Description
A bubbling cauldron of hearty beef stew transformed into a Halloween spectacle with eerie green broth and floating ‘eyeballs’. This slow-cooked meal delivers tender meat and vegetables with a magical twist perfect for October festivities.
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage: Look for high-quality, nitrate-free options for the best flavour if possible.
1 pound lean ground beef: Opt for 80/20 if you prefer a richer flavour.
3 ounces shallots (diced; 1 package): These add a milder onion flavour; if unavailable, yellow onions work.
2 ounces dry onion soup mix (divided; 2 packets): A convenient flavour booster; a homemade mix can be used, too.
8 ounces large white mushrooms (1 package): Fresh mushrooms add savoury depth; if you’re a forager, feel free to use wild ones!
4 carrots (peeled): Look for vibrant, firm carrots for best results.
1 cup chopped celery: Adds a refreshing crunch.
1½ pounds baby gemstone potatoes (halved): Their colour and size make them perfect for this stew!
5 cups low-sodium beef broth: Use homemade or store-bought; always read labels for additives.
For a balanced acidity, 14 ounces Italian-style petite diced tomatoes (1 can).
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Balances the flavours beautifully.
Instructions
- Brown beef in skillet (optional for deeper flavor). Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add broth, green salsa, Worcestershire, and spices. Stir.
- Add potatoes and carrots. Cover and cook on LOW 7-8 hours or HIGH 4-5 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Stir into stew.
- Add peas. Cover and cook until thickened.
- Make eyeballs: Attach olive slices to pearl onions with cream cheese ‘glue’. Float in stew before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread ‘broomsticks’.
Notes
- For vegetarian brew: Use mushrooms and vegetable broth
- Spice level: Add jalapeños to green salsa for heat
- Make ahead: Cook stew without peas/eyeballs; reheat and add before serving
- Extra magic: Add purple food coloring to half for ombre effect
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg