Butternut Squash Stew with Beef and Lentils

I personally hate butternut squash. My hubby loves it, and begged me for ages to find a way to cook it that I could enjoy. After many trials, this stew has stuck as a family favorite!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 154 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cups cubed potatoes
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup dry lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or as needed
• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 pound boneless beef chuck roast
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth, or more as needed
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen cut green beans

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Add enough lightly salted water to cover butternut squash to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then add squash and cook until soft, about 40 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

At the same time, bring 8 cups of salted water to a boil in a large soup pot. Add potatoes and cook until slightly soft but not mushy, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

While the squash and potatoes boil, sprinkle roast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add roast and brown on both sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest. Add celery, carrots, onions, and garlic to the pan with remaining oil and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5

Slice beef into bite-sized pieces; add beef and juices to a large soup pot. Pour beef broth, celery mixture, corn, and green beans into the pot. Add drained potatoes and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Cover with a lid with a hole or set a lid slightly off-center to allow steam to get out. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours. Add lentils and drained squash; let simmer for 10 minutes. Combine cold water and cornstarch in a bowl; stir well. Add to stew and stir thoroughly. Let simmer another 15 to 20 minutes and serve.