Autumn Harvest Stew Recipe

The first time I made Autumn Harvest Stew, the whole kitchen smelled like fall. It was warm, rich, and full of cozy flavors. I knew it would be a go-to meal every autumn.

The mix of tender veggies, herbs, and a hearty broth was just right. Each spoonful felt comforting and filling. I remember thinking, this is like a hug in a bowl.

My family loved how simple but flavorful it was. We kept going back for seconds, and the leftovers tasted even better the next day. It felt like fall wrapped up in every bite.

If you want something wholesome and easy for chilly nights, this stew is perfect. Let’s walk through the steps to make Autumn Harvest Stew at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Fall

Autumn Harvest Stew is the epitome of a fall-inspired meal. The combination of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips with hearty beef is exactly what you crave when the days get colder.

2. Nutritious and Hearty

This stew is packed with nutrients thanks to its vegetable base and lean protein from the beef. The veggies bring fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the beef adds protein to keep you feeling satisfied.

3. Easy to Make

With just a bit of chopping and a slow simmer, this stew essentially cooks itself. The only thing you need to do is stir occasionally while you bask in the savory aromas filling your kitchen.

4. Customizable for Any Preference

Feel free to swap out any ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can go vegetarian by omitting the beef, add more root vegetables, or even swap in different herbs and spices to suit your tastes.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Autumn Harvest Stew keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it a great option for meal prep. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have wholesome, warming meals all week long.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the tools you’ll need:

1. Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: This will be your main cooking vessel. A Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution, but any large pot will do.
2. Sharp Knife: For chopping up all your veggies and beef.
3. Cutting Board: A sturdy board to make chopping easier.
4. Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the stew as it simmers.
5. Measuring Spoons and Cups: For measuring out your spices, salt, and other ingredients.
6. Can Opener (if using canned beans): If you’re using canned beans for convenience.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are enough to make a delicious, comforting stew that serves 6-8 people. You can easily scale the recipe up or down based on your needs.

• Grass-fed Beef (2 pounds): I used ground beef, but you can use your preferred cut of beef, such as stew meat or chuck roast. For a leaner option, you can go for turkey or chicken.
• Carrots (6-7 medium-sized): Peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Parsnips (3-4): Peeled and chopped, similar in size to the carrots.
• Turnips (2-3): Peeled and chopped.
• Onions (2 medium): Diced.
• Potatoes (3 medium): Peeled and cubed.
• Shelled Dry Beans (2 cups) or Canned Soup Beans (2 cups): You can use beans like kidney, navy, or white beans, or opt for pre-cooked canned beans to save time.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Minced.
• Salt (to taste): Enhances the flavors of the vegetables and meat.
• Pepper (to taste): Adds depth of flavor.
• Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a touch of green and freshness.
• Thyme (1 tablespoon): Fresh thyme works best for this recipe.
• Rosemary (1 tablespoon): Fresh rosemary adds an earthy fragrance.
• Beef or Vegetable Broth (enough to cover the ingredients): This will be the base of your stew, infusing all the ingredients with rich, savory flavor.

Variations for Autumn Harvest Stew

This stew is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted based on what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some ideas for variations:

1. Make It Vegetarian

If you want to skip the beef, you can make a hearty vegetable stew by using vegetable broth and adding extra root vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or turnips. You could also swap in lentils for protein.

2. Add Extra Vegetables

Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! You can toss in some squash, celery, parsnips, or even a handful of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for an added burst of color and nutrients.

3. Change the Protein

While beef is traditional for stews, you could easily swap it out for chicken, turkey, or even lamb. If you’re looking for something lighter, go with turkey or chicken thighs, which will still give you that tender, juicy texture.

4. Spice It Up

For a bit of heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You could also use a pinch of smoked paprika to give the stew a subtle smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Autumn Harvest Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In your large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial as it develops rich flavor that will be the base of the stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions and garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Root Vegetables

Next, add the carrots, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well, ensuring all the vegetables are coated in the flavorful beef and onion mixture.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add enough beef or vegetable broth to cover all of the vegetables and meat. This will create the base for your stew, allowing all the ingredients to meld together as they cook. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Season the Stew

Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Stir well, making sure all the vegetables are well-seasoned. You can adjust the seasoning to taste at any point.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Once the stew has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to develop and the vegetables to soften. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavors will become.

Step 7: Add the Beans

If you’re using dry beans, add them to the pot along with a little extra broth or water if necessary. If you’re using canned beans, add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, as they’re already cooked and just need to warm through.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Once the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’s the perfect cozy meal to warm you up from the inside out.

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Stew

This stew is rich and filling on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
• Topped with Fresh Parsley or Thyme: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
• With a Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this hearty stew, balancing out its richness.

Storing and Freezing Autumn Harvest Stew

Storing in the Refrigerator

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if the stew has thickened too much.

Freezing Autumn Harvest Stew

This stew freezes beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	10g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	500mg

Conclusion

Autumn Harvest Stew is a nourishing, soul-satisfying dish that celebrates the flavors of the fall season. With tender beef, hearty root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you make a big batch to share with loved ones or freeze some for later, Autumn Harvest Stew will quickly become a fall favorite in your home. Enjoy the warmth, flavors, and comfort of this seasonal dish all season long!