Witches Brew Stew Recipe

Introduction:

Witches Brew Stew is a Halloween-themed slow cooker dish that’s as fun as it is flavorful. With a hearty mix of ground beef, hot sausage, and festive vegetables like pumpkin-shaped carrots and skull-shaped mushrooms, this stew is perfect for a spooky fall meal. Serve it with garlic bread and Parmesan cheese for an extra treat!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage (or original for a milder flavor)
• 3-4 large carrots, sliced into pumpkin shapes
• 2 cups small diced gold potatoes
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 1 large leek, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning (oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, savory)
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup
• 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup
• 1.5 cups water
• 32 oz. beef broth
• 10 mushrooms, halved and carved into skull shapes

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage together. Crumble the meat as it cooks and drain the fat. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Carrots:
   • Slice the carrots into rounds, then cut them into pumpkin shapes by making two straight slits for the stem and cutting two triangles on either side. Add the carved carrots to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Veggies and Soups:
   • To the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, celery, leeks, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato soup, French onion soup, water, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook:
   • Cover

the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.

5. Prepare Skull Mushrooms:
   • While the stew is cooking, prepare the mushrooms. Slice them in half and use a straw to poke out eye holes. Make slits for the nose and small cuts along the stem to resemble a skull’s collar.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Add the skull mushrooms to the slow cooker for the last 10 minutes of cooking to maintain their shape. Serve the stew hot with garlic bread or cornbread, and top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH) or 8 hours (on LOW)
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH) or 9 hours (on LOW)

Variations

• Meat Options: Swap out the hot sausage for Italian sausage or a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables such as corn or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garlic or add chili flakes if you prefer a spicier stew.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little beef broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and sausage with other types of meat, such as chicken or pork, according to your preference.
2. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
   • Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
3. How do I make the pumpkin-shaped carrots?
   • Slice carrots into rounds and use a knife to cut out pumpkin shapes. It’s best to make the cuts before adding the carrots to the stew.
4. What can I use instead of beef broth?
   • You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute for beef broth.
5. Can I add beans to the stew?
   • Yes, beans like kidney or black beans can be added for extra protein and texture.
6. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
   • You can cook this stew on the stovetop in a large pot, simmering over low heat for about 2-3 hours.
7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   • Use a meat substitute or just add more vegetables and beans in place of the meat.
8. What kind of mushrooms should I use?
   • White button mushrooms work best for carving into skull shapes, but any small mushroom variety can be used.
9. Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?
   • Yes, homemade tomato and French onion soups can be used for a fresher taste.
10. Can I freeze the stew?
    • Yes, the stew can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Witches Brew Stew is a delightful and spooky dish that’s perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering. With its hearty ingredients and festive presentation, this stew will be a hit at your next party. Whether you’re serving it alongside garlic bread or cornbread, this recipe brings a touch of Halloween fun to your dinner table. Enjoy the flavors and the eerie presentation with family and friends!

Witches Brew Stew is a Halloween-themed slow cooker dish that’s as fun as it is flavorful. With a hearty mix of ground beef, hot sausage, and festive vegetables like pumpkin-shaped carrots and skull-shaped mushrooms, this stew is perfect for a spooky fall meal. Serve it with garlic bread and Parmesan cheese for an extra treat!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage (or original for a milder flavor)
• 3-4 large carrots, sliced into pumpkin shapes
• 2 cups small diced gold potatoes
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 1 large leek, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning (oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, savory)
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup
• 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup
• 1.5 cups water
• 32 oz. beef broth
• 10 mushrooms, halved and carved into skull shapes

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage together. Crumble the meat as it cooks and drain the fat. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Carrots:
   • Slice the carrots into rounds, then cut them into pumpkin shapes by making two straight slits for the stem and cutting two triangles on either side. Add the carved carrots to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Veggies and Soups:
   • To the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, celery, leeks, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato soup, French onion soup, water, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook:
   • Cover

the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.

5. Prepare Skull Mushrooms:
   • While the stew is cooking, prepare the mushrooms. Slice them in half and use a straw to poke out eye holes. Make slits for the nose and small cuts along the stem to resemble a skull’s collar.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Add the skull mushrooms to the slow cooker for the last 10 minutes of cooking to maintain their shape. Serve the stew hot with garlic bread or cornbread, and top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH) or 8 hours (on LOW)
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH) or 9 hours (on LOW)

Variations

• Meat Options: Swap out the hot sausage for Italian sausage or a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables such as corn or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garlic or add chili flakes if you prefer a spicier stew.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little beef broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and sausage with other types of meat, such as chicken or pork, according to your preference.
2. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
   • Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
3. How do I make the pumpkin-shaped carrots?
   • Slice carrots into rounds and use a knife to cut out pumpkin shapes. It’s best to make the cuts before adding the carrots to the stew.
4. What can I use instead of beef broth?
   • You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute for beef broth.
5. Can I add beans to the stew?
   • Yes, beans like kidney or black beans can be added for extra protein and texture.
6. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
   • You can cook this stew on the stovetop in a large pot, simmering over low heat for about 2-3 hours.
7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   • Use a meat substitute or just add more vegetables and beans in place of the meat.
8. What kind of mushrooms should I use?
   • White button mushrooms work best for carving into skull shapes, but any small mushroom variety can be used.
9. Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?
   • Yes, homemade tomato and French onion soups can be used for a fresher taste.
10. Can I freeze the stew?
    • Yes, the stew can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Witches Brew Stew is a delightful and spooky dish that’s perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering. With its hearty ingredients and festive presentation, this stew will be a hit at your next party. Whether you’re serving it alongside garlic bread or cornbread, this recipe brings a touch of Halloween fun to your dinner table. Enjoy the flavors and the eerie presentation with family and friends!

Witches Brew Stew is a Halloween-themed slow cooker dish that’s as fun as it is flavorful. With a hearty mix of ground beef, hot sausage, and festive vegetables like pumpkin-shaped carrots and skull-shaped mushrooms, this stew is perfect for a spooky fall meal. Serve it with garlic bread and Parmesan cheese for an extra treat!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage (or original for a milder flavor)
• 3-4 large carrots, sliced into pumpkin shapes
• 2 cups small diced gold potatoes
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 1 large leek, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning (oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, savory)
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup
• 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup
• 1.5 cups water
• 32 oz. beef broth
• 10 mushrooms, halved and carved into skull shapes

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage together. Crumble the meat as it cooks and drain the fat. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Carrots:
   • Slice the carrots into rounds, then cut them into pumpkin shapes by making two straight slits for the stem and cutting two triangles on either side. Add the carved carrots to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Veggies and Soups:
   • To the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, celery, leeks, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato soup, French onion soup, water, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook:
   • Cover

the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.

5. Prepare Skull Mushrooms:
   • While the stew is cooking, prepare the mushrooms. Slice them in half and use a straw to poke out eye holes. Make slits for the nose and small cuts along the stem to resemble a skull’s collar.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Add the skull mushrooms to the slow cooker for the last 10 minutes of cooking to maintain their shape. Serve the stew hot with garlic bread or cornbread, and top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH) or 8 hours (on LOW)
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (on HIGH) or 9 hours (on LOW)

Variations

• Meat Options: Swap out the hot sausage for Italian sausage or a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables such as corn or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garlic or add chili flakes if you prefer a spicier stew.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little beef broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and sausage with other types of meat, such as chicken or pork, according to your preference.
2. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
   • Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
3. How do I make the pumpkin-shaped carrots?
   • Slice carrots into rounds and use a knife to cut out pumpkin shapes. It’s best to make the cuts before adding the carrots to the stew.
4. What can I use instead of beef broth?
   • You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute for beef broth.
5. Can I add beans to the stew?
   • Yes, beans like kidney or black beans can be added for extra protein and texture.
6. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
   • You can cook this stew on the stovetop in a large pot, simmering over low heat for about 2-3 hours.
7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   • Use a meat substitute or just add more vegetables and beans in place of the meat.
8. What kind of mushrooms should I use?
   • White button mushrooms work best for carving into skull shapes, but any small mushroom variety can be used.
9. Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?
   • Yes, homemade tomato and French onion soups can be used for a fresher taste.
10. Can I freeze the stew?
    • Yes, the stew can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Witches Brew Stew is a delightful and spooky dish that’s perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering. With its hearty ingredients and festive presentation, this stew will be a hit at your next party. Whether you’re serving it alongside garlic bread or cornbread, this recipe brings a touch of Halloween fun to your dinner table. Enjoy the flavors and the eerie presentation with family and friends!

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