Description

A hearty, flavorful Halloween stew that’s become our family’s go-to Halloween dinner. Packed with wholesome ingredients and simmered to perfection, this witches brew has just the right touch of eerie charm to make Halloween night feel special.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound stew beef, cut into 1-inch chunks (or 1 pound mushrooms for a vegetarian witches brew)
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into fingers
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a mysterious, smoky depth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the Magic: If using beef, add the chunks to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides. This step is crucial for building a rich, deep flavor in your stew. If you’re making the vegetarian version, add the mushrooms now and sauté until they release their liquid and begin to brown.
Create the Brew: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the whole mixture to a boil.
Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. This slow cooking is what makes it so comforting.
Add the Final Touches: Stir in the frozen corn and peas. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, just until they are heated through. For a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the hot stew and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the broth has thickened.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the steaming stew into bowls and get ready for a deliciously spooky meal.

Notes

This stew is fantastic for leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg