Name: Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs stew beef, cut into chunks; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 potatoes, cubed; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp thyme; 4 bread bowls (round loaves, tops cut off and hollowed out)

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Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls is a rustic, comforting meal featuring tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, all served inside a warm, crusty bread bowl. This dish is perfect for cold days, offering both nourishment and indulgence in a single serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. The combination of flavorful stew and edible bowl makes it both practical and delightful. It’s excellent for family dinners or casual entertaining and leaves minimal cleanup.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

stew beef (cut into chunks)
all-purpose flour
salt
pepper
olive oil
yellow onion (chopped)
carrots (sliced)
celery (sliced)
garlic (minced)
potatoes (cubed)
beef broth
tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
bay leaves
thyme
bread bowls (round loaves with tops cut off and hollowed out)

directions

Toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in batches in olive oil over medium-high heat.
Set browned beef aside. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
Stir in tomato paste, then return beef to the pot.
Add potatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
Simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
Meanwhile, prepare bread bowls by cutting off the tops and hollowing out the centers.
Fill bread bowls with hot stew and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Add Red Wine: Replace some broth with dry red wine for richer flavor.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

storage/reheating

Store stew separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Bread bowls should be used fresh, but the stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make the stew ahead of time?

Yes, stew often tastes even better the next day.

What bread should I use?

Use round, crusty loaves such as sourdough boules.

Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Serve the stew immediately after filling and consider toasting the inside slightly.

What beef cut is best?

Chuck roast or stew beef works well for tenderness and flavor.

Can I use pre-cut vegetables?

Yes, for convenience, pre-cut fresh or frozen veggies are fine.

What herbs work best?

Bay leaves and thyme are classic, but rosemary also works well.

How thick should the stew be?

It should be thick enough to hold on a spoon but still slightly brothy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and serve in gluten-free bread or over mashed potatoes.

What sides go well?

Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls is a soul-warming dish that combines the richness of traditional stew with the fun and functionality of edible serving bowls. Ideal for cold weather or cozy gatherings, it’s a memorable and satisfying meal every time.

Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls

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Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls is a comforting dish filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, all served inside warm, crusty bread bowls. It’s a perfect meal for cozy dinners and chilly days.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in batches in olive oil over medium-high heat; set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
Stir in tomato paste, then return beef to the pot.
Add potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
While stew simmers, prepare bread bowls by cutting off tops and hollowing out centers.
Fill bread bowls with hot stew and serve immediately.