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Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew
Callie Brooks

Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew

This rich and cozy beef stew is a spooky-season favorite, packed with tender beef, vegetables, herbs, and a red wine broth. Perfect for Halloween gatherings or chilly fall nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main Course, Stew
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • fresh parsley, to garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large soup pot
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, and red wine if using. Add bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
  4. Stir in potatoes and mushrooms. Cover and cook 20–30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5600IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Use chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. Add potatoes late in the cooking to prevent mushiness. Optional Halloween garnishes like puff pastry ghosts or olive “eyeballs” bring festive fun. Make it ahead — it tastes even better the next day.

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