Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew: A Spooky Comfort Classic

Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew

(Beef stew in a bread bowl!)

Warm, rich, and hauntingly hearty this Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew is the ultimate cozy dinner for spooky season. Serve it bubbling inside a hollowed bread bowl and you’ve got Halloween magic on your table! 🧙‍♀️✨

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 1 hr 45 min | Total Time: 2 hrs

📝 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 (optional but highly recommended)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat until it gets a nice sear. This locks in flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant your kitchen will smell amazing. 🧄🧅
3. Add Flavor Layers:
   Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. This combo gives your stew its deep, herby flavor.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
   Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. 🍷
5. Simmer to Perfection:
   Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
6. Final Seasoning:
   Taste and season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve in Bread Bowls (Optional but Fun!):
   Hollow out round loaves of bread to create “cauldrons.” Ladle in the stew and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or fresh thyme 🌿 it’s spooky and delicious.

🔥 Pro Tips:

• No wine? Sub with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Make ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day!
• Bread bowl tip: Lightly toast the inside to keep it from getting soggy.

🥣 Nutrition Info:

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bowl	420	28g	30g	18g	4g	5g

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.