Description
Slow Cooker Witches’ Brew Stew is a cozy, hearty, and flavorful slow-cooked meal perfect for crisp autumn evenings. Combining tender beef or chicken with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and warming spices, this stew offers rich, soul-soothing flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for family dinners or festive Halloween gatherings, it’s easily customizable for various dietary preferences and sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1.5 to 2 lbs beef chuck or boneless chicken thighs, cubed
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
Liquids & Sauces
- 4 cups beef broth or vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh rosemary/sage as variation)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 chopped jalapeño or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy version)
- 1 cup cooked barley or quinoa (added near the end)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Chop all vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking. Cube the beef or chicken into bite-sized chunks to absorb stew flavors well.
- Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended): In a hot pan with a little oil, brown the cubed meat until nicely caramelized to lock in juices and deepen flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
- Layer the Stew: Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then layer the meat on top, followed by carrots, potatoes, and the spices.
- Add Broth and Tomato Paste: Pour the broth over all ingredients and gently stir in the tomato paste to meld the flavors while keeping the vegetable shapes intact.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is tender and all flavors are well combined.
Notes
- Layer wisely by placing denser vegetables at the bottom for longer cooking time.
- Searing meat before slow cooking significantly enhances the overall flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives near the end for a vibrant aroma.
- Use a cornstarch-water slurry to thicken the stew if needed at the end of cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper after cooking to achieve perfect seasoning balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: slow cooker stew, witches brew stew, autumn stew, slow cooker recipes, beef stew, chicken stew, hearty stew, Halloween recipe, comforting stew
