Savory Beef and Acorn Squash Stew
Indulge in the warm and hearty flavors of this Savory Beef and Acorn Squash Stew, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep throughout the week. A delightful combination of lean beef, tender acorn squash, and flavorful red potatoes come together in a delectable sauce enriched with allspice and garlic. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying stew that is both nutritious and filling. You can easily customize the recipe by substituting the acorn squash with butternut squash or even carrots for a different flavor profile. Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully easy to prepare, this one-dish meal is bound to become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean beef
2 lbs (cut in 1.5 inch cubes)
acorn squash
1 (peeled, seeded and cut in 1 inch pieces)
red potatoes
2 large (cubed in 1.5 inch pieces)
onion
1 large (quartered and sliced 1/4 inch thick)
dry mushroom gravy mix
1 (25 g) package (no preparation needed)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can (with juice)
allspice
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
bay leaves
2 (no preparation needed)
salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the ingredients: peel and cube the red potatoes, peel and seed the acorn squash, and quarter and slice the onion.
2
In a large crock pot, add the cubed lean beef, acorn squash pieces, cubed potatoes, and sliced onion.
3
Sprinkle the dry mushroom gravy mix over the ingredients in the crock pot.
4
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice for added moisture and flavor.
5
Season the mixture with allspice, garlic powder, pepper, and add salt to taste.
6
Place the bay leaves on top of the mixture.
7
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
8
Once cooked, stir the stew to combine all the flavors and remove the bay leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is best for Savory Beef and Acorn Squash Stew?
Lean beef cut into 1.5 inch cubes is recommended for this recipe.
What size should the acorn squash pieces be?
The acorn squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 inch pieces.
Can I substitute the acorn squash with something else?
Yes, you can substitute acorn squash with butternut squash or carrots for a different flavor profile.
What type of potatoes are used in this stew?
Two large red potatoes, cubed into 1.5 inch pieces, are used in this recipe.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be quartered and sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces.
What kind of gravy mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 25 gram package of dry mushroom gravy mix.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes including the juice for moisture and flavor.
What unique spice gives this stew its savory flavor?
Allspice is used to provide a deep, savory flavor to the beef and squash.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much pepper is added to the stew?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to the mixture.
How many bay leaves should I add?
Place 2 bay leaves on top of the mixture before cooking.
When should the bay leaves be removed?
Remove the bay leaves after the cooking process is complete and before serving.
What is the recommended cooking time in a crock pot?
Cook the stew on low for 8 to 10 hours.
What heat setting should I use on my slow cooker?
Use the low setting for the best results and tender beef.
How do I know when the stew is ready?
The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, this is a one-dish meal that is wonderfully easy to prepare.
How much allspice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of allspice.
Should I peel the red potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel and cube the red potatoes.
What is the first step in preparing this recipe?
Start by preparing the ingredients: peel and cube the potatoes, peel and seed the squash, and slice the onion.
In what order should ingredients be added to the crock pot?
Add beef, squash, potatoes, and onion, then sprinkle gravy mix, pour tomatoes, add seasonings, and top with bay leaves.
Is salt added at the beginning?
Yes, you can add salt to taste along with the other seasonings before cooking.
How much beef is required?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of lean beef.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients used in this Savory Beef and Acorn Squash Stew.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe specifies lean beef, you could experiment with other stew meats, though cooking times may vary.
Does the recipe require extra liquid besides the tomato juice?
The recipe relies on the juice from the diced tomatoes and the moisture from the vegetables.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include beef stew, crock pot recipe, acorn squash, and comfort food.
Is the acorn squash seeded?
Yes, the acorn squash must be seeded before being cut into pieces.
What does the mushroom gravy mix add?
It creates a rich and savory base for the stew sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, 2 lbs of beef and multiple large vegetables typically serve 4 to 6 people.