Autumn calls for cozy meals that fill your kitchen with the scent of slow-simmered comfort. This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is exactly what chilly evenings dream of. Tender chunks of beef are paired with seasonal vegetables and simmered in a rich, savory broth that soaks up all the deep flavors of fall. It tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or meal-prepping for a busy week, this stew has your back. It’s easy to put together, hearty enough to satisfy any appetite, and versatile enough to pair with your favorite crusty bread or creamy mash. Once it hits your table, don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than the leaves fall.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

This stew is everything you want in a fall dinner. It warms you from the inside out with its rich, earthy flavors. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and it makes a big batch, which means leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Stew?

For the most melt-in-your-mouth experience, go for chuck roast. It has just the right amount of marbling to break down beautifully during a slow cook. If you’re short on time, pre-cut stew meat works well too, just make sure it’s from a tougher cut that can handle long cooking.

Ingredients for the Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

The key to a perfect stew lies in layering the right ingredients and letting them simmer low and slow. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Beef chuck roast
Carrots
Parsnips
Butternut squash
Yellow potatoes
Onion
Garlic
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Red wine
Bay leaves
Fresh thyme
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

These ingredients work together to create a hearty and balanced stew, where every bite is full of seasonal comfort.

How To Make the Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Season your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until each piece has a rich brown crust. This step builds the foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Remove the beef and add chopped onions to the pot. Sauté until golden, then stir in garlic and tomato paste. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the paste darkens slightly.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the beef to the pot, add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

After about an hour, stir in the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and butternut squash. Let everything simmer together for another 45 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and the beef is fork-soft.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaves and thyme stems. Serve hot with fresh bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.

Serving and Storing Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

This stew is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it’s also amazing with a slice of crusty bread or spooned over buttery mashed potatoes. It feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prepping.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, and they actually get more flavorful overnight. It also freezes like a dream. Just cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Autumn Harvest Beef Stew?

Freshly Baked Cornbread

Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread soaks up the stew broth beautifully.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A classic pairing that lets the stew be the star while giving it a buttery base.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges and earthy flavor complement the stew’s richness.

Apple Fennel Salad

Something crisp and fresh to contrast the warm depth of the stew.

Herbed Couscous

An easy, fluffy side that adds texture and herbal brightness.

Buttery Garlic Knots

Perfect for dipping and soaking up the last drops from your bowl.

A Bold Red Wine

Sip the same wine used in cooking for a flavor-matching experience.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this cozy Autumn Harvest Beef Stew, try warming up with these comforting dishes too:

Cajun Potato Soup for a creamy kick with Southern flair.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a cheesy Tex-Mex fusion.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you’re craving something creamy and classic.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas to satisfy those spicy, cheesy dinner cravings.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup for a tropical, creamy twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so it’s easy to find when the weather cools down.

And if you make it, tell me in the comments what vegetables you used! Did you add mushrooms? Swap the squash for sweet potatoes?

I love hearing your kitchen creativity and how these recipes become your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and cozy comfort meals over on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next fall favorite.

Conclusion

Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fall’s best flavors in one pot. With its rich broth, tender beef, and roasted root vegetables, it’s sure to become a seasonal staple in your home. Give it a try this week and let it wrap you in all the warmth and comfort the season has to offer.