Description
This Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew is a hearty, spooky, and flavor-packed dish perfect for Halloween! Tender beef, rich broth, and aromatic herbs create a comforting meal with a fun Halloween twist complete with mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ and green ‘witch moss’ garnish.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional; can substitute with more broth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For a Spooky Touch (optional but fun!):
“Eyeballs”: small mozzarella balls or pearl onions
“Witch’s moss”: chopped parsley or kale for garnish
“Potion bubbles”: peas added right before serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Return beef to the pot. Pour in broth and wine, add bay leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
5. Add potatoes (and peas if using) in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Simmer until tender and stew has thickened slightly.
6. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with ‘eyeballs’ and ‘moss’ for a spooky Halloween presentation.
Notes
Substitute wine with more broth for an alcohol-free version.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or tomato sauce.
Serve in black bowls or mini cauldrons for a magical Halloween presentation.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Dinner, Halloween Recipes, Comfort Food
- Method: Simmering, Stewing
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew, Halloween Dinner, Beef Stew, Spooky Recipes, Comfort Food