Description
A hearty and flavorful Witches Brew Stew combining ground beef or turkey with a medley of vegetables and beans simmered in a savory broth, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Vegetables & Broth
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
Canned Ingredients & Corn
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, to build the stew’s flavor base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma.
- Brown meat: Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces for even cooking.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, setting the stage for the stew.
- Add vegetables: Add sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced potatoes, cooking for 10 minutes to begin softening the veggies.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and corn: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and corn kernels to incorporate heartiness and color.
- Season: Add thyme, basil, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste, infusing aromatic herbs into the stew.
- Simmer stew: Let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaf: Take the pot off heat and discard the bay leaf to avoid bitterness in the final dish.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add freshness and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth to make the stew vegetarian (omit meat accordingly).
- Frozen corn works just as well as fresh or canned; just thaw it before adding.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For a thicker stew, simmer longer or mash some potatoes in the pot.
