but this post on Spaghetti squash, the microwave method works just as good for any winter squash.

My friend Jere' has some great tips too!

I love using fresh pumpkin for pies and bars and find the best pumpkins are the little "Sugar Pumpkins." I look for the ones have green stems and the skin is smooth with a deep orange color, so I am assured to get one that is fresh. The big pumpkins don't have the flavor that Sugar Pumpkins do.
— Jere' Cassidy,One Hot Oven

What can I substitute for pumpkin and radishes?

These are low carb substitutes for traditional potatoes and carrots. If you are not watching your carb intake, feel free to use those traditional ingredients.

Can it be frozen?

Yes! Once it has been cooked and has cooled to room temperature, store in a freezer safe container and freeze. It can be kept frozen for about 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

How long will it last?

After cooling, the stew can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. It is even better the next day!

Can I make it spicy?

Of course! Add a pinch of red pepper or even cayenne to kick the spice up! A shake or two of hot sauce after serving is a good option too!

Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the Crock Pot?

Yes. This can be simmered over low heat, stirring every now and again until the beef and vegetables are tender.

What goes well with Pumpkin Beef Stew?

This beef stew is a whole meal in one pot. Below, here, we have suggested some of our favorite recipes to pair with this Fall favorite meal! Cornbread is the perfect recipe to pair with this beef stew.

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (18)

Crackling Cornbread

Rosemary Beer Bread

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (20)

Simple and Easy Kale Salad

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (21)

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Stuff We Used!

The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe

The heartwarming flavors of fall, slow cooked to perfection with our Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew. Made with stew beef, cubed pumpkin and savory radishes, this comforting recipes celebrates all things Fall.

5 from 99 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 208kcal

Author: Brooke Burks

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 cups radishes
4 cups pumpkin cubed
8 oz mushrooms
2 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ tsp dried thyme
2 tablespoon garlic minced
4 cups beef broth
½ cup onion
parsley
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Prep pumpkin and radishes by washing. Peel and cube the pumpkin, trim and cut the radishes into pieces about the same size as the pumpkin.
Season 2 pounds of stew beef with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Sear the seasoned beef in a skillet for 2-5 minutes until slightly browned on all sides.
Add to the bottom of your crock pot liner. Pan drippings andall!
Add 2-4 cups cleaned and trimmed radishes and 4 cups cubed pumpkin to the beef in the crock pot. Add in 8 oz mushrooms, ½ cup onion and mix to combine.
Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste, ¼ cup red wine vinegar,¼ teaspoon dried thyme and 2 tablespoons minced garlic and mix well to season.
Pour in 4 cups beef broth and add the bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
Garnish with parsley, more thyme, salt and pepper if need be. Enjoy!

Nutrition (all values are estimates only)

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The Best Crock Pot Pumpkin Beef Stew Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

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Is it better to cook stew on low or high in slow cooker? ›

Tips for making the best beef stew

Browning the beef in a skillet beforehand will bring out even more flavor. Cook it on low. While many slow cooker recipes can be made on high for 3-4 hours, I highly recommend cooking this beef stew on low for the full 7-8 hours. This will ensure that the beef gets nice and tender.

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Why is my beef stew tough in slow cooker? ›

“Beef may be tough in the slow cooker if you haven't added enough liquid, or haven't cooked it for long enough,” Kristen Carli, M.S., R.D., owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, tells SELF. “For cuts of meat, the fattier cuts are often the ones that get juicy and tender.

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How do you make beef stew taste richer? ›

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

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When should you add potatoes to a stew? ›

Cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks and add to the already cooking stew about 30 minutes before you stop cooking and plate the stew for serving (If the potatoes cook too long, they'll just get mushy or even fall apart and add nothing but a thickening starch to the sew.

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What gives beef stew the best flavor? ›

Try adding soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra savory (or umami) flavor, a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness, lemon zest or vinegar for brightness or chili powder or smoked paprika for spice and depth.

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Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

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What kind of potatoes are best in beef stew? ›

The best potatoes for beef stew are those that hold their shape and texture well during cooking, providing a creamy yet sturdy addition to the dish. Yukon Golds have a creamy texture and slightly waxy consistency that holds up well in stews without becoming overly mushy. They add a nice richness to the stew.

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When to add vegetables to slow cooker stew? ›

Tender vegetables such as zucchini and beans can be added to your dish in last ¾ - 1 hour of cooking when cooking on High, or 2 hours if cooking on Low. Hard, starchy vegetables like potato and carrots are best added around 3 hours before the meal is done if cooking on High, and 4 hours on Low.

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What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Tender vegetables

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

What happens if you don't brown meat before a slow cooker? ›

Though it's not a requirement to brown the meat before adding it to a slow cooker (unless the recipe specifies such a step), Cuisine at Home explains that doing so will enhance the meat's color, textures, and flavors.

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Why are my potatoes still hard in the crockpot? ›

Insufficient Liquid: If there wasn't enough liquid in the crockpot, it could have caused uneven cooking. Potatoes need to be fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly. Old Potatoes: Very old or stored potatoes can become starchy and may not soften as well during cooking. It's best to use fresh, firm potatoes.

Get More Info Here ›

What is the secret to good stew? ›

The most important key to making stew meat tender is being sure to cook it for a long time. If you want super tender beef, you'll need to cook it on a low heat in a Dutch oven on the stove or a slow cooker for at least a few hours.

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What is the secret to tender beef stew? ›

But I believe the secret to the tender beef is… slow roasting the stew in a covered pot in the oven! That's it! No fancy pressure cooker needed!

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When to add vegetables to stew? ›

Add vegetables: After 1 hour 30 minutes, carefully remove pot from oven and use oven mitt to remove lid. Add vegetables and stir gently to combine. Carefully replace lid on pot and return stew to oven to cook for an additional hour.

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What happens if you don't brown stew meat? ›

It will look grey and unappetising but will taste fine and be safe to eat. It's not gonna really affect the taste per say. But browning the meat 1st, creates a crust on the meat that will inturn seal in flavors of the meat, especially when it's being stewed. It makes it extra delicious.

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Can I put raw beef straight into a slow cooker? ›

Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

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What happens if you don't brown meat? ›

"Ensuring that you have a slow even roast on all sides is essential, and any bit of meat on the outside should be roasted,” he says. “If you leave any parts not browned, you are leaving flavor behind."

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What happens if you don't sear meat before slow cooking? ›

Heat simply damages the cells of meat causing them to lose moisture and searing isn't a magic solution for this. What searing or browning your soon-to-be-slow-cooked meat will do is speed up the cooking time and can give it a nice caramelized flavor.

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