Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl 🍞🥩🥕

A hearty, comforting beef stew served in a warm, crusty bread bowl—perfect for chilly days! This dish combines tender beef, rich broth, and wholesome vegetables, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (or additional broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water

For the Bread Bowls:

• 4 round sourdough bread loaves (or any sturdy bread)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Brown the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot), about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add onions and cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
2. Add garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom.

3. Simmer the Stew

1. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add bay leaf and thyme.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery, then cook for another 45 minutes until veggies are tender.

4. Thicken the Stew

1. Mix flour and water in a small bowl to form a slurry.
2. Stir into the stew and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

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5. Prepare the Bread Bowls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the sourdough loaves and hollow them out.
3. Brush the inside with melted butter and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 10 minutes to crisp up the bowls.

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6. Assemble & Serve

1. Ladle the hot beef stew into each bread bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy scooping up the bread with every bite! 🍞🥄

This rich, flavorful stew paired with crusty bread makes for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy! 😋