Comforting Delight: Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl Recipe

Directions

1. Season and Brown the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half. If not using wine, skip this step.
4. Add the Beef and Broth: Return the beef to the pot along with any juices. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add Potatoes and Peas: Add the potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Prepare the Bread Bowls: While the stew is finishing, prepare the bread bowls. Cut off the tops of the bread loaves and hollow out the insides, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot beef stew into the bread bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Tips and Shortcuts

• Pre-Cut Vegetables: Save time by using pre-cut vegetables from the store.
• Slow Cooker Option: After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Freezing: Make a large batch of the stew and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal on busy nights.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Different Meat: Substitute beef with lamb or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Bread bowls are best served fresh, but you can store unused bread in a paper bag for up to 2 days.