This Witches Brew Stew was inspired by a Halloween party we threw a few years back. The kids were dressed up in their spooky best, ready for an evening of trick-or-treating, but I wanted to offer something a little more substantial than just candy. So, I whipped up a hearty stew that was both savory and fun, perfect for warming their bellies before they headed out into the night. It was a huge success, and now, it’s a tradition!
The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup for you. Plus, you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences. If you have picky eaters, feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the spices. This Witches Brew Stew is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear faster than a ghost in the graveyard!
Why This Works
This Witches Brew Stew isn’t just spooky-sounding; it’s deeply satisfying. The richness of the beef, the smoky sausage, and the subtle sweetness from the carrots create a symphony of flavors. The French onion soup and tomato sauce add depth, and the potatoes give it a comforting heartiness that’s perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
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Witches Brew Stew
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
This hearty and fun Witches Brew Stew is perfect for a Halloween gathering or a cozy autumn evening. It’s a simple one-pot meal packed with beef, sausage, and vegetables, simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. Garnish with spooky mushroom “skulls” for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tsp canola oil (or olive oil)
- 1 (12 oz) package beef smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Campbell’s French Onion Soup
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 mushrooms
Instructions
- Brown the sausage, ground beef, onion, and celery in oil. Drain excess grease.
- Deglaze the pot with beef broth. Add carrots, seasonings, French onion soup, tomato sauce, potatoes, and bay leaf. Stir.
- Pressure cook on low for 10 minutes (Instant Pot) or slow cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Prepare mushroom “skulls” by halving mushrooms and creating eyes and noses with a skewer and knife.
- Stir in mushrooms after cooking and let sit for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Serve hot.
Notes
This stew freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving. If you don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can simmer the stew on the stovetop for about 1-2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Stew
- Method: Pressure Cook or Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up this magical stew:
- 1 ½ tsp canola oil (or olive oil)
- 1 (12 oz) package beef smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Campbell’s French Onion Soup
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 mushrooms
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Brown the Meats and Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the oil in a large pot or Instant Pot set to sauté mode. Add the smoked sausage rounds and brown them for 2 minutes on each side. Add the ground beef, onion, and celery, cooking until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Deglaze and Add Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, lifting up any flavorful bits. Add the carrots, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, French onion soup, tomato sauce, potatoes, and bay leaf. Stir everything together.
Step 3: Pressure Cook or Slow Cook
If using an Instant Pot: Seal the lid and set it to low pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release.
If using a slow cooker: Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Step 4: Prepare the Mushroom “Skulls”
While the stew is cooking, prepare the mushroom “skulls.” Slice the mushrooms in half. Use a skewer to create “eyes” by poking small holes. Then, use a knife to make small slits for the “noses.”
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the stew is cooked, stir in the mushrooms and let the stew sit on the “warm” setting for 10 minutes to slightly soften the mushrooms. Discard the bay leaf. Serve the Witches Brew Stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika. You can also give the stew a little kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don’t have russet potatoes on hand? Sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds work well, too. For a shortcut, use pre-cut potatoes from the grocery store.
- Make it a meal by serving with a side of crusty bread. Check out our dinner rolls recipe for the perfect complement.
Make It Your Way
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef and sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or hearty vegetables such as butternut squash, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
- Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Heartier Version: Toss in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or chickpeas for added protein and texture. For another heartwarming stew check out our Korean Kimchi stew recipe.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Witches Brew Stew?
Crusty bread or crackers are classic choices for soaking up the delicious broth. A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables would also complement the stew nicely.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace at the top.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Sure! Cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms would all be delicious additions to this stew.
Make It a Meal
This Witches Brew Stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it piping hot in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve it alongside some dinner rolls for dipping in the stew!
That’s a Wrap
This Witches Brew Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this stew will surely be a hit. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious dinner recipes. Share your culinary creations and tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
