Description
Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew is a rich, savory Halloween dish featuring tender beef, root vegetables, and red wine in a flavorful broth. Served in a hollowed-out bread bowl, it creates a spooky cauldron effect that’s perfect for a festive 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
- Brown the beef stew meat in a large pot over medium heat to develop flavor.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
- Add beef broth, carrots, and potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and broth thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper; remove bay leaf before serving.
- Optional: Serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for a spooky Halloween presentation.
Notes
Use chuck roast or stew meat for best texture and flavor.
Vegetarian version: substitute beef with mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable broth.
Skip the bread bowl for a gluten-free version, or serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently with added broth or water if too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg