Description
This hearty Witches Brew Stew combines savory Italian sausage, lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and bold seasonings slow-cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for a cozy meal, this rich and flavorful stew features mushroom eyes and pumpkin-shaped carrots to add a whimsical touch for Halloween or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 3-ounce package shallots, diced
- 1 8-ounce package large white mushrooms, halved and decorated
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into pumpkin shapes
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ 1.5 pounds bag baby gemstone potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 (1 ounce) packets onion soup mix, divided
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can Italian-style petite diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage and lean ground beef along with the diced shallots and one packet of onion soup mix. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-8 minutes.
- Prepare Mushrooms: While the meat cooks, slice the mushrooms in half. Use a chopstick or toothpick to poke eyes into the rounded sides to create a spooky look.
- Shape Carrots: Cut two triangular wedges from one side of each peeled carrot and discard them. Then slice the carrots to form “pumpkin” shapes for decoration.
- Transfer Meat to Slow Cooker: Once the meat is cooked, move it to a large slow cooker, leaving behind any extra grease in the skillet.
- Sear Vegetables: Add mushrooms, carved carrots, celery, and halved potatoes to the skillet with the leftover grease. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to sear the vegetables slightly.
- Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared vegetables to the slow cooker with the meat. Sprinkle the second packet of onion soup mix evenly over the vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Stir: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and red wine vinegar, stirring gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and enjoy a comforting and festive Witches Brew Stew.
Notes
- For a spicier stew, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes when browning the meat.
- You can substitute baby Yukon Gold potatoes if baby gemstone potatoes are unavailable.
- To make this stew gluten-free, verify that the onion soup mix is gluten-free or substitute with homemade seasoning.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a splash of red wine in place of some beef broth can deepen the flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
