Hearty Crockpot Autumn Harvest Stew

Welcome to a heartwarming culinary journey with my beloved recipe for Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew. This soul-soothing dish captures the essence of autumn in a single pot, blending the earthy flavors of seasonal produce with tender chicken or turkey, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

In my household, preparing this Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew has become a cherished tradition that marks the arrival of cozy sweater weather and the abundance of fall’s bounty. As the stew simmers in the crockpot, the aroma of thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon fills the air, promising a comforting meal that practically cooks itself.

With each spoonful of this hearty stew, you’ll experience the perfect balance of roasted sweetness from butternut squash and apples, paired with savory chicken or turkey. The addition of maple syrup adds a touch of woodsy sweetness that ties all the flavors together, making this dish a standout favorite for fall gatherings and cold weather nights. Get ready to embrace the flavors of the season with my Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew – a recipe that will surely become a beloved tradition in your home too.

Quick Benefits

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and minimal effort – just set it and forget it in the crockpot for a delicious meal.
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with different proteins (like turkey, pork, or beans) and vegetables (such as pumpkin, acorn squash, or spinach).
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, as the flavors deepen and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead dish for busy days.
• A comforting and hearty stew that captures the essence of autumn with its cozy flavors and seasonal produce.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Crockpot Autumn Harvest Stew Recipe

• The aroma of the cozy autumn spices and seasonal produce will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• This stew brings together the perfect balance of roasted sweetness from the butternut squash and savory chicken or turkey in every spoonful, making it a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for a busy schedule, the crockpot practically cooks this meal itself, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort.
• Leftovers make a fantastic lunch option and freeze beautifully, making it a convenient meal prep choice.
• The addition of maple syrup adds a touch of woodsy sweetness that ties all the flavors of the root veggies together, elevating the dish to a whole new level.
• This stew is versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps such as using pumpkin or acorn squash, pork shoulder, or white beans for a vegetarian option, making it adaptable to different preferences.
• The stew makes a comforting meal for fall gatherings or cozy nights in, creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
• The flavors deepen and improve over time, so it’s a great make-ahead dish that tastes even better on the second day.
• By adding your own personal touches and using fresh, local produce, you can make this recipe your own and create a tradition that lasts year after year.
• Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rustic bread, quinoa, or festive toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds or cranberry sauce, this stew is a celebration of the autumn harvest that will have you reaching for seconds.

Ingredients for Hearty Crockpot Autumn Harvest Stew

Stew Base

• 900 g boneless chicken thighs or turkey breast, cut into chunks
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 400 g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes

Liquid and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 710 ml chicken broth
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Pro Tips for Hearty Crockpot Autumn Harvest Stew

To make this Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew, start by layering the ingredients properly in your slow cooker – placing the denser root vegetables at the bottom and the protein on top to ensure even cooking. For added depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken or turkey pieces before adding them to the crockpot. This step can enhance the overall taste of the stew.

When it comes to storing leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. The flavors of this stew intensify over time, so don’t hesitate to make a batch ahead and let it sit in the fridge for a day before reheating. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonal produce like parsnips, turnips, or celery to tailor the stew to your preferences and make it your own unique creation.

How to Make Hearty Crockpot Autumn Harvest Stew

Step 1: Layer Vegetables and Protein

Evenly distribute chicken or turkey, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Broth

Pour the chicken broth evenly over the layered ingredients.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Season the contents with thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add a drizzle of maple syrup.

Step 4: Combine

Stir gently to evenly distribute seasonings.

Step 5: Cook

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the poultry is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Finish and Stir

If desired, shred the chicken or turkey and mix well before serving.

Step 7: Present

Serve hot, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or an additional drizzle of maple syrup.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your delicious Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store the stew in the refrigerator for up to four days, during which time the flavors will continue to deepen and develop, making it even more delicious on day two. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions of the stew. This way, you can easily reheat a comforting bowl on a chilly night whenever you crave it.

To keep your stew interesting and versatile, feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can swap out the butternut squash for pumpkin or acorn squash, or try using different proteins like pork shoulder or white beans for a vegetarian option. Adding extra vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or celery can enhance the flavor and texture of the stew. Serve your stew piping hot with a side of rustic bread or over quinoa for a hearty meal. Consider garnishing with toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of cranberry sauce to add a festive touch to your dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have butternut squash on hand, feel free to substitute it with pumpkin or acorn squash for a similar fall flavor profile in your stew. Additionally, if you’re looking for a different protein option, consider using pork shoulder chunks or white beans for a meat-free alternative that will still provide heartiness to the dish. For added greens, toss in a few handfuls of spinach towards the end of cooking to incorporate some extra nutrients and color.

To make a vegetarian version of this fall harvest stew, simply swap out the chicken or turkey for chickpeas or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The apple in the recipe lends a subtle sweetness that complements the savory herbs and vegetables, so feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences. Lastly, consider incorporating parsnips, turnips, or celery for added flavor and texture to enhance the overall depth of the stew.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try ladling this hearty Fall Harvest Stew into small, hollowed-out mini pumpkins or acorn squash. The presentation will wow your guests and add an extra touch of autumn charm to your meal.

Another fun serving idea is to make a batch of savory cornbread muffins to accompany your stew. The combination of the warm stew and the slightly sweet cornbread is a match made in fall flavor heaven. Plus, the individual muffins make for easy portioning and serving at gatherings.

FAQs for Hearty Crockpot Autumn Harvest Stew

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, turkey chunks work just as well as chicken thighs for this slow-cooked dish.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this stew?

Swap the chicken or turkey for chickpeas or beans, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Why is there an apple in this stew?

The apple adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory herbs and vegetables without overpowering the dish.

Does this stew reheat well?

Absolutely. This stew reheats well, and flavors deepen if made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

As you cozy up with a bowl of this comforting Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew, let the rich flavors and heartwarming aromas remind you of the beauty of autumn and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. This stew is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a dish that will warm your home and your heart throughout the fall season and beyond.

Whether you follow the recipe to a tee or add your own personal twists, the beauty of the Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew lies in its versatility and the memories it creates each time you make it. So gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker work its magic, and savor the delicious rewards of a meal that captures the essence of the fall harvest. Here’s to many more seasons of simmering pots, shared laughter, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness.