Here’s a delicious Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl recipe—comforting, hearty, and perfect for a cozy meal. The bread bowl doubles as a bowl and a tasty part of the meal.
🥖 Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl
Serves: 4
Time: 2–2.5 hours
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with extra broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Bread Bowls
- 4 small round loaves of crusty bread (sourdough or boule)
Instructions
1. Make the stew
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour (if using) and stir to coat vegetables and beef lightly.
- Return beef to pot, add potatoes, beef broth, and wine.
- Add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender and stew is thickened.
2. Prepare the bread bowls
- Cut a circle around the top of each bread loaf and remove the inside to create a hollow bowl.
- Optional: Toast lightly in oven or skillet to prevent sogginess.
3. Assemble
- Ladle hot beef stew into each bread bowl.
- Serve immediately with bread “lid” on the side.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese.
Tips for Success
- Extra rich flavor: Brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming.
- Thicker stew: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir in at the end.
- Vegetable swaps: Mushrooms, peas, or parsnips work well.
- Bread choice: A sturdy sourdough or boule holds the stew best.
If you like, I can also give a slow-cooker version that’s extra tender, or a quick 45-minute weeknight version that’s still served in bread bowls.
Do you want the quick version?
