The weather is finally turning chilly and the holidays are basically in full swing! During this time there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with something warm, fragrant, and made with love. This Fancy Holiday Beef Stew is the ultimate cozy Christmas dinner. A beautiful mix of tender beef, sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary simmered to perfection. It’s hearty, festive, and full of the kind of flavor that feels like home. Serve it with warm, crusty bread and butter for a meal that’s as comforting as it is festive. A true holiday showstopper that everyone will be asking for seconds.
Why I Love Making This During the Holidays
Every year when the first real chill hits the air, I find myself craving something that feels like pure comfort. Something that warms the kitchen and the heart. This holiday stew has become one of my favorite winter traditions. The cranberries add such a beautiful festive touch and makes this dish look extra fancy. The rosemary fills the house with the scent of Christmas, and the butternut squash brings a soft, golden richness to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together. Simple enough for a cozy Sunday dinner, yet special enough to serve for a holiday gathering. Oh and most importantly it’s really easy to make once you have all your ingredients on hand.
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A Fancy Holiday Beef Stew – Cozy Christmas Dinner with Butternut Squash & Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup of cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds stew beef, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (frozen works too)
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
- Warm crusty bread and butter, for serving
How to Make A Fancy Holiday Beef Stew
Step 1: Brown the beef.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides until a deep golden crust forms. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Build the flavor base.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, sauté for about 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, rosemary, and thyme, cooking just until fragrant. About 30 seconds.
Step 3: Thicken and deglaze.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion, stirring well to coat. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer to perfection.
Return the browned beef to the pot along with the butternut squash, sun-dried tomatoes, brown sugar and beef broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 and a 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the stew has thickened beautifully. Tip: Add mushrooms and cranberries during the last 30 mins so they don’t get to overcooked.
Step 5: Finish and serve.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with warm, buttered crusty french bread.
*My son loves this stew served over mashed potatoes. It’s a whole other level of amazing.
Tips for making this Fancy Holiday Beef Stew – Cozy Christmas Dinner with Butternut Squash & Cranberries
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prepping before a busy holiday week.
- Slow cooker option: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Festive idea: Add a splash of balsamic glaze for a little holiday pizzazz.
Serve It With
A glass of red wine, a crackling fire, and your coziest blanket. It’s the kind of meal that makes winter feel truly satisfying.
Shop my Favorite Soup making Essentials
My teen son loves the savoriness of this beef stew dish. As this Fancy Holiday Beef Stew is pretty darn good, you should also try my classic version of beef stew. It’s deliciousness too!
Thanks for reading!
