As the evening of Monday, September 22, 2025, brings a cool breeze to Rabat, there’s nothing more welcoming than the rich, savory aroma of a hearty stew simmering away all day. This Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew is the absolute definition of autumn comfort food. It takes the classic beef stew we all know and love and gives it a seasonal twist by adding sweet, tender chunks of butternut squash. The result is a one-pot meal that is incredibly easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth morsels and melding all the flavors into a rich, savory gravy. It’s a wonderful variation of a timeless classic, much like a traditional Crockpot Beef Stew with Herbs. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate cozy dinner with this amazing Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew.
Why Butternut Squash is a Game-Changer in Beef Stew
Adding butternut squash to a classic beef stew is a simple change that yields spectacular results. First, the squash brings a subtle, earthy sweetness that perfectly balances the savory richness of the beef and the deep flavors of the broth. It adds a layer of complexity that you won’t find in a standard stew made with only potatoes and carrots. Second, as the butternut squash cooks over many hours in the slow cooker, it becomes incredibly tender, with some pieces almost melting into the gravy. This process naturally helps to thicken the stew, giving it a wonderfully hearty and luscious consistency without having to add a lot of extra flour or thickeners. Finally, the vibrant orange color of the squash makes the stew visually stunning, and it adds a significant nutritional boost, packing every serving with fiber and a healthy dose of Vitamin A.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew
This recipe relies on classic, hearty ingredients that meld together beautifully during the long, slow cooking process.
- 2.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The use of seasonal squash in a savory main course is a wonderful fall tradition, beautifully showcased in another comforting dish like Sausage & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew is mostly a hands-off recipe, but one optional step at the beginning makes all the difference in flavor.
- Prepare the Beef (Optional but Recommended Step): In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat them evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear on all sides until nicely browned. This step creates a deep, rich flavor in the final stew. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
- Load the Slow Cooker: In the same skillet, briefly sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add this to the slow cooker.
- Create the Broth: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme. Pour this liquid mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Add the cubed butternut squash, sliced carrots, and the bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The stew is done when the beef is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle your delicious Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Most Flavorful Stew
For the absolute best Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew, don’t skip the step of searing the beef. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a deeply browned crust on the meat that translates to a much richer, more complex flavor in the final gravy. It’s an extra 10 minutes of effort that pays off immensely. If you prefer your butternut squash to hold its shape more, you can add it during the last 2-3 hours of the cooking time. Adding it at the beginning, as the recipe directs, will result in a softer squash that partially melts into the stew, thickening it beautifully—both ways are delicious! Lastly, like many stews, this dish is often even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld in the refrigerator.
What to Serve with Your Stew
This Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but the right accompaniments can make it even better. The rich, savory gravy is perfect for soaking up with a side of warm, crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls. Serving the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles is another classic and comforting option. For a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the meal, a simple green salad with a bright, tangy vinaigrette is a perfect side dish. It’s a complete and satisfying meal, much like a classic Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie.
More Hearty Slow Cooker Meals
If this recipe has you in the mood for more easy and comforting slow cooker meals, another fantastic option is a classic Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. These types of set-it-and-forget-it recipes are perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal that is ready and waiting.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef & Butternut Stew is the perfect embodiment of fall comfort food. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and sweet, creamy butternut squash creates a dish that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s a low-effort, high-reward meal that will fill your home with the most incredible, welcoming aroma as it simmers away. It’s the perfect dinner for a chilly evening, a lazy Sunday, or any time you need a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. We hope this easy and delicious recipe becomes a new seasonal favorite for you and your family.