Beef Stew Served in a Bread Bowl

This Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort meal. Tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables in a rich, savory gravy are ladled into a warm, crusty bread bowl for a cozy, satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or chilly evenings.

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⏱ Prep & Cook Time

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

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🍳 Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife & cutting board
• Ladle
• Baking sheet (for bread bowls)

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🥘 Ingredients

Beef Stew

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Bread Bowls

• 4 round crusty bread loaves (sourdough or boule)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for brushing)

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📝 Ingredient Notes

• Beef chuck: Best cut for tender, slow-cooked stew.
• Flour: Thickens the stew naturally.
• Bread bowls: Sourdough holds up best without getting soggy.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme can replace dried for extra flavor.

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef

1. Season beef with salt and pepper, then toss with flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Brown beef in batches until deeply golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the stew

1. In the same pot, sauté onion until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes.

3. Simmer

1. Return beef to the pot.
2. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1½–2 hours, until beef is tender.

4. Prepare bread bowls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut tops off bread loaves and hollow out centers.
3. Lightly brush inside with butter (optional).
4. Bake 8–10 minutes until warm and lightly toasted.

5. Serve

Remove bay leaf from stew.
Ladle hot beef stew into bread bowls and serve immediately.

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📊 Nutrition (Approx per serving, with bread bowl)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 52g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 6g

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⭐ Tips & Variations

• Extra rich: Add a splash of red wine while simmering.
• Thicker stew: Mash a few potatoes into the broth.
• Slow cooker: Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours.
• Make ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day.
• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese inside the bread bowl before adding stew.