Halloween Pumpkin Stew

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 lbs pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (4 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup uncooked pasta, such as elbow macaroni or penne
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add the pumpkin and pasta and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Stir in the shredded cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful with a slight sweetness from the pumpkin.
• Customizable with different pasta shapes and vegetables.
• Perfect for a Halloween-themed gathering.

User Comments:

• "This stew was so delicious and festive! It was the perfect meal for a cold Halloween night."
• "I loved the unique combination of pumpkin and beef. It was a hearty and satisfying dish."
• "I made this stew for a party and it was a hit! Everyone raved about the flavor."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or tempeh for the ground beef and sausage.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• If you don't have pumpkin, you can substitute butternut squash or sweet potato.