This Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth served in a crusty bread bowl make for a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for any chilly day.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Beef Stew:
- 🥩 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 🍃 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🥕 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 🥔 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 🍷 1/2 cup red wine (optional, or use extra beef broth)
- 🍲 4 cups beef broth
- 🌿 1 tsp dried thyme
- 🌿 1 bay leaf
For the Bread Bowls:
- 🍞 4 large round crusty bread loaves (store-bought or homemade)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef stew meat with salt, pepper, and flour, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
3️⃣ Build the Stew:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Simmer:
- Return the beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the broth has thickened.
5️⃣ Prepare the Bread Bowls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bread loaves and hollow out the centers to create bowls. Save the tops for dipping.
- Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, until warm and slightly crispy.
6️⃣ Assemble & Serve:
- Ladle the beef stew into the bread bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with the bread tops on the side for dipping. 🍴
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich & Flavorful: Slow-cooked beef and vegetables in a savory broth.
- Unique Presentation: Served in bread bowls for a fun and delicious twist.
- Warm & Comforting: Perfect for cold nights or hearty family meals.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, peas, or celery for extra texture and flavor.
Serve up this Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl for a cozy, hearty meal that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying! 🥩🍞✨
