Witches Brew Stew: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Spooky Dish

Q: Can I substitute the Campbell’s Tomato Soup for regular tomato sauce?

While you can use tomato sauce, Campbell’s Tomato Soup adds a unique sweetness and richness that really elevates this stew. I highly recommend sticking with the soup!

Jump to Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a simmering pot of stew, especially when it’s Halloween season. If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, spice, and a touch of whimsy, Witches Brew Stew is the answer. This savory, hearty stew is packed with flavorful sausage, ground beef, and fresh vegetables, making it the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly fall evening or impress your guests at your next spooky gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just someone who’s looking for a fun, easy dinner option, this recipe is for you. No need to be a culinary wizard to create this delightful concoction—just a little bit of time, the right ingredients, and a dash of creativity will give you a dish that’s both delicious and visually striking.

Why You’ll Love This Witches Brew Stew

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, savory, and filling, this dish will warm you from the inside out—and it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
A Delicious Blend of Flavors: The combo of hot sausage, ground beef, and savory vegetables creates a mouthwatering stew that’s full of warmth and comfort.
Spooky, Yet Wholesome: Pumpkin-shaped carrots and skull mushrooms add a fun twist that’ll have your guests talking—and eating!
Perfect for Fall: With its hearty ingredients and comforting aroma, this stew is the ultimate dish for cozy fall nights or spooky gatherings.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Set it in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen—no need for complicated techniques, just delicious results.
Customizable: Don’t like mushrooms or spicy sausage? No problem! Swap out ingredients to make it just how you like.
Great for Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To brew this flavorful pot of stew, gather the following ingredients:

Hot Sausage – I use Jimmy Dean hot breakfast sausage for that perfect spicy kick. If you prefer mild flavors, feel free to swap it out for mild sausage or even Italian sausage.
Ground Beef – For extra flavor, cook it along with the sausage, crumble it up, and drain off any excess fat.
Vegetables – Carrots, mushrooms, gold potatoes, garlic, leeks, and celery make up the heart of this stew.
Italian Herb Seasoning – A mix of oregano, marjoram, thyme, savory, rosemary, basil, and sage. You can substitute with whatever herbs you have on hand.
Beef Broth – Adds that rich, savory base that ties it all together.
Campbell’s Tomato Soup – Skip the tomato sauce for this secret ingredient; it adds the perfect balance of flavor.
Campbell’s French Onion Soup – This is where the magic happens. It adds a deep, caramelized onion flavor that really makes the stew stand out.

How to Make Witches Brew Stew

Start with the Sausage and Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and hot breakfast sausage together. Crumble them as they cook, then drain off any excess fat. The savory aroma is already enough to make you excited about this stew!
Add to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer your cooked meats into a slow cooker. You’re halfway to stew heaven!
Carve Your Carrot Pumpkins:
Now for the fun part! Take your carrots and make two straight slits at the top to create a stem. Then, cut two triangles on either side of the stem and remove them to form your cute little pumpkin shapes. Slice the carrots into rounds, and voilà—pumpkin-shaped veggie slices!
Add the Vegetables & Soups:
Add your pumpkin-shaped carrots, gold potatoes, leeks, garlic, and celery into the slow cooker. Pour in the Campbell’s tomato soup and French onion soup, but hold off on the mushrooms for now. Trust me, they’re going in last for a reason!
Pour in the Beef Broth:
Add the beef broth to the slow cooker, stir everything together, and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. This is when your kitchen starts to smell like fall magic.
Prepare the Skull Mushrooms:
Grab your mushrooms and a standard-sized straw. Use the straw to poke out little eye holes, and then make slits for the nose and a collar effect on the stem. They’ll look like little edible skulls ready to join the stew!
Add the Mushrooms:
Once your stew has cooked for 4 hours, gently add your carved skull mushrooms to the slow cooker. Let them cook for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures they hold their shape and don’t get too soft. We want them spooky but still firm!
Serve & Enjoy!
Once everything is cooked and bubbling away, grab your ladle and serve up a hearty bowl of Witches Brew Stew. Enjoy the spooky and delicious flavors with your family or guests. This stew is the perfect way to bring some festive fun to the table.

Tips for the Perfect Witches Brew Stew

Mushroom Carving Tip: Don’t worry if your mushroom carvings aren’t perfect. The point is to add a little spooky fun, and they’ll look great in the end!
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or swap out veggies based on what you have in your kitchen. Sweet potatoes or parsnips could be a fun alternative to gold potatoes.
Leftovers: This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. So, feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day!

Witches Brew Stew with beef, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and savory broth in a slow cooker. — This Witches Brew Stew is packed with beef, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth—perfect for cozy fall nights or a Halloween feast.

FAQs About Witches Brew Stew

Can I substitute the Campbell’s Tomato Soup for regular tomato sauce?

While you can use tomato sauce, Campbell’s Tomato Soup adds a unique sweetness and richness that really elevates this stew. I highly recommend sticking with the soup!

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This stew stores really well. Just make it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time.

What if I don’t like mushrooms?

No worries! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, feel free to leave them out. The rest of the stew will still be hearty and delicious without them.

Witches Brew Stew: A Spooky Fall Favorite

As the fall air grows crisp and the Halloween season approaches, Witches Brew Stew is the perfect dish to bring a bit of magic into your kitchen. It’s flavorful, comforting, and just the right amount of spooky! Plus, the fact that it cooks in a slow cooker means you can relax and let the stew work its magic while you focus on the fun parts of your day.

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a Halloween party or just need a cozy meal to serve your family, this recipe will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients, carve those pumpkin-shaped carrots, and get ready to brew up something truly special.

Keep the Magic Going!

Once you’ve enjoyed your Witches Brew Stew, why not keep the fun rolling with some other delicious recipes? Here are a few ideas to complement your magical meal:

Pair your stew with Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread for the ultimate comfort experience—because what’s a hearty stew without some warm, fluffy bread to dip in?
Keep the spooky vibes going with Stuffed Mushroom Eyeballs. They make the perfect Halloween-themed appetizer to kick off your meal in style.
If you’re craving another easy slow cooker dish, try Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. It’s a cheesy, comforting dish your whole family will love.
For a sweet treat to finish off your feast, make Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles—bite-sized indulgence that’s full of fall flavor and perfect for dessert.

These recipes will keep you in the cozy, festive spirit all season long!