Description
This Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, simmered to perfection with tender beef, root vegetables, and red wine. The rich flavors and spooky presentation make it an ideal Halloween dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hollowed-out bread bowls for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides to develop rich flavor.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. This builds the base flavor for the stew.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
4. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for extra depth.
5. Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes, stirring everything together.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat should be fork-tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
8. For a spooky effect, ladle the stew into hollowed-out bread bowls, making each serving look like a bubbling witch’s cauldron.
Notes
You can make this stew a day ahead to let the flavors develop even more.
Swap the wine with beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar if needed.
Serve in bread bowls right before eating to prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g