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Have you ever made a butternut squash stew? This was my first time, and I was happy that I did! In fact, I only tried butternut squash for the first time a couple of years ago. We never really used any of the winter squash when I was growing up, so I guess I’d never really thought about using them. I really like butternut and acorn squash though.
I have to admit that I haven’t really been using butternut squash a lot in recipes, but have wanted to include it more. Being single, butternut squash can go a long way. Luckily, it freezes well raw and so I was able to cut it up into small 1 inch pieces and froze in 2 cup packages. That actually makes it perfect to grab a bag when I want to make recipes like this!
I really love beef stew and since the weather is getting warmer, I knew that this might be one of my last chances to fix some stew until the fall. Beef stew is just one of those meals that are too heavy for me during the warm SC summer nights….even if it is done in the slow cooker.
This version is very similar to a classic beef stew, with butternut squash added. It tasted delicious and certainly left my house smelling yummy too! That is definitely one benefit of using a slow cooker!
If you use arrowroot powder as a thickener, this recipe is grain-free. If you use brown rice flour or organic cornstarch it is gluten-free.
For those who don’t do white potatoes, feel free to substitute cauliflower!
Slow Cooker Beef and Butternut Squash Stew (Recipes for Two)
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound beef stew meat
- 2 cups butternut squash cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 carrot sliced
- 1 small potato diced
- 1/3 onion chopped
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp rosemary
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder or brown rice flour
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except arrowroot power into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
- Before serving, add the arrowroot powder to thicken broth.
Your stew looks delicious, I’ve been wanting to try the slow cooker !
Thanks! It is really yummy….and easy to make too!