Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl

This hearty beef stew served in a crusty bread bowl is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender beef, vegetables, and thick savory broth pair beautifully with the bread, making every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (or extra beef broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf

For the Bread Bowls:

• 4 round bread loaves (sourdough or country bread)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour.
3. Brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

1. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
2. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and browned beef. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Thicken the Stew

1. Add the potatoes and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, until they are tender.
2. If needed, mix 1 tbsp flour with ¼ cup water, then stir it into the stew to thicken the broth.
3. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and let the stew rest while preparing the bread bowls.

Step 5: Prepare the Bread Bowls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bread loaves and scoop out the insides, leaving a 1-inch-thick shell.
3. Brush the inside with melted butter and bake for 10 minutes until slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the hot beef stew into each bread bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the bread tops for dipping.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl

✔ Use a well-marbled cut like chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat.
✔ For deeper flavor, cook the stew a day ahead and reheat before serving.
✔ Try homemade bread bowls for an even more rustic touch.

This Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl is comforting, rich, and satisfying—a perfect meal for chilly days!