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A perfect Halloween soup recipe that is loaded with flavor and nutrients in each bite. So, start brewing up this a Magical Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew! Calling all witches and wizards! Are you ready to conjure up a spellbinding slow cooker feast that will enchant your taste buds and warm your soul this fall? Look no further than our beloved Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew! With a blend of aromatic herbs, hearty vegetables, and tender, succulent meat, this bubbling cauldron of deliciousness is sure to transport you to a mystical realm of flavor.
Italian sausage and ground beef collide, creating tons of flavor. Then you have an onion soup mix, carrots, potatoes, celery, and more. As the autumn winds carry whispers of magic and mystery, it’s time to gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
The fun-shaped vegetables really give this Halloween witches brew stew such a fun element that makes kids gobble up their veggies. This slow cooker stew is one you can make all year round or for the month of October for a Halloween dinner idea.
Why Everyone Raves Over This Witches Brew Stew Recipe
- This stew is loaded with flavor, fresh vegetables, and spices. A comforting dinner that kids and adults will gobble up.
- The veggies in the stew are cut to look like ghosts and the carrots are cut into baby pumpkins. It gives it a perfect Halloween vibe.
- This stew is very versatile in terms of ingredients you add or take out of the soup. Create a hearty dinner that you prefer in terms of flavor.
- If you want a Halloween-themed dinner idea for a Halloween bash, this is it. Just toss it in to cook in the morning and then by dinner, you have a fantastic stew to ladle up.
Ingredients Needed
Sausage and Beef – You will use both Italian sausage and ground beef for this recipe. It is going to create a nice depth of flavor.
Shallots – Finely dice your shallot and toss in the stew.
Onion Soup Mix – The onion soup mix is my secret ingredient for this stew. It is loaded with rich beefy and onion flavor which pairs perfectly with the meat and vegetables.
Mushrooms – You will use large white mushrooms, that you add eyes too. This is going to give you the look of ghosts in the stew.
Carrots – It takes just a minute to cut your carrots to look like pumpkins. I find fun shaped vegetables lures the kids in more to eat it out of the soup.
Celery – Finely chop your celery for added flavor to the soup.
Potatoes – If you can find the baby gemstone potatoes for this recipe. I know sometimes they are hard to find at the grocery store depending where you live. Baby potatoes can be used in replace.
Broth – Beef broth or beef bone broth is going to be needed for the liquid of the soup. You could of course do a Better than Bouillon if you prefer that.
Tomatoes – Reach for a can of Italian tomatoes that are diced. The acidicness in the tomatoes helps to balance all the flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar – Just like the tomatoes the acidic component is going to really transform the flavor of the stew to a whole new level of richness.
You can of course use just one type of meat if you prefer. But I will say doing a mix of sausage and beef is really going to elevate the flavor of the whole soup.
How to Make Witch’s Brew Stew
Full directions are in the printable recipe card. This is a quick walk through for readers to see how this hearty Italian sausage stew is made.
- In a skillet, you will add both ground beef and sausage. Add in the shallots and a package of the soup mix. Cook until the meat is fully cooked.
- While the meat is cooking take your mushrooms and poke eyes in each side with a toothpick or chopstick.
- Then you will cut two triangles on one side of the carrots to create a pumpkin shape.
- When the meat is done place the meat in the slow cooker.
- Add the vegetables to the pan with the grease from the meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat to sear the veggies a bit.
- Add vegetables to the slow cooker. Then add the broth, tomatoes, soup mix, and vinegar to the slow cooker.
- Mix well and cover and cook for high 2-3 hours or low 4-6 hours.
- Once done, serve and devour.
Variations of Witches Brew Stew
Here are a few ways you can change up the recipe to create new flavors of the mushroom stew for you!
- Make this a ground beef stew and leave out the sausage. Or do just sausage and skip the beef.
- If you want a vegetarian Halloween meal idea leave out the meat.
- Add in a can of rinsed and drained kidney or pinto beans for added protein.
- Dice up some bell pepper or even zucchini to toss in.
- Add in more veggies like a bag of frozen green beans, corn, and peas if you want more flavor.
- Reach for rainbow carrots to add more color to the spooky stew.
- To make a creamy soup add some cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time.
- Elevate the spice factor and add in some hot sauce or even red pepper flakes. Or you can fice up a jalapeno and leave some seeds.
FAQs
Do you cook sausage before putting in slow cooker?
Yes, you will want to cook the sausage and ground beef before you add to the slow cooker. Now if your slow cooker has a saute feature go ahead and use that feature first. But the meat has to be fully cooked before you add vegetables and such.
Do I have to make shapes with the mushrooms and carrots?
No, you are welcome to just toss them in if you want. I liked having them look different as it gave it a Halloween vibe. But feel free to skip the step.
What is the best way to store leftover soup?
If you have extra soup simply store in the fridge in a sealed container. The soup will last around 3 days in the fridge. Then reheat as you wish. Or you can place in a freezer container and freeze for up to 3-4 months.
Finally, we come to the magical array of meats and mushrooms that will transform your brew into a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you choose succulent chunks of beef, tender chicken, or even summon the mystic power of mushrooms for a vegetarian option, this stew will become a mouth-watering sensation in every spoonful.
Once all the elements of your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew are combined, place them into your cauldron-like slow cooker and let time work its own magical powers. As the hours tick by, the flavors will meld together in a spellbinding dance of taste, ensuring that every mouthful is a pure enchantment. Patience is key, for the longer it simmers, the more complex and captivating it will become. When your stew is ready and the fragrance fills your kitchen, it’s time to embrace the magic and serve up a steaming bowl of pure joy.
Can I double the stew recipe?
Want to make a larger batch? If so, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to cook a double batch. If you own a larger slow cooker you will have no problem at all!
Be it a cozy dinner on a chilly night or a gathering of friends celebrating the fall equinox, the Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is a bewitching embodiment of the enchanting spirit of autumn. So, unlock the secrets of your cauldron-like slow cooker, embrace the power of the cauldron, and let your taste buds be whisked away on a truly magical culinary adventure. Cheers to an extraordinary feast, with a dash of witchcraft and a spoonful of love!
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Witches Brew Stew
Course Main Course
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Total Time 6 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Servings 6 Servings
Ward off goblins and ghouls with this witches brew stew. A perfect Halloween soup recipe that is loaded with flavor and nutrients in each bite.
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 1.5 pounds 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
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage and lean ground beef with the diced shallots and one packet of onion mix until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes.
As the meat cooks, slice the mushrooms in half and poke eyes into each rounded side with a chopstick or toothpick.
Cut two triangular wedges out of one side of each carrot and discard. Slice each carrot, forming “pumpkin” shapes.
Once the meat has finished cooking, transfer it to a large slow cooker, leaving behind any extra grease in the pan.
Mix the mushrooms, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the large skillet with the extra grease and heat over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes to begin searing the vegetables. Be sure to stir frequently.
Transfer the vegetables into the large slow cooker with the meat and sprinkle the second packet of onion soup mix all over the vegetables.
Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and red wine vinegar and stir 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 softened enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Enjoy your Witches Brew Stew hot.
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