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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash & Sage Beef Stew
PIN THIS RECIPE!I need a vacation. This week was suppose to be the week that we headed to The Keys to enjoy some R&R just the two of us (we still never did an actual honeymoon or vacation with just us). BUT, real life set in. My brother-in-law is in his senior year of college and plays football so we’ve been trying to go to every game we can in Nebraska. My mother in law is getting knee surgery soon so we are visiting her in Omaha and taking care of her for a few days. And my husband has some travel for work coming up. AND he’s been getting massive migraines. I’ve never experienced a migraine myself but it’s pretty awful to watch your significant other go through one, especially one as painful as he has been experiencing lately. Last week it got so bad that he went in for an MRI because he said that it felt like his brain was about to explode. Luckily, everything came back clear on the MRI. So now we are looking into some holistic stuff like acupuncture, rolfing, massage, dry needling and whatever else this guy thinks is best for my husband. Have you ever had a migraine? That sh*t looks absolutely miserable.
PS – f*ck our medical care system. It’s failing us so hard right now. Ughhhhhhhhh.
So no vacation for a while until life calms down. And we have Costa Rica planned for April for our 1 year anniversary so that’s a pretty sweet vacation to wait for. So until then, I’m going to create vacation-like situations here for myself. Meaning trying new restaurants in Denver, hanging out with my girlfriends, and getting myself a gluten free donut like I’ve been dreaming about for weeks. That’s a vacation, right? Let’s go with yes.
Yesterday I had this interview and they asked what my hobbies were and I said cooking, working out, and listening to podcasts. I think they hated that answer. But what other hobbies should I take on? Shopping? Check. Getting weird facials that make my face bleed? Check. Knitting? No thank you. Chess? Nah man, I’m 100% cool. I always feel very judged when people ask the hobby question. Maybe they just ask it because they are looking for new hobbies themselves. Selfish.
But wait, we should talk about the recipe real quick. I sometimes forget to do that. Meaning 99% of the time. Cooler months are coming (maybe not here in Colorado, but definitely in other places) so that means I’ll be making soups and stews on repeat. Especially in the crockpot. AND I have an instant pot coming so I’ll soon be using that for my recipes! I even made my own broth for the first time, which is hilarious since I’ve been making paleo recipes for 6 years now. But, hey, I’m busy AF, I don’t have time to strain things most of the time. Luckily, I have Pacific Foods to help me out with their homemade, clean ingredient bone broths! I’ve used their chicken bone broth in my Simple Summer Squash Soup and their mushroom broth for my Shrimp & Zucchini Pad Thai so this time I decided to try their turkey bone broth! And it is perfect! They slow-simmer organic turkey bones with onions, rosemary and a bit of vinegar for a hearty bone broth full of naturally occurring protein. And the only ingredients include water, turkey, onion, cider vinegar and rosemary extract! No where else are you going to find clean ingredients like that in your broths! Now go make this stew because it’s super easy!
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash & Sage Beef Stew
- Yield: 5-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 2 pounds grass-fed beef stew meat
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8–10 sage leaves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup button mushrooms
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 1 bundle of poultry herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage), wrapped in twine for easy removal later
- a pinch of salt
- 32 ounces of Pacific Foods Turkey Bone Broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
Instructions
- Place a large saute pan over medium heat and bacon to cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. To the hot pan with bacon grease, add the beef stew meat and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Brown on all sides, about 8 minutes or so, remove and set aside. Add sage, onion and garlic and let the onions sweat for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the bacon, stew meat, and onion mixture to a crockpot along with all the other ingredients and mix to combine. Cover and cook for 8 hours on low. Remove herb bundle before serving!
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65 thoughts on “Slow Cooker Butternut Squash & Sage Beef Stew”
Sorry to hear that your husband is getting migraine!! I used to get them and then I went to a chiropractor and he adjusted the atlas bone (it’s the bone that connects the spine to the skull) and once that was back in alignment that helped a lot. I hope he gets better soon!!
i hope you get a break from everything soon!
Delicious looking stew. I can’t wait to make this! Sorry to hear about your husband. As a fellow migraine sufferer, I can attest to the fact that they suck. What seems to work for me is limiting my caffeine (two cups of half-calf coffee and no chocolate), magnesium supplements, and making sure that I drink plenty of water. I was able to take myself off of my daily prescription and only get about 1-2 per year (usually when I don’t follow my own advice.) I wish him luck in finding what works for him.
Migraines are terrible! Have him try a magnesium supplement. In high doses it got rid of my monthly migraines.
i’ll definitely get him into some of that! we have natural calm at home so i need to make sure he takes that every day!
I used to get severe migraines when I was over-stressed or ate/drank poorly. The pain was so bad sometimes that I would become nauseous and have to just try and sleep in a really dark room. I assume it was a reaction to inflammation. Peppermint or lavender (whether I used it as an oil just below my nose or had versions of that kind of tea) would help some. Head and shoulder massages were fantastic. But going paleo-ish was my game-changer. It has helped me immensely! I rarely get them anymore as long as I keep my diet clean and stay hydrated. An indulgent day of sugar can bring them back with a vengeance though. I hope your husband gets some relief soon!
i wish that were the case for him! he eats cleaner than i do most of the time!
My ex used to get cluster headaches (similar to migraines, horrible pain and debilitating). They come in cycles, sometimes worse in the fall or spring or whenever. Something to look into! I think he tried using oxygen for awhile to treat them. Hope he can find a solution that helps!
Ugh, I’m feeling you so hard on the migraines. I’ve gotten them since I was 11. My husband feels similarly helpless when I get them. Things that seem to really help: magnesium – there’s a spray they sell at whole foods. Taking a daily multivitamin. Keeping on a super consistent schedule with eating and sleeping (don’t get too hungry, don’t get too tired). Limit caffeine and keep your intake consistent (a cup or two a day). Maintenance drugs are an option, but the thing that was amazing for me was getting on an SSRI. Something about the extra seratonin floating around prevents migraines. I haven’t had a migraine since 2015 now that I take a daily SSRI (hallelujah). Also, a lot of people say imitrex doesn’t work for them, but I would say before writing it off, try the injections. The pills don’t really do anything for me, but if I give myself an injection the moment I realize I’m getting a migraine, imitrex will knock it back. I’ll still feel like shizzzz for a whole day, but it’s not as bad.
I second seratonin helping. I used to take 5HTP and it helped prevent. I would only get them every once in a while. I had to stop taking it cause I’m trying to have a baby and I’m now getting migraines once a week, sometimes they last for a couple of days. Hardly anything helps – sad face/tears. The 5htp I used was now foods brand. My migraines seem to be hormone related – I’m super sensitive to the rise and fall of various monthly hormones – can’t wait to be able to use 5htp again. Since I don’t drink coffee/caffeine, something that takes the edge off is a cup of coffee, a piece of dark chocolate and almonds or walnuts – crunching on something hard feels good. another tip is to relax the jaw muscles. I also use icepacks on my face and where it hurts and keep my feet and hands warm. I absolutely can’t lay down with a migraine – the room spins and I get sick. I feel bad for your hubby. I just had a two day-er that started on Tuesday at 2:30 am and just went away last night so I get it.
Thank you so much for all the crockpot recipes!!! I can’t wait to try this one!
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s migraines! I don’t get them myself, but I feel so badly for people who do. I hope he finds some relief, somewhere. But you’re right – it definitely won’t be with our healthcare system. What a mess. Wellness is the last thing they’re interested in. PS. This recipe sounds delish! I don’t eat beef, but I think I can easily swap it out for beans or chicken : )
Looks delicious, Juli! Can’t wait to try.
RE: dry needling, I have a friend who is doing that for some rehab on her should here in Denver. She says it’s been great & feels good initially, but in a few hours it feels like she’s been donkey kicked in the shoulder. It does get better though! She’s seen a ton of progress. If you’re interested, I can get more info.
RE: Hobbies–I totally feel you. Mine are similar (add knitting & reading) and I always feel like I’m judged based on that. Oh well, what’re you gonna do? Haters gonna hate.
Hoping everything calms down for you soon. Know that we’re loving what you’re doing & I find inspiration in it constantly! Keep up the good work!
Struggled with migraines that would force me to leave work early, they were so miserable. I started going to the chiropractor and I rarely ever get one now, even a plain ole headache rarely happens. And when it does I can usually pinpoint the reason why. I go to the chiropractor once a month to get adjusted and it’s so worth it. My sister has them bad too, and nothing helped her until she got her some special ear piercing done. So everyone I guess is different but I totally suggest a chiropractor visit if he hasn’t been yet! Worth seeing if it helps.
Sorry about his migraines. I’ve never had one, but believe they suck.
Love, love, love my instant pot and hope you do too. I got it for Christmas last year and have used it at least once if not more every single week. Total game changer for getting dinner on the table quick after work. Great in the summer when you don’t want to turn on the stove or oven and heat up the house. Broth, easy peasy. Hard boiled eggs peel like a dream. Spaghetti squash whole done in a flash. Rice and beans come out like a dream. I know I sound like a Instant Pot commercial, but I cannot rave about it enough. A whole roast that falls apart in 1/3 the time. Put it in, run errands, work out or go to happy hour, and when you get home, dinner is ready. Boom! It will be interesting to see what you think of it and the recipes you come up with for it.
S- what size did you get?
I got the IP-LUX60. I like the size of it, but wish I had gotten the 7 in 1 to make yogurt too. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply.
that is so awesome!! i feel like it’s definitely going to be a learning curve, but i’m hoping they have a helpful little booklet to get started! so pumped for the hardboiled eggs that actually peel. those are my least favorite thing to cook lol!
It is a bit of a learning curve, but after reading your blog for a while, I have confidence that your smart mind will figure it out. Sorry to say, but the booklet sucks A**! However, there is a TON of info on the internet. Just “Do the Google” as my friend says. I am no expert, but you can also email me. There are a couple of bloggers that cook with it a lot and have lots of info on their sites. Pinterest (AKA: Time Sucker) also has a lot of info. As I’m sure you know all too well recipes will be adjusted for your own taste and liking. I suggest keeping track of changes you make. I have a big post it inside my cupboard for different kinds of rice, brown jasmine, wild, risotto, etc. with the rice/water ratio and time that I prefer. Hard boiled eggs – put rack in bottom, one cup of water, place eggs on rack, set manual time for 4 minutes for hard, 3 for a little mushy/runny in the middle, etc, probably 2 minutes for soft boiled. Do an instant pressure release. When they are done, I run cold water over eggs for a bit, empty water and put in a tray of ice cubes with more water. Then peel as normal, except without all the bits of eggshell sticking. Sorry to you too that it took me so long to respond.
Oops forgot this part, you will need to do some research and adjust for altitude, but don’t ask me how since I live in the flat land.
Oh, damn. Migraines are the worst. I used to get awful headaches 3-4 times a week, with full-blown migraines several times a month. After a clear MRI, I tried just about everything for years to get my headaches under control. Still not solved, but it’s getting better. If he’s not tracking what he’s eating, how much water he’s drinking and how much sleep he’s getting, have him start–it really helped me figure out some of my bigger triggers. For treatment, regular massages help a lot, but a daily preventive medicine, high levels of vitamin B2 (400mg per day) and magnesium supplements seem to really be the key for me. This wasn’t something I could *just* control with diet, exercise, water, sleep and holistic measures, but I wish it was. I tried some weird shit with onions for like three months…that didn’t work, and I smelled like raw onions all the time, which was fuckin’ annoying.
But heyo, this recipe sounds delicious.
Migraines are the worst! My olympic lifting coach recommended this stuff (Kwan Loong Oil) to help with muscle pain from lifting but then I read the reviews and saw tons of people raved about it for migraines. When I start to get that initial migraine “aura” (weird light sensitivity vision) or whatever you want to call it I rub a little on my temples and close my eyes for a while and it definitely helps!
The recipe looks awesome too; I cant wait to try it.
Link to Kwan Loong on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Kwan-Loong-Pain-Relieving-Aromatic/dp/B0036B785A/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1478110949&sr=1-1&keywords=kwan%2Bloong&th=1
Totally agree on your point about hobbies — you do what you enjoy doing and that’s great. I’ve also never understood why fitness can’t be considered a hobby! I used to hate all of those questions when I was online dating. Thanks for another slow cooker recipe!
Hi Juli,
First off, LOVING Paleomg Uncensored. Can’t wait for more episodes to come out.
Second, a question! I have been testing how I metabolize various foods lately– I’ve gone gluten free, and I’ve been 90% dairy free for the last couple months with exception to the weekends when I get some cheese on my GF pizza/nachos/etc. I’ve been having awful breakouts lately, though, so I’m going to try going 100% dairy free to see if that fixes anything. I was wondering what your opinions are on vegan cheeses (or homemade nut-based cheeses) and if you have any brands you recommend? Also, I know you eat a lot of sheep’s milk yoghurt, how has that been on your skin? Any sheep’s milk cheeses out there?
Third– Just listened to your podcast on macros and wanted to say I tried both zone and macros at different points and drove myself up the wall with measuring and obsessing. I thought it was the only way to hold myself accountable and attain my body goals. But listening to you and your story has inspired me to just have the self-discipline to watch what I eat while simultaneously enjoying life… and not obsessing! I’ve been much happier 🙂
if you’re having break outs, I would stay away from nut based cheeses. nuts tend to break people out, so if you’re prone to that, i wouldn’t go down that road. i eat sheep’s milk yogurt and have no skin issues with it, i just try not to eat it every day. no clue about sheep’s milk out there though
You read my mind with this recipe! I was on pinterest yesterday trying to find something like this and this is perfect! I’m going to make it this weekend.
Also, are you going to put your podcast on the stitcher app? I prefer that to the podcast app.
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i am! i’m so sorry i still haven’t yet. i keep meaning to and things keep coming up, but i’ll work on that this weekend!
That’s ok! Still loving it 😉
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Well I’m sure he won’t appreciate this, but perhaps you could make a double date of it! I’ve found that botox injections have helped me. Granted, I don’t go through a neurological doctor, rather, I go to a nurse for preventative reasons for my forehead. I’ve found that it alleviated my migraines as well. More reason to justify me getting shot up! Good luck and I hope he finds a remedy soon. I’ve been dealing with them since I was 14 and I don’t wish it on my worst enemy.
we have definitely looked into botox and he totally thinks it’s just so he then can’t complain about me doing it. but i don’t care if he complains anyways lol. i’ve heard great things about botox so we definitely may go that route!
This looking so good. I’m allergic to mushrooms. Do you think it would be good without or sub something else?
it will be fine without
Hi Juli!! Generally just loving all the stuff you do!
I got the IP-DUO60 and I absolutely LOVE. Talk about quick and easy bone broth/stock to
Die for!!
I can’t wait for you to get one because I know it will become your new favorite thing.
I may have to test out this recipe in it for fun. Also, any sub suggestions for the butternut squash?? Just not a big fan of that one squash.
Thanks again and keep being you and awesome!!
This recipe looks awesome. Going to try it this weekend.
Yes, the medical system in this country sucks, especially for people who make the extra effort to stay healthy by buying organic foods, exercising and just taking care of themselves…. Don’t get me started. lol. Is what it is, and I just bury my head in the sand and suck it up.
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for real. so fucking annoying. just paying others to not take care of themselves. such bullshit
Pressure points, scalp/neck massages, and a trip to the chiropractor. One or all three of those helps tremendously with headaches for me! Good luck! As for the medical system, I work in it and hate it 85% of the time. Pharmaceutical companies have and continue to ruin this country’s healthcare system. When I was diagnosed with my auto immune disease 4 years ago, I would’ve been broke if it weren’t for my insurance. If I got sick again today, I would go broke thanks to premiums skyrocketing. It’s a failed system that needs to be worked on from the inside out.
If I had to guess, about 80% of the people I see day in and day out have problems that are self-induced. Not eating healthy, not exercising, not properly cleaning themselves, not protecting themselves from common known problems (wearing sunscreen, bug spray, wearing a condom to prevent STDs, etc.) You name it. It’s a broken system and people don’t care to educate or they just don’t care about their life.
In the words from one of my favorite shows (The Newsroom), “First step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one. America [‘s healthcare system] is not the greatest country [system] in the world anymore.”
https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663
It’s something he’s eating. This book will help him be free from migraines. Don’t take rx’s. Solve the issue with an elimination diet. Just look at the reviews.
PS Xanthan Gum found in tons of gluten free foods gave me horrible migraines.
This sounds great but I gotta tell ya, the Instant Pot is going to change your LIFE!! This can easily be made in it with just the one pot! And bone broth? Made it yesterday in 75 min- rich beyond your wildest dreams…Thanks for the recipes and your funny stories!
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Oh no, I get migraines and they are just the worst.
He should try getting acupuncture! works for me 🙂
Also can’t wait to try this, my mouth is watering already!
Has he tried Feverfew? I take it everyday to keep from getting them. It’s an inexpensive supplement and I like that it’s natural.
Love your recipes!
Thank you!
Would someone please post a link to this InstaPot? I need to replace my 50 year old Crock Pot and maybe this is the answer I’ve been looking for. Thank you.
Also, Juli — why haven’t we seen any postings about Jackson lately? Please tell me he’s okay!!
Love your blog AND your recipes. It must be about time to come out with a new cookbook … I’ve made “almost” everything in the last one!! Thanks for all you do — you are AWESOME . And hope to hear that that man of yours finds a remedy for those debilitating migraines! They suck!
I hate migraines! I use ice packs and have to sleep them off. Glad it doesn’t seem like anything serious though.
Also, sorry about the loss of your friend. So sad. Wishing you peace as you process through all the feelings.
Where in CR are you visiting? I love it there! My husband was there for 3 months and then drove a car back to Omaha. When he first told me this, I had to look at a map to see if it was possible…definitely no ocean separating the US and Central America. Oops.
Anyways, you always inspire, and I love your recipes! I’ll be trying this one soon!
If you need any recommendations while in Omaha, please let me know!
Amina
manual antonio!
Hi juli
Can I use chicken stock instead if I can’t find turkey bone broth?? can I use chicken stock instead if I can’t find turkey bone broth?
Thanks!
for sure
Such a bummer about your husband and his migraines. I just finished a class on microbiome health and there is new information coming out every day about the connection between microbiome gut health and migraines. Check it out, hopefully with all the tips people are sending and the new research you will find the answer. I’m heading to the store to get ingredients for your crock pot recipe, it looks delicious!
Thank you for your inspirational and tasty site!
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By the way, I’m a Nurse practitioner specializing in wellness and supplements, and research has shown high dose fish oil can prevent migraines. 2-4 grams daily.
interesting! thanks for that info!
I’m a migraine-sufferer, too. Blech, they are the WORST!!! I just got one of these shiatsu massager pillow-thingies and it’s helping reduce the tension in my neck which I believe has already helped prevent a migraine, http://amzn.to/2fILm1j. Also, I use a lot of ice packs once a migraine hits, plus ibuprofen.
My friend introduced me to your blog and podcast. Loving it! This is the first time I’ve tried one of your recipes… and the first time I’ve cooked ground turkey and used a crockpot – and I love it! I don’t really cook meat – I’ve been mostly eating fish and vegetables. Lately though I’ve been feeling tired, so I’m trying to switch up my diet. You make this recipe so easy yet flavorful. Thank you! Will definitely try more of your recipes.
I just want to say that this is now my second time making this and it is now my favourite beef stew!
Didn’t have turkey broth up here in Canada so I just chicken instead.
Still damn good.
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This was my first time using stew meat or making stew at all, and I LOVED it. Definitely took a bit of time to make, but it was so worth it. THANKS! 🙂
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awesome!! glad you loved it!! if you have my newest cookbook, definitely check out my other stew recipe in there because it’s deeeeeelish!
So, he probably won’t be into this, but a friend of mine just got a Auricular acupuncture piercing for her migraines. She hasn’t had one since – it has been 3 1/2 months and she suffered weekly. HOWEVER… I am an Energy Medicine practitioner, and I just went on a retreat and met a woman who owns a wellness center. She said migraines can be obliterated with simple hypnosis. If you can’t find any info on that, I can reach out to her for suggestions if you’d like!
This was delish!!!!!! I made it this past Tuesday and absolutely loved it. It’s got so much flavor. Thanks for the recipes and keep ’em coming.
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glad you liked it, danelle!
Made this for dinner tonight and I think it will become a staple through the winter. Used my homemade chicken bone broth and cooked on the stove top in a french over. Delicious!!
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Hey Julie! This recipe looks awesome. I’ve only bought beef stew meat a couple times (pre-cut from King Soopers) and it’s always been really fatty. Do you have a specific kind you buy? Thanks!
i get my beef stew meat at whole foods and it’s never fatty at all!
Would an herb bundle be a package of poultry herbs that comes in the plastic container?
yep!
This turned out soooooo good! I’m going to be making it again as soon as I finish devouring the first batch 🙂
I threw in about 2-3 cups of pan-fried cauliflower rice and it gave a great texture – similar to barley. Delish 😉
Do you know approximately how many pounds of butternut squash equal to 2 cups? If I purchase one large Butternut Squash will that suffice or will it take more?
yes, that will work
Made this with chicken thighs as my beef went bad faster than I expected, and it was delicious!! Thank you so much, Juli!!
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amazing!! so glad to hear it!!