Description
Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef simmered in a rich broth with red wine, carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Cooked slowly to deepen the flavors, this comforting stew is perfect for chilly evenings or themed parties. Served in hollowed-out bread bowls for a whimsical presentation, this meal satisfies both taste and imagination for all ages.
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
- In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for a spooky cauldron effect.
Notes
Substitute chicken for beef to make a lighter stew or use vegetable broth and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Prepare the stew a day ahead for enhanced flavor, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently on the stove. If your stew is too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken; if too thick, add more broth or water. Bread bowls can be swapped for rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg