Hearty Autumn Beef Stew

This autumn harvest beef stew is a warm, satisfying embrace on a chilly evening. Packed with tender beef and hearty fall vegetables, it offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures that keep you coming back for seconds.

I first made this stew on an early October night when the air turned crisp, and it instantly became our go-to dish for cozy weekends and special family meals.

Ingredients You Need

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast: cut into 1-inch cubes for tender, flavorful meat. Choose well-marbled pieces for juiciness
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: to brown the beef and bring depth to the stew
• 2 onions: chopped offering sweetness and a savory foundation. Look for firm onions with dry skins
• 3 cloves garlic: minced adding a fragrant kick and complexity
• 4 cups beef broth: which forms the rich, savory base. Use homemade or low-sodium store-bought for better control of saltiness
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: enhancing the stew’s density and adding a subtle tang
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: introducing umami and a hint of sweetness
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: for an earthy, aromatic note
• 1 teaspoon salt: to season thoughtfully throughout cooking
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: providing a gentle heat
• 4 carrots: sliced for sweetness and texture. Select firm, bright orange carrots
• 3 large potatoes: peeled and cubed for heartiness. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well
• 2 cups butternut squash: peeled and cubed contributing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked
• 1 cup frozen peas: stirred in at the end for a burst of color and freshness
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to thicken the stew to a perfect consistency

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Base:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches, allowing a rich crust to form on each side. This step seals in juices and adds deep flavor. Remove browned beef and set aside

Sauté Aromatics:

Lower the heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the pot and cook gently until translucent which brings sweetness and builds the stew’s flavor foundation. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant

Combine Ingredients And Simmer:

Return the beef to the pot and stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for one hour allowing the flavors to meld and beef to tenderize

Add Hearty Vegetables:

Add sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and butternut squash to the pot. Cover and continue simmering for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender yet retain their shape

Finish And Thicken:

Stir in frozen peas and then add the cornstarch mixture slowly while stirring to thicken the stew. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the broth is luscious and coats your spoon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste before serving

This stew always brings back memories of gathering around the kitchen table with family. One of my favorite tweaks is adding a splash of red wine with the broth to deepen the richness even more.

Smart Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors intensify overnight making it even better the next day

Ingredient Variations

Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a different sweetness and texture

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with crusty bread or buttered egg noodles to soak up the rich sauce

This stew has become our family’s autumn ritual. Each year as the days cool, everyone looks forward to gathering for a bowl filled with familiar flavors and stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the beef is tender?

Browning the beef cubes first locks in juices, and slow simmering in broth breaks down connective tissues, making the meat tender and flavorful.

→ Can I use different vegetables in this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like celery or parsnips can be added to enhance flavors and texture according to your preference.

→ What is the purpose of the cornstarch mixture?

The cornstarch mixed with cold water helps thicken the broth gently without altering the original flavors.

→ Is there a way to deepen the flavor further?

Replacing part of the beef broth with a splash of red wine adds richness and complexity to the dish.

→ How can I adjust the stew's consistency?

Adding more broth will make it thinner, while reducing liquid and increasing cornstarch can create a thicker, stew-like texture.