Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe wind howls with the promise of Halloween, and I can’t help but reminisce about the spooky stews that filled our kitchen, their aromas wrapping us in warmth. This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is my latest creation, blending tender ground beef and spicy sausage with a colorful medley of vegetables intricately cut into festive shapes. As the stew simmers away in the slow cooker, it transforms into a hearty meal that not only pleases the palate but also sparks joy at family gatherings. Perfect for busy afternoons and even easier to serve, this recipe is a delightful way to bring a little magic to your table. Are you ready to stir up some culinary enchantment this Halloween? Why Will You Love This Stew? Comforting and Hearty: This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is the perfect dish to warm your soul on a chilly Halloween night, with a delightful mix of tender meats and hearty vegetables. Effortless Preparation: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—ideal for busy schedules! Festive Visual Appeal: Creative vegetable shapes, like pumpkin and skulls, add an element of fun that will impress both kids and adults. Flavor Explosion: The rich blend of spices and ingredients creates a savory taste sensation, making it the star of any gathering. Adaptable for Everyone: Whether you prefer classic ground beef or a lighter turkey option, this recipe is versatile and can cater to various dietary needs. Don’t forget to check out our Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for another tasty option! Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Ingredients For the Meat • Ground Beef – This is the main protein source; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option. • Hot Breakfast Sausage – Adds spiciness and depth; can swap for mild sausage to customize heat level. For the Vegetables • Carrots – These provide sweetness and vibrant color; cut into pumpkin shapes for a festive look, though regular cuts are acceptable. • Gold Potatoes – Contributes creaminess and texture; substitute with any preferred potato variety, like red or Yukon gold. • Celery – Offers crunch and acts as a flavor base; no direct substitution needed. • Leeks – Adds subtle onion-like flavor; can replace with onions if unavailable. • Mushrooms – Adds earthy flavor and texture; use baby bellas or button mushrooms; shape into skulls for a Halloween touch. For Flavoring • Minced Garlic – Enhances deliciousness; fresh is best, but you can substitute with garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon for 1 clove). • Italian Herb Seasoning – This is a blend of herbs that adds depth; may use a mix of dried oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary. • Salt/Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste. For the Soups • Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup – Adds umami and richness; use homemade onion soup for a fresher option. • Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup – Provides acidity and body; substitute with crushed tomatoes if desired. For Cooking • Water – Used to adjust consistency; use vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor. • Beef Broth – Enhances savory profile; substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarians. This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is a delightful concoction that embodies the essence of Halloween in every spoonful! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Step 1: Brown the Meats In a large skillet, heat your stove over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and hot breakfast sausage. Cook these meats for about 8–10 minutes, stirring regularly until they are fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the deliciously browned meat into your slow cooker, setting the stage for a hearty stew. Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables Take some time to creatively cut your carrots into festive pumpkin shapes to enhance the presentation of the Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew. Toss the shaped carrots into the slow cooker alongside the meat. Then, add in diced gold potatoes, chopped celery, sliced leeks, and minced garlic, ensuring the vibrant colors mix beautifully as you layer the ingredients. Step 3: Seasoning the Stew Sprinkle Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture in your slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the vegetables and meats. This seasoning blend will elevate the savory notes as the Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew cooks, promising a mouthwatering aroma as it simmers away. Step 4: Incorporate the Soups and Broth Now it’s time to pour in the Campbell’s condensed French onion soup and tomato soup over the meat and vegetable mixture. Carefully add water and beef broth to adjust the stew’s consistency. Using a large spoon, gently stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and coated in the rich, aromatic soups. Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for about 4 hours, or on LOW for 8 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a hearty stew that fills the kitchen with irresistible smells. Keep an eye on it and allow the ingredients to soften until they reach your desired tenderness. Step 6: Add the Fun Mushroom Shapes About 10 minutes before serving, take a moment to cut baby bella mushrooms in half and shape them into skulls for that festive flair. Add these spooky skull mushrooms to the slow cooker, gently stirring them into the stew. This last-step addition not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful earthy undertone to the Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Finally, after the cooking time is complete, stir the stew gently to ensure everything is combined. Ladle the Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew into bowls while it’s hot, allowing the warm, hearty comfort to permeate your kitchen. Pair with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for a satisfying meal perfect for any Halloween celebration. Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Variations Feel free to get creative and make this delicious stew your own with these exciting tweaks and substitutions! Turkey Sausage: Swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of gold potatoes for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast. Vegan Delight: Omit the meat and double up on the mushrooms, or add lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Hearty Greens: For added nutrition, toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking to wilt beautifully into the stew. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat and give your stew a fiery twist. Mushroom Medley: Mix different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for a deeper, earthier flavor and delightful texture. Herbal Infusion: Swap the Italian seasoning for a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a fragrant, garden-fresh touch. With each variation, your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew can transform into something new and delightful! And if you’re in the mood for more hearty comfort dishes, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Tom Kha Soup or try the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for even more deliciousness. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew ingredients are perfect for meal prep! You can chop your vegetables—like the festive pumpkin-shaped carrots, gold potatoes, and leeks—up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The meat can also be browned and added to the slow cooker, then refrigerated overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply layer the prepped ingredients, pour in the soups and broth, and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. This strategy not only saves you time but ensures your stew is just as delicious and hearty as if you made everything at once! Tips for the Best Witches Brew Stew Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef and sausage are thoroughly browned to deepen the flavor and avoid a greasy texture in your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew. Vegetable Creativity: Cutting your veggies into spooky shapes boosts presentation but isn’t mandatory; regular shapes will still taste amazing! Season After Cooking: Always taste your stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed, especially since ingredient brands can vary in saltiness. Broth Choices Matter: Using flavorful broths can elevate your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew; opt for low-sodium broth to control the seasoning better. Leftover Storage Tips: Cool your leftovers quickly and refrigerate in airtight containers; they’ll keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining the deliciousness for your next meal. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew? As the rich aroma of the Witches Brew Stew fills your kitchen, let’s explore delightful accompaniments to make your Halloween feast unforgettable. Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf served alongside will soak up the savory stew and provide a satisfying crunch. Buttery Dinner Rolls: These soft, pillowy rolls are perfect for scooping and can be slathered with butter for an irresistible treat. Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, apple slices, and toasted nuts balances the stew’s hearty flavors and adds a pop of color. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a delightful contrast in texture and a slightly bitter flavor to balance the stew’s richness. Sour Cream Dollops: Adding a spoonful of sour cream on top of your stew introduces a creamy tang that enhances the overall flavor. Spooky Desserts: End your meal with festive treats like ghost-shaped cookies or pumpkin spice brownies, keeping the Halloween spirit alive! Hot Apple Cider: This warm, spiced drink complements the meal perfectly, delivering comforting autumnal flavors alongside your rich stew. Embrace the coziness of the season with these flavorful additions that elevate your Halloween celebration! How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Fridge: Keep your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorsome for your next meal. Freezer: Freeze any leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. If you freeze before cooking, add the mushroom skulls after reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for quick reheating. Stir well to redistribute flavors before serving. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the stew at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain quality. Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew Recipe FAQs What kinds of carrots should I use for this stew? You can use any variety of carrots for your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew, but I recommend using fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture. If you’d like, cut them into fun shapes like pumpkins to make the stew more festive! How long can I store leftovers, and how should I do it? Store your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool the stew to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to maintain freshness. Can I freeze this stew, and if so, how? Absolutely! You can freeze your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. If you’re freezing leftovers that haven’t been cooked yet, just make sure to add the mushroom skulls after reheating to keep them fresh and visually appealing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or cook it straight from frozen in a pot on the stove. What if my stew seems too watery after cooking? If your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew turns out watery, don’t worry! You can remove the lid and let it simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes on the stove or high in the slow cooker to evaporate excess liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew to thicken it up right before serving. Are there any dietary considerations for this stew? Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you might want to consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth makes it vegetarian-friendly. It’s always best to check for individual ingredient allergies as well, particularly with prepared soups and seasonings. Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew for a Spooktacular Feast No ratings yet This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew combines tender ground beef, spicy sausage, and festive vegetables for a hearty, magical Halloween meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.1 lb Hot Breakfast Sausage Swappable for mild sausage to adjust spice level.For the Vegetables2 cups Carrots Cut into pumpkin shapes for festive look.3 cups Gold Potatoes Any preferred potato variety is acceptable.1 cup Celery Provides crunch and flavor base.1 cup Leeks Can replace with onions if needed.1 cup Mushrooms Shape into skulls for Halloween appeal.For Flavoring4 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh is best, can substitute with garlic powder.2 tbsp Italian Herb Seasoning Or use a mix of dried herbs.to taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Soups1 can Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup Homemade onion soup can be used.1 can Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute.For Cooking2 cups Water Use broth for added flavor.2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option. Equipment slow cookerLarge skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBrown the meats in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked, then transfer to slow cooker.Cut carrots into festive shapes and add to slow cooker with diced potatoes, celery, leeks, and minced garlic.Season with Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir gently.Pour French onion and tomato soup into slow cooker, add water and beef broth, and stir to combine.Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.10 minutes before serving, cut mushrooms into skull shapes and add to stew, stirring gently.Serve hot in bowls with optional crusty bread. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg NotesFor the best flavor, brown meat well. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
