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This witches brew stew is perfect for cozy autumn evenings and especially fun to serve around Halloween. The combination of hot sausage and ground beef makes it rich and hearty, while the creative vegetable cutouts like skull mushrooms and pumpkin carrots add a festive and playful touch. This stew tastes like a jazzed-up hamburger soup and pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
I first tried this recipe inspired by a friend’s creation on Facebook and loved how the hot sausage added a kick. Now it’s my go-to Halloween meal that sparks fun conversation every year.
Ingredients
- Hot sausage: provides spiciness and depth, use mild if you prefer less heat or Italian sausage for a mild but flavorful option. Choose fresh sausage from your butcher or trusted brand.
- Ground beef: adds heartiness and richness, selecting lean but not too dry beef balances flavor and fat content.
- Carrots: cut into pumpkins, they add sweetness and the fun cutouts encourage kids to try vegetables. Look for firm, bright orange carrots.
- Mushrooms: cut into skull shapes, help keep the stew interesting and provide an earthy note. Select firm and fresh mushrooms for best texture.
- Gold potatoes: add creaminess and body, opt for firm potatoes with smooth skin.
- Garlic, leeks, and celery: these aromatics build a savory flavor foundation. Fresh and firm vegetables work best.
- Italian herb seasoning: a blend offering a herby backbone, or make your own mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and sage.
- Beef broth: forms the stew base with savory notes, choose low sodium if you want to control saltiness.
- Campbell’s Tomato Soup: replaces tomato sauce for richer flavor. Use the classic canned soup for authenticity.
- Campbell’s French Onion Soup: the secret ingredient that adds caramelized onion depth and umami.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Meats:
- Heat a large skillet on medium high. Add the ground beef and hot breakfast sausage. Crumble and cook thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
- Add the cooked meats to your slow cooker to prepare for the stew components.
- Prep the Carrot Pumpkins:
- Take whole carrots and cut two straight slits at the top to resemble stems. Then slice small triangles from the sides of the slits and remove them. Slice the carrots to create cute pumpkin shapes.
- Add Vegetables and Soups:
- Add the carved carrot pumpkins, gold potatoes, garlic, leeks, and celery to the slow cooker. Pour over the tomato soup and French onion soup. Do not add mushrooms yet to maintain their shape.
- Pour in Beef Broth and Cook:
- Add the beef broth then cook the stew on high for four hours to tenderize the vegetables and blend flavors.
- Cut Skull Mushrooms:
- Using a standard straw, carefully poke out eye holes in the mushrooms. Then make two slits to form a nose and cut extra slits on the stem to mimic a collar. These details make the mushrooms look like tiny skulls.
- Add Mushrooms and Finish Cooking:
- Add the prepared mushrooms to the slow cooker and cook for an additional ten minutes. This short cooking time ensures they keep their shape and do not get soggy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and top with grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese if desired. Serve with garlic bread, French bread, or crackers for a full festive meal.
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Storage Tips
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve texture. If freezing, do so before adding mushrooms and thaw completely before reheating, then add fresh mushrooms to maintain their shape.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter stew but add extra herbs and salt.
- Vegetarian options include using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
- If you cannot find Italian herb seasoning, mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary from your spice rack.
Serving Suggestions
- This stew pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread, cornbread, or buttered French bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Crackers such as oyster or saltines add a crunchy side.
- Topping with shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese adds a creamy contrast that everyone loves.
Cultural Inspiration
This witches brew stew takes inspiration from classic Halloween soups and welcomes a fun take on a hearty hamburger soup style meal. Hot sausage is a popular addition in American comfort cooking that delivers a spicy, rich flavor profile loved in slower cooked dishes. The decorative vegetable cutouts borrow from traditional seasonal decorating and bring a festive spirit to the dinner table.
Pro Tips
- Always drain fat after cooking meats to keep the stew broth from becoming greasy.
- Do not add mushrooms too early or they will lose their fun shape and texture.
- Toast your Italian herbs briefly in the pan with the meat to wake up their flavor if you want an extra depth boost.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, although hot sausage provides a signature spicy depth. Alternatives like chicken, turkey, or kielbasa work but may require seasoning adjustments to maintain flavor balance.
- → Is freezing this stew possible?
Absolutely. You can freeze the stew before or after cooking. For best texture, add the mushrooms after reheating to keep their shape.
- → Do I need to make vegetable shapes?
No. Shape-cut veggies add charm but cutting them regularly won't affect the deliciousness of the dish.
- → Can I double the stew amount?
Yes, it's easy to double in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to feed more guests or save leftovers.
- → What sides complement this stew?
Garlic bread, cornbread, or buttered French bread pair nicely. Adding parmesan or mozzarella on top enhances richness, while crackers add texture contrast.