Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Stew with Sage
A cozy, sweet-savory stew featuring tender butternut squash and apples simmered in a fragrant sage-infused broth. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs diced butternut squash, diced honeycrisp apples, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 1 cup diced honeycrisp apples
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place diced butternut squash, diced honeycrisp apples, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup chopped sage leaves, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper into a slow cooker.
- Step 2: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until squash is fork-tender and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Stew with Sage take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Stew with Sage?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced butternut squash from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Stew with Sage?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Stew with Sage for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Stew with Sage?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
