By Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
5 pounds (680g) stewing beef, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the Bread Bowls:
4 round bread loaves (such as sourdough or Italian)
Butter for brushing (optional)
How To Make Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl
In a large bowl, season the cubed beef with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened. Stir occasionally.
About 10 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew and stir. Cook until the peas are heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
For the Bread Bowls:
While the stew is simmering, prepare the bread bowls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut a circular opening from the top of each bread loaf and remove the inner bread, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick bread shell.
Optional: Brush the inside of each bread bowl with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the insides are lightly toasted. This step helps keep the bread from getting too soggy from the stew.
To Serve:
Ladle the hot beef stew into each bread bowl.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve the beef stew in a bread bowl while it’s hot and enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
This Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender beef, savory vegetables, and the rustic bread bowl makes it a delightful and filling dish.
PREPARATION STEPS
Serve the beef stew in a bread bowl while it’s hot and enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
4 round bread loaves (such as sourdough or Italian)
How To Make Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl
In a large bowl, season the cubed beef with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat
Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides
Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Return the browned beef to the pot
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf
Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low
Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened
Stir occasionally.
About 10 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew and stir. Cook until the peas are heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
While the stew is simmering, prepare the bread bowls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut a circular opening from the top of each bread loaf and remove the inner bread, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick bread shell.
Optional: Brush the inside of each bread bowl with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet
Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until the insides are lightly toasted
This step helps keep the bread from getting too soggy from the stew.
Ladle the hot beef stew into each bread bowl.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
This Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion
The combination of tender beef, savory vegetables, and the rustic bread bowl makes it a delightful and filling dish.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
