Cozy up with the perfect dinner recipe with this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew, easy to make gluten-free too. This dinner can be set-it-and-forget-it, come home to a warm meal after work!

This recipe is adapted from Slow Cooker Beef Stew, with just two additions, Pumpkin Puree and Pumpkin Pie Spice, it brings a whole new flavor profile that is just perfect for the cold season. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew is loaded with flavor and will bring a wholesome, nourishing meal without much work on your part!

What type of canned pumpkin should you use for stew?

This stew recipe is made with canned pumpkin puree, this does not have any additional spices in it. The other option is Canned Pumpkin Pie Puree, this DOES have spices in it and is not the correct one. Be sure to choose the Canned Pumpkin Puree, because you will be adding in the additional spices.

The Pumpkin Pie Filling will make this overpowering, so we are going for a subtle flavor not overpowering.

How do you thicken beef stew without flour?

This recipe will use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken it, making it naturally gluten-free too.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew:

This stew is naturally gluten-free and can be paired alongside Homemade Cornbread, this cornbread can also be made gluten-free. If you prefer to make the cornbread in the Ninja Foodi, try this Ninja Foodi Cornbread.

The stew meat can be seared on both sides to brown it before adding it to the slow cooker or Crockpot; however, I have found that it does not matter and can be made just as well without this step.

The meat will cook low and slow and be wonderfully tender when you are serving it.

The stew ingredients will be combined in your slow cooker or Crockpot for eight hours, then you will come home to a wonderful smell in your home and dinner ready to serve.

Remember to mix the cornstarch with water before whisking it in so that it fully dissolves.

What type of Crockpot or Slow Cooker should you use?

This recipe can be made in any slow cooker, preferably a 6-quart or larger. We love to use the “slow cooker” function of the Ninja Foodi; however, I have found a tried and true Crockpot is a must-have in your kitchen appliances.

I use this digital Crockpot regularly, it is easy to carry as well if you need to take the meal to-go! If you want a very affordable and efficient Crockpot, try this manual Crockpot, I used this one for more than a decade before moving to the digital one.

I know you are going to love this stew because it’s gluten-free, packed with vegetables, minimal prep with maximum flavor!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew is the perfect go-to recipe to keep on hand throughout these cooler months, it’s warm and satisfying, sure to be a crowd-pleaser!