Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Bread Bowls:
- 4 round bread loaves
- Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef stew meat in the mixture until fully coated.
2. Brown the Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the coated meat and brown on all sides. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Mix well.
4. Simmer the Stew:
Return the browned meat to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add Potatoes and Peas:
Add the diced potatoes and frozen peas to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Prepare the Bread Bowls:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a serrated knife, cut a circular piece off the top of each loaf of bread. Gently hollow out the inside, leaving a substantial bread shell. Reserve the bread pieces for dipping or snacking.
7. Bake the Bread Bowls:
Place the hollowed bread loaves on a baking sheet. Brush the inside and outside of each loaf with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is slightly crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
8. Serve:
Ladle the hot beef stew into each bread bowl. Serve immediately, with the bread lids on the side for dipping or as a topping.
9. Enjoy:
Break off pieces of the bread bowl and dip them into the rich stew. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the beef stew combined with the crispy, flavorful bread bowl.