Description
Beef Stew in the Style of a Witch’s Cauldron is rich, slow-simmered, and deeply comforting. Loaded with tender beef, earthy vegetables, and warming herbs, it’s perfect for autumn nights and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into large chunks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 3 potatoes (cubed)
- 1 cup mushrooms (halved)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dark ale or red wine (optional, for depth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper and sear in batches until well browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste and flour; cook for 1 minute until slightly darkened.
- Slowly pour in beef broth and ale or wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and let the stew bubble slowly for 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- This stew benefits from long, slow cooking to develop flavor.
- It can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 150 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, autumn recipe, hearty meals, witch's cauldron