Witches Brew Stew

Get ready for a spellbinding meal with this Witches Brew Stew! Packed with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or a Halloween feast.

As it simmers in the slow cooker, the rich flavors meld together, creating a comforting and satisfying stew that will warm both your heart and your cauldron. Serve it up hot and watch everyone enjoy this deliciously enchanting treat!

Witches Brew Stew

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage

1 pound lean ground beef

1 3-ounce package of shallots, diced

2 1-ounce packets of onion soup mix, divided

1 8-ounce package of large white mushrooms

4 large carrots, peeled

1 cup celery, chopped

½ of a 1.5-pound bag of baby gemstone potatoes, halved

5 cups beef broth

1 14-ounce can Italian-style petite diced tomatoes

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and lean ground beef with the diced shallots and one packet of onion soup mix until thoroughly browned, about 5-8 minutes.

While the meat is cooking, slice the mushrooms in half and use a chopstick or toothpick to poke small eyes into each rounded side.

Remove two triangular wedges from one side of each carrot and discard. Slice the remaining carrot into “pumpkin” shapes.

Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to a large slow cooker, leaving any excess grease in the skillet.

In the same skillet, add the mushrooms, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the leftover grease and sauté over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes to start searing the vegetables, stirring often.

Move the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the meat and sprinkle the second packet of onion soup mix over everything.

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and red wine vinegar, stirring until well combined.

Cover with a lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Serve your Witches Brew Stew hot and enjoy!

Notes:

Meat Variations: Feel free to mix and match different types of meat, such as ground chicken or turkey, for a lighter option.

Vegetable Swaps: You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans would work well.

Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.

Slow Cooker Tips: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Simmer it in a large pot for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender.

Make-Ahead: This stew keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great make-ahead meal. You can also freeze leftovers for a quick future meal.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Garnish Ideas: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a nice touch when serving.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes! Witches Brew Stew can be made ahead of time.

It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

If you prefer a different flavor or want to make it lighter, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based sausage.

Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly.

Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian or vegan, substitute the meats with plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

You can also add more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in portioned containers.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I adjust the thickness of the stew?

Yes! If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to release their starch.

Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For a thinner stew, simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this stew?

Yes! You can use frozen vegetables if you prefer.

Just add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

How can I enhance the flavor of the stew?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic, herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or spices (such as paprika or bay leaves) to the stew.

You can also sauté the garlic and spices with the meat before adding them to the slow cooker.

What should I do if the stew is too salty?

If your stew turns out too salty, you can add more vegetables or a few diced potatoes to absorb some of the saltiness.

Another option is to add a splash of vinegar or a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.

How do I know when the stew is done cooking?

The stew is done when the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

This usually takes about 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! You can easily double the recipe.

Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may need a bit longer to reach the desired tenderness.