If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, the Spiced Ground Lamb and Butternut Squash Stew Recipe might just become your new favorite. This stew is an incredible harmony of tender ground lamb, vibrant butternut squash, and a tantalizing shawarma spice blend that fills your kitchen with intoxicating aromas. It brings together heartiness, a touch of sweetness, and spice in every spoonful, creating a comforting meal guaranteed to impress family and friends. You’ll love how the kale adds a fresh, leafy punch, while chickpeas contribute hearty texture and protein, making this stew as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white cooking pot, there are two main layers of ingredients mixed together: cubed orange-yellow pieces of cooked squash or sweet potato, and light beige chickpeas. The pieces are coated with a light brown spice mix that adds texture and small dark specks all over. The pot shows some bits of softened onion and seasoning stuck on its sides. The pot handle is visible on the right side, placed on a round wooden board on top of a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple yet carefully chosen, these ingredients each play a vital role in bringing the Spiced Ground Lamb and Butternut Squash Stew Recipe to life. From the rich lamb to the sweet squash and aromatic spices, every element enhances the depth of flavor and texture, creating a bowl you’ll want to savor again and again.

1 lb. ground lamb: Provides rich flavor and tender protein for the stew’s base.
3 tbsp shawarma spice blend (divided): Adds warm, fragrant Middle Eastern spices that make this dish unforgettable.
1 medium onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and a tender bite after sautéing.
5 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses the stew with a subtle, savory heat and aroma.
3 cups butternut squash, ½” dice: Adds creamy sweetness and vibrant color.
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Offers a hearty texture and additional protein.
3 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation for the stew.
3 cups whole peeled canned tomatoes: Adds acidity and a rich tomato base.
4 cups chopped kale leaves: Infuses freshness and earthy notes while boosting nutrition.
1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
½ tsp ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
¼ tsp cayenne (optional): Gives an extra kick for spice lovers.
Toppings (optional): Greek yogurt, olive oil, flaky sea salt, fresh cilantro to elevate each serving.

How to Make Spiced Ground Lamb and Butternut Squash Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Lamb

Start by heating your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the ground lamb and break it apart with your spoon as it browns. This step builds the stew’s meaty foundation and ensures you get those wonderfully caramelized bits packed with flavor. Season the lamb with 2 teaspoons of your shawarma spice and a pinch of sea salt while it cooks, then set it aside once browned. Trust me—your kitchen will start to smell amazing already.

Step 2: Reserve the Fat

After removing the lamb, carefully drain all but about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pot. This flavorful fat will be your cooking medium for the vegetables, adding extra richness without making the dish greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Butternut Squash

Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it’s tender and just starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its fragrance without burning it. Then add the diced butternut squash and let it cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in the remaining shawarma spice and mix everything well, getting those spices to coat the vegetables and deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Pour in the chickpeas, chicken broth, and whole peeled tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes up slightly with your hands as you add them. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want extra heat. Return the browned lamb to the pot and stir everything together thoroughly. This mixture is where the stew truly begins to come together.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Bring your stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. This simmering stage softens the butternut squash perfectly and allows the spices to meld into a rich, inviting broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Add the Kale

Finally, stir in the chopped kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s wilted and tender. This step adds a fresh, leafy contrast to the heartiness of the stew, making each spoonful balanced and vibrant. Taste your stew now, adjusting salt or cayenne as needed to hit just the right flavor note.

How to Serve Spiced Ground Lamb and Butternut Squash Stew Recipe

A white speckled bowl holds a colorful stew with visible layers including green kale, orange chunks of squash, beige chickpeas, and brown ground meat in a rich reddish broth. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream garnished with green cilantro leaves, and a golden browned tortilla chip rests on the edge. The bowl sits on a white plate layered with a brown and white striped napkin, and a silver spoon is tucked beside the bowl. In the background, part of a white speckled pot filled with the same stew and a small white bowl with creamy sour cream appear on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this stew to restaurant-worthy status, add a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on top as you serve. Drizzling some good quality olive oil, sprinkling flaky sea salt, and garnishing with fresh cilantro add brightness and texture that complement the rich stew beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with warm, soft pita bread that’s perfect for scooping up every last bit. A side of simple couscous or fluffy rice also works if you want to soak up all those delicious juices. A crunchy, fresh cucumber salad can brighten the meal and add refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the stew in beautiful bowls with layered toppings—yogurt, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil artfully arranged. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze on a zesty kick. You could also present it over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a hearty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Spiced Ground Lamb and Butternut Squash Stew Recipe is fantastic as next-day comfort food. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving you ready-to-go deliciousness that reheats wonderfully.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this stew freezes beautifully. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container and keep it frozen for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or planning ahead for busy weeks.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and bring back all those cozy flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?

Absolutely! While ground lamb adds a distinctive rich flavor perfect for this stew, you can substitute ground beef or turkey if you prefer. Just adjust seasoning slightly to suit your taste.

Is the butternut squash necessary or can I use something else?

Butternut squash provides natural sweetness and a tender texture that balances the spices well, but you could swap it out for sweet potatoes or carrots for a different, yet tasty twist.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the lamb and increase the chickpeas or add other beans and vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. You can also boost the spice blend for extra depth.

How spicy is this stew?

The spice level is moderate and mostly comes from the shawarma blend and optional cayenne. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more cayenne for a kick or leaving it out for a milder stew.

What is the best way to make the shawarma spice blend at home?

Homemade shawarma spice blend is simple and elevates the stew’s flavor wonderfully. Mix cumin, sweet paprika, garlic powder, sumac, ground ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. If you prefer, a simplified blend with just a few spices works just fine too.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Ground Lamb and Butternut Squash Stew Recipe is truly a gem that brings warmth, flavor, and nourishment to your table with ease. It’s a dish that looks impressive but feels like home-cooked love in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it around your table – it quickly becomes more than just a meal, but a comforting experience you’ll return to again and again.