Rustic Comfort Beef Stew Served in Freshly Baked Bread Bowls

Rustic Comfort Beef Stew Served in Freshly Baked Bread BowlsThere’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, slow-cooked beef stew to warm the soul—unless, of course, it’s served in a freshly baked bread bowl. This Rustic Comfort Beef Stew is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy night in or an impressive weekend dinner. The tender beef, simmered in a flavorful broth with fresh herbs and vegetables, soaks beautifully into the bread, making every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1‑inch cubes

3 tbsp olive oil1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced3 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup red wine (optional but adds depth)

4 cups beef broth

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried thymeSalt and black pepper to tasteRound bread loaves (for bowls)

Instructions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened—about 5–7 minutes.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.Return the beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, and add bay leaves and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the stew has thickened.While the stew simmers, prepare your bread bowls by slicing off the tops and hollowing out the centers.

Once the stew is ready, ladle it into the bread bowls and serve hot.