Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is a comforting and festive dish perfect for chilly evenings or Halloween gatherings. This hearty stew combines ground beef, sausage, vegetables, and spooky pumpkin-shaped carrots for a fun twist. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich flavors melding together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage (use original if you prefer less spice)
- 3-4 large carrots (sliced, then cut into pumpkin shapes)
- 2 cups small diced gold potatoes
- 3 celery ribs (diced)
- 1 cup diced leeks (from 1 large leek)
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup
- 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup
- 1.5 cups water
- 32 oz. box beef broth
- 10 mushrooms (cut in half with skull face designs)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage together. Crumble the meat and drain off excess fat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Prepare the carrot pumpkins by making two straight slits for the stem, then cutting two triangles from the sides of the stem and removing them. Slice the carrots into pumpkin shapes and add them to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add the diced potatoes, celery, leeks, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, salt, pepper, French onion soup, tomato soup, water, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
- Step 5: Near the end of cooking, prepare the mushrooms by cutting them lengthwise into halves. Use a straw to poke out eye holes and a knife to create two slits for a nose, and make slits on the stem to form skull faces.
- Step 6: Add the prepared mushrooms to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 10 minutes to let them soften while retaining their shape.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder stew, swap the hot breakfast sausage for a mild or original flavor sausage.
- You can use any type of potatoes you like, but gold or Yukon potatoes hold their shape well in slow cookers.
- Get creative with the mushroom faces by using different veggie carving tools or toothpicks for added detail.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Storage
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The pumpkin-shaped carrots and mushroom faces may soften after reheating but will still add charm and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the stew in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the mushrooms near the end as instructed to preserve their shape.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian herb seasoning?
Absolutely. Substitute 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs with 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped parsley, basil, and oregano for a fresher taste.
PrintSlow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Recipe
A spooky and hearty Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew that combines ground beef, spicy sausage, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich beef broth with French onion and tomato soups. This stew features charming pumpkin-shaped carrots and skull face mushrooms for a festive Halloween touch, making it perfect for a cozy and themed meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (High) or 8 hours (Low) plus 10 minutes for mushrooms
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (High) or 8 hours 30 minutes (Low)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage (use original if you prefer less spicy)
Vegetables
- 3–4 large carrots (sliced then cut into pumpkin shapes)
- 2 cups small diced gold potatoes
- 3 celery ribs (diced)
- 1 cup diced leeks (1 large leek)
- 10 mushrooms (cut in half and carved with skull face)
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Liquids & Soups
- 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup
- 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup
- 1.5 cups water
- 32 oz. box beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop, brown the ground beef and hot breakfast sausage together until fully cooked, breaking up meat into crumbles. Drain off excess fat and transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
- Prepare Pumpkin Carrot Slices: For the carrot pumpkins, create two straight slits on each carrot piece to form the stem, then cut out two triangular shapes from the sides of the stem and remove them. Slice the carrots into rounds resembling small pumpkins and add them to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Mushrooms): Add the diced gold potatoes, celery, diced leeks, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, salt, pepper, Campbell’s condensed French onion soup, condensed tomato soup, water, and beef broth into the slow cooker with the meat and carrots. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- Prepare Mushrooms: When cooking time is nearly complete, cut each mushroom lengthwise in half. Using a straw, poke out eye holes and use a knife to carve two slits for a nose. Additionally, carve slits on the mushroom stems to create skull face designs.
- Add Mushrooms and Finish Cooking: Carefully add the carved mushrooms to the slow cooker. Let them cook for an additional 10 minutes to soften slightly while retaining shape and detail.
- Serve Hot: Stir gently to distribute mushrooms, then serve the stew hot, enjoying the festive Halloween presentation and rich comforting flavors.
Notes
- Wait to add the mushrooms until the end of cooking time so they maintain their shape and detailed carvings.
- You can substitute the hot breakfast sausage for original if you prefer a milder stew.
- Carving the mushrooms and carrots adds a fun, spooky visual perfect for Halloween gatherings.
- Drain excess fat after browning meats to avoid greasy stew.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: slow cooker stew, Halloween stew, witches brew stew, beef and sausage stew, Halloween recipe, slow cooker recipe, autumn stew
