Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl – Indulge, in the comforting embrace of our “Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl”. A dish that exudes charm and delightful flavors. This recipe features tender beef along with carrots, celery and onions all served inside an inviting sourdough bread bowl. It’s an extravaganza of wholesome ingredients coming together to construct something truly otherworldly. This dish is ideal for those evenings when all you desire is something satisfying.
The first time I made this stew it was a judgment to bring warmth to a particularly cold day. I can still vividly recall the aroma filling our kitchen. The medley of steaming beef. Pungent herbs piqued my family’s inquisitiveness and expectations. When my husband and child took their spoonfuls. Their facades lit up with pleasure. It wasn’t the flavors that delighted them; it was the experience. Breaking into the crusty bread bowl. Discover the rich hearty stew inside. In our household this dish has developed more than a recipe; it’s now interspersed with recollections. Eliciting sentiments of warmth and togetherness that we eagerly anticipate reliving moment and moment again.
What makes this Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl truly special?
Our “Beef Stew, in a Bread Bowl” is not merely a product; it delivers an experience. Goes beyond flavor alone. Just visualize the warm soothing feeling it represents evoking memories of those meals from our childhood. Its versatility really shines. Making it perfect for a family dinner or, as a plate when hosting visitors. The practical idea of serving it in a bread bowl. Not only does this add a glimmer of polish to your table but it also lets you relish every single drop of the delectable stew as it bathes into the bread bowl. You won’t want to miss out on a morsel!
What You Need To Make This Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl Recipe?
Beef Tallow: This isn’t any cooking fat; it’s the ingredient that adds a deliciously deep flavor to the stew. It envelops each beef chunk in an embrace creating a foundation of taste that’s truly unmatched.
Extra Lean Beef: We opt for cuts not only for their health benefits but also because they beautifully absorb flavors. Every piece becomes tender and juicy bursting with the essence of the stew.
Kosher Salt & Coarse Black Pepper: These seasonings are more than ingredients; they are what gives our stew its soul. They enhance the flavors of the beef without overpowering them.
Fresh Vegetables (Onions, Celery, Carrots): These humble vegetables play a role in our stew. They work silently in the background adding sweetness, depth and layers of flavor that make it feel like an embrace.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Cloves): Each sprig and leaf acts as a wand infusing spells, into our stew. They transform it into a potion that delights both the nose and palate.
All-Purpose Flour: This versatile ingredient serves as our thickening agent transforming our soup stew into a satisfying meal. It feels like wrapping all the ingredients creating a comforting sensation.
Tomato Puree & Red Wine: These two components are the heart and soul of the stew. The tomato puree adds a taste while the red wine brings depth and richness that takes the stew, from good to unforgettable.
Beef Stock: This is like gold that seamlessly combines all the flavors resulting in a blend.
Garnishes (Pearl Onions, Parsley): These little finishing touches are like gems that not only add beauty but also burst with flavor and freshness in every bite.
Sourdough Bread Boules: More than serving as a container for our stew these boules play a role. They soak up the flavors of the stew becoming soft and flavorful inside while their crusty exterior provides a contrast, in texture.
Steps To Make Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Take a heavy casserole. Melt the beef tallow, over medium heat.
Step 2: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Brown them in the casserole until they form a crust approximately 5 minutes on each side. Once done set them aside.
Step 3: Add the onions, carrots, celery, herbs and cloves to the casserole. Stir in the flour. Tomato puree. Cook until the vegetables become tender then remove them from heat. Set aside with the beef.
Step 4: Pour in the wine and let it boil until it reduces to half its original volume. Add beef stock to cover all ingredients.
Step 5: Return both the beef chunks and vegetables into the casserole. Cover it up, reduce heat to a simmer and place it in the oven for around 2½ hours. Towards the end of cooking time uncover it so that sauce can thicken as desired while ensuring that beef becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: For serving purposes hollow out sourdough boules (bread). Warm them up slightly. Fill each boule with stew using a ladle and garnish, with pearl onions and minced parsley.
Tip:
The key, to making a beef stew is about creating layers of flavors. Begin by searing the beef chunks in beef tallow until they form a caramelized crust. This step is essential as it lays the foundation for a stew. Next when sautéing your vegetables allow them to caramelize slightly – this brings out their sweetness. Adds depth to the taste of your stew. Lastly deglaze the pan with wine to not remove all the tasty bits stuck to it but also infuse your stew with a rich aroma of wine. Each of these steps contributes layers of flavor transforming your Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl into more, than a meal. It becomes a delightful taste experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While sourdough adds a unique flavor, feel free to use any sturdy bread bowl of your choice.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! The stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat and serve in the bread bowls.
What if I don’t have beef tallow?
You can substitute with butter or a high-smoke-point oil, though the flavor profile will slightly change.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons beef tallow
- 5.5 pounds beef round, extra lean, cut into large chunks
- Sysco Classic kosher salt and Sysco Imperial McCormick coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- 2 Imperial Fresh onions roughly chopped
- 3 Imperial Fresh celery stalks roughly chopped
- 3 Imperial Fresh large carrots roughly chopped
- 1 sprig Imperial Fresh thyme
- 1 sprig Imperial Fresh rosemary
- 2 Imperial Fresh bay leaves
- 2 Sysco Imperial McCormick cloves
- ¼ cup Sysco Classic all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons Sysco Imperial tomato purée
- 1 bottle red wine
- Beef stock as needed
- ½ cup Imperial Fresh pearl onions blanched, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons Imperial Fresh parsley minced, for garnish
- 12 Sourdough Bread Boules
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Heat beef tallow, in a large casserole over medium heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper then sear them until they turn brown on all sides. Set the beef aside.
- In the casserole add chopped onions, carrots and celery. Cook them until they start to soften.
- Stir in flour. Tomato paste with the vegetables.
- Pour in wine. Let it boil until it reduces by half.
- Return the beef to the casserole. Add beef stock to cover all ingredients.
- Cover the casserole reduce heat to simmer and place it in the oven. Let it cook for 2½ hours. Then, continue cooking until the beef becomes tender.
- While stew cooks prepare sourdough bread boules by hollowing them out and warming them according to package instructions.
- Fill bread bowls with stew. Garnish, with pearl onions and minced parsley.
- Indulge, in the savory and mouthwatering delight of a Beef Stew served inside a Bread Bowl!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!