Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew

There’s something about fall that makes you crave one‑pot dishes full of cozy, warming flavors. This Crockpot Fall Harvest Stew combines tender chicken or turkey, sweet vegetables, seasonal apple, and warm spices for a stew that tastes like autumn in a bowl. Below, you’ll find what makes this recipe special, full ingredients, instructions, tips, FAQs, and a comforting conclusion.

Why This Stew Becomes a Fall Favorite

Effortless Cooking, Deep Flavors

Set it in the morning and let the crockpot do the work. The meat, squash, sweet potatoes, apple, vegetables, and spices simmer low and slow, melding into a rich, flavorful stew by dinner time. There’s minimal effort and maximum reward.

The sweet and savory balance from squash and apple brings complexity, while the meat makes it hearty enough to feel like a full meal. I often serve this with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the broth.

Autumnal Goodness in Every Bite

Warm spices like thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup elevate this stew beyond ordinary. The squash and sweet potatoes soften and sweeten, while the apple adds brightness and subtle tang. Together, the flavors echo the feeling of cozy autumn days. Plus, crockpot cooking intensifies flavor as ingredients blend naturally over hours—no extra steps needed.

Ingredients

Prepare these ingredients before you start:

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless chicken thighs or turkey chunks	2 lbs
Butternut squash, cubed	2 cups
Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed	2 large
Carrots, sliced	2
Apple, peeled and diced	1
Onion, chopped	1
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Chicken broth	3 cups
Thyme	1 tsp
Rosemary	1 tsp
Cinnamon	½ tsp
Maple syrup (optional)	1 tbsp
Salt & pepper, to taste	—

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken or turkey chunks, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, diced apple, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.

2. Pour in the chicken broth.

3. Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon over the top. Add salt and pepper, and drizzle maple syrup if using.

4. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

6. Optionally shred meat in the pot (if using chicken) and stir to integrate.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

8. Serve hot, ladling stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of warmed maple syrup if desired.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

Meat Alternatives & Adjustments

Use other proteins like pork cubes or lamb if preferred. If you use more delicate meat (e.g. fish or lean cuts), add it in the last hour to avoid overcooking.

Flavor Boosters & Texture Tweaks

Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end for brightness. Add a handful of greens (kale, spinach) near the end. For extra sweetness, increase the maple syrup slightly. To thicken, mash a few cubes of squash or sweet potato and stir back in. You can also stir in cooked grains (rice, barley) for heartier texture.

Serving Suggestions & Leftovers

Serve with crusty bread, toasted buttered slices, or over rice to soak up the broth. Leftovers taste even better the next day—store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the apple?

Yes. The apple adds a sweet balance, but the stew still works beautifully without it.

Does the maple syrup make it sweet?

Just slightly. It complements the squash and sweet potato’s natural sweetness. You can omit or reduce if you want a more savory version.

Can I cook this on stovetop instead?

Yes. Combine everything in a heavy pot, bring to simmer, then cook covered for ~45–60 minutes until meat is tender and vegetables are done.

Is this gluten‑free?

Yes—if your broth is gluten-free and no additives with gluten are added. All other ingredients here are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This crockpot fall harvest stew captures the flavors of autumn—sweet squash, root vegetables, warming spices, and tender meat all in one pot. It’s perfect for busy days and delivers comfort with little effort. Make this your go-to when you want cozy warmth without fuss.

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