Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stew is the perfect combination of tender meat, vegetables, and savory spices. It’s cooked low and slow to allow all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, flavorful broth. The optional cornstarch slurry thickens the broth, making it even heartier, while a dash of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste adds depth and richness. It’s the ideal meal for a chilly evening, especially when you’re in the mood for something magical and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680g) stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups (950ml) broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups baby carrots, halved if large
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 oz / 170g) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry if using cornstarch)
- Optional: pinch red pepper flakes or dash of balsamic vinegar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Chop the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Cut the stew meat into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the cubed meat in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add all of the chopped vegetables, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper on top.
Step 3: Add Broth and Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the broth.
Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Step 7: Let the Stew Rest
Once the stew is cooked, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream if desired. Enjoy your magical and cozy dinner!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (LOW) or 4-5 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Make the stew vegetarian by using mushrooms or beans and swapping out the beef broth for vegetable broth.
- Extra Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, or use a dash of balsamic vinegar for an added layer of flavor.
- Sear the Meat: For extra flavor, sear the stew meat in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step will add a deeper, richer flavor to the stew.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The stew also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day or two!
Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe calls for stew meat, you can substitute it with other cuts of meat. You can also make it with chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?
Yes, the cornstarch is optional. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can skip it, or blend part of the stew with an immersion blender to thicken it naturally.
How can I make this stew spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick. You can also use hot sauce to customize the spice level.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Witches Brew Stew is the perfect dish for a cozy, spellbinding dinner. Packed with tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s ideal for Halloween or any time you want a comforting, flavorful meal. Easy to make in the slow cooker and full of delicious layers of taste, this stew will keep you warm and satisfied all season long.
Magical & Cozy Witches Brew Stew for a Spellbinding Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (LOW) or 4-5 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Stew
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Witches Brew Stew is a hearty and flavorful crockpot meal with tender meat, vegetables, and savory spices, perfect for a cozy Halloween dinner or anytime you want a comforting meal.
Ingredients
1½ lbs (680g) stew meat, cubed
4 cups (950ml) broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups baby carrots, halved if large
3 medium potatoes, diced
2 ribs celery, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (6 oz / 170g) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for slurry if using cornstarch)
Optional: pinch red pepper flakes or dash of balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and mince garlic. Cut the stew meat into bite-sized cubes.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place cubed meat in the slow cooker, then add the chopped vegetables, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper on top.
- Add Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours until the meat is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker broth.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Let the Stew Rest: Allow the stew to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream if desired.
Notes
Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms or beans instead of meat, and vegetable broth for a vegetarian stew.
Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or balsamic vinegar for an extra spicy twist.
Sear the Meat: For deeper flavor, sear the stew meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
