Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew

Effortless Enchantment: Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting! After minimal prep, simply set it and forget it, returning hours later to a magically delicious meal. This Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew practically cooks itself, making dinner simple on busy fall evenings.
Spooktacularly Themed: Beyond just a tasty stew, this recipe is a feast for the eyes! With charming “pumpkin” carrots and “ghostly” mushroom faces, it transforms a classic comfort food into a fun, festive Halloween delight that kids and adults alike will adore.
Hearty & Flavorful: Packed with two kinds of meat (ground beef and hot sausage), an array of fresh vegetables, and savory broths, every spoonful of this Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is bursting with rich, comforting flavors. It’s the perfect robust meal to warm you from the inside out.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: As the crisp autumn air settles in, nothing beats a warm bowl of stew. This recipe delivers ultimate coziness, combining savory meats with tender vegetables in a deeply satisfying broth, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or a Halloween gathering.

As the leaves begin their fiery dance and a crisp whisper rustles through the air, there’s a certain magic that descends upon the kitchen. Forget boring weeknight meals! This fall, conjure up something truly enchanting, something that bubbles with flavor and smiles with spooky charm: our legendary Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew. Imagine the aroma of savory meats and fragrant herbs wafting through your home, promising a hearty, captivating meal that’s as fun to look at as it is to devour. It’s the perfect potion for a chilly evening, guaranteed to cast a delicious spell on everyone at your table!

Ingredients for Your Magical Brew

Gather your enchanted components for this delightful Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew:

🍖 1 lb. ground beef
🌭 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage (original preferred)
🥕 3-4 large carrots, sliced and shaped into pumpkins
🥔 2 cups small diced gold potatoes
🥬 3 celery ribs, diced
🧅 1 cup diced leeks
🧄 1 tsp. minced garlic
🌿 1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning
🧂 3/4 tsp. salt
🧂 1/4 tsp. pepper
🥣 10.5 oz. Campbell’s French Onion Soup
🥣 10.5 oz. Campbell’s Tomato Soup
💧 1.5 cups water
🥣 32 oz. beef broth
🍄 10 mushrooms, halved and carved for faces

Whipping Up Your Witches Brew: Step-by-Step Directions

Get ready to cast your culinary spell and bring this enchanting Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew to life:

Brown the “Creatures”: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine your ground beef and hot breakfast sausage. Cook until both are thoroughly browned, breaking them into crumbles as they cook. Once done, drain any excess grease – we want flavor, not greasiness! Transfer the delicious, browned meat mixture directly into your slow cooker.
Summon the Veggies: Time to get creative! Take your large carrots and carefully slice them into thick rounds. Now, with a small paring knife or cookie cutter, transform them into adorable pumpkin shapes. Make tiny slits at the top for “stems” and carve small triangles for “faces” – they’ll be floating happily in your brew! Add these spooky carrots, along with the small diced gold potatoes, diced celery ribs, and diced leeks, into the slow cooker.
Stir in the Magic: Now, add the mystical flavor enhancers! Sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Pour in the Potions: Carefully pour in the Campbell’s French Onion Soup, Campbell’s Tomato Soup, 1.5 cups of water, and the entire 32 oz. container of beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and submerged in the liquid.
Set and Simmer: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Now, let the magic happen! Cook on HIGH for 4 hours if you’re in a hurry for your brew, or on LOW for 8 hours for a deeper, slower simmer.
Awaken the Spirits (Mushrooms!): About 10-15 minutes before the end of the cooking time, prepare your ghostly mushrooms. Slice them lengthwise in half. Using a small knife, carefully carve little faces (eyes and a mouth) into the mushroom caps, and make a small slit on the stem if desired. These will be your spooky floating specters!
Final Flourish: Gently add your carved mushrooms to the bubbling stew in the slow cooker. Cover again and allow them to cook for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures they soften slightly while retaining their fun shapes.
Serve Your Spellbinding Stew: Ladle your warm, hearty Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew into bowls and prepare for a chorus of delighted “oohs” and “aahs”!

Presenting Your Witches Brew Stew: Spooky Serving Suggestions

The presentation of your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew is just as important as its delicious taste! Here are some fun ways to serve it, making every meal a magical experience:

Cauldron Chic: Serve individual portions in small, dark, or rustic bowls to mimic mini cauldrons. A large serving bowl can be presented as the main “cauldron” from which everyone scoops their share.
Cobweb Cream: For a delightful garnish, swirl a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top of each serving. Use a toothpick to drag lines from the center outwards, creating an edible cobweb design.
“Bone” Breadsticks: Serve alongside warm, buttery breadsticks that you can shape to look like bones before baking, or simply serve regular breadsticks for dipping into the rich broth. A crusty sourdough loaf or cornbread also makes a fantastic accompaniment.
Herbaceous Hocus Pocus: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness, making your brew look even more inviting.
Miniature Graveyard: For an extra spooky touch, place a small sprig of rosemary upright in the center of the stew in each bowl, resembling a tiny “tree” in a graveyard, or cut small cheese shapes (like bats or ghosts) to float on top.
Ghoulish Gourds: Arrange small decorative pumpkins or gourds around your serving dish to enhance the autumnal and Halloween vibe.

Storing Your Leftover Brew: Keep the Magic Alive!

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew (a rare occurrence, we predict!), here’s how to keep its magic potent for future enjoyment:

Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely at room temperature (no longer than 2 hours) before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully! Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.

FAQs About Your Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew

Here are 10 common questions about our enchanting Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew:

Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the ground beef and sausage. You can substitute with a mix of hearty vegetables like butternut squash, bell peppers, extra potatoes, or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What if I can’t find leeks?
If leeks are unavailable, you can substitute with yellow onion. Use about 1 medium onion, diced, to replace the 1 cup of leeks.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like corn, green beans, peas, bell peppers, or even chunks of sweet potato. Add them along with the other vegetables at the beginning.
Is the hot breakfast sausage too spicy for kids?
The “hot” in breakfast sausage is usually mild to moderate. If you’re concerned about spice for sensitive palates, opt for a “mild” or “original” breakfast sausage. The tomato soup also helps balance any heat.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herb seasoning?
Yes, for fresh herbs, you would typically use about three times the amount of dried herbs. A mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano would be lovely. Add them towards the end of the cooking process for best flavor.
Do I have to carve the carrots and mushrooms?
While carving adds to the fun, it’s completely optional! The stew will be just as delicious with plain sliced carrots and halved mushrooms.
Can I cook this on the stove or in an Instant Pot?
This recipe is designed for a slow cooker. While you could adapt it for stovetop (simmering for 1-2 hours) or Instant Pot (pressure cooking for about 20-25 minutes), the cooking times and liquid amounts would need adjustment.
What kind of potatoes are best for stew?
Gold potatoes (like Yukon Golds) are excellent for stew as they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Red potatoes or even russets (if you prefer them to break down a bit more) also work.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients (chopping vegetables, browning meat) the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, assemble in the slow cooker the next morning. You can also cook the entire stew and reheat it.
Why do the mushrooms go in at the end?
Adding mushrooms at the end prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy. It allows them to cook just enough to be tender while maintaining their carved shapes and a pleasant texture.

Slow Cooker Witches Brew Stew 🧙‍♀️

A hearty, flavorful, and spooky stew perfect for fall nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 4 10

Total Time 4 50

Servings 10

Calories 312 kcal

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Large skillet

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. hot breakfast sausage original preferred
3-4 large carrots sliced and shaped into pumpkins
2 cups small diced gold potatoes
3 celery ribs diced
1 cup diced leeks
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. Italian herb seasoning
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
10.5 oz. Campbell’s French Onion Soup
10.5 oz. Campbell’s Tomato Soup
1.5 cups water
32 oz. beef broth
10 mushrooms halved and carved for faces

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage until browned; crumble and drain. Transfer to slow cooker.
Create pumpkin shapes from carrots by making slits for stems and carving triangles for faces; add to cooker.
Add remaining ingredients (except mushrooms) into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
Near the end, prepare mushrooms by slicing lengthwise, carving faces, and slits on stems.
Add mushrooms to the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Notes