Hearty Beef Stew: The Ultimate Beef Stew Recipe

Introduction to Hearty Beef Stew

Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a delicious blend of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors. And when served in a warm, crusty bread bowl, it becomes not just a meal, but a delightful experience. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through my favorite beef stew recipe, ensuring you can create this cozy dish at home with ease.

A Personal Story Behind My Hearty Beef Stew Journey

Growing up, my family gathered around the dinner table every Sunday for a big meal. My grandmother was the queen of comfort food, and her beef stew was always the star of the show. The aroma would fill our home, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. Over the years, I’ve made my own tweaks to her classic recipe, but the heartwarming memories of those Sunday dinners remain. It’s a dish that brings my family together, and I’m excited to share it with you!

What Makes This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe Special?

This recipe is special for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth creates a satisfying flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Additionally, serving it in bread bowls adds a fun twist, allowing you to savor every last drop of the stew. Plus, it’s versatile! You can adjust the vegetables or seasonings based on your preferences.

The Full Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option)
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the beef stew meat until it’s evenly seared. This step enhances the flavor, so take your time!
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and a bay leaf; cook briefly to release the flavors, about 2 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds depth to the stew.
5. Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes; mix well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving in hollowed-out bread bowls. For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Hearty Beef Stew

This beef stew is perfect on its own, but serving it in warm bread bowls adds a delightful touch. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding different vegetables like peas or mushrooms, or spices like cumin for an extra kick. For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef with chicken or even make it vegetarian by using mushrooms as the main ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Beef Stew

Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve when the stew is allowed to sit. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What type of bread works best for the bowls?
Any crusty bread works well! Sourdough or French bread are great options, as they hold up well against the stew.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy this comforting beef stew served in warm bread bowls for a cozy meal!

Recipe Stats

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 350
• Servings: 4

Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls

A comforting beef stew served in warm bread bowls, perfect for chilly days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot For cooking the stew

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option
• 3 whole carrots sliced
• 2 whole potatoes cubed
• 1 whole onion chopped
• 2 clove garlic minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 to taste pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large pot over medium heat, brown the beef stew meat until it's evenly seared.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and a bay leaf; cook briefly to release the flavors, about 2 minutes.
• Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes; mix well.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving in hollowed-out bread bowls.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Keyword Hearty Beef Stew in Bread Bowls Recipe