Beef Stew in Bread Bowls is a warm, filling meal that mixes tender beef and vegetables in a loaf you can eat.
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Introduction
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Why make this recipe
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — How to make Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Ingredients
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Directions
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — How to serve Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — How to store Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Tips to make Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Variation (if any)
- Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — FAQs
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Introduction
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls gives you a cozy meal in one bowl you can eat.
The stew is simple and full of flavor, and the bread soaks up the broth for extra taste.
If you enjoy rich beef dishes, try this style after reading a different take on beef in this recipe here.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Why make this recipe
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls is easy and satisfying for family dinners.
It uses common ingredients and cooks slowly to make the meat tender.
You can pair it with a light drink or a fresh side like a cool smoothie for balance — try pairing ideas from this list.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — How to make Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls cooks slowly so flavors deepen and meat becomes soft.
Brown the meat first, then simmer with broth and vegetables until tender.
Hollow the bread rolls and ladle the hot stew inside just before serving.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 bread bowls
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth, then add carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the bread bowls by hollowing out the center of each bread roll.
- Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into the bread bowls.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — How to serve Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
Serve Beef Stew in Bread Bowls hot so the bread soaks up the broth.
Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
For extra crunch or flavor, add simple toppings ideas like those in this toppings guide here.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — How to store Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
Cool the stew before storing to keep food safe.
Store stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Tips to make Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
- Brown the beef well for better flavor.
- Keep the simmer low and slow for tender meat.
- Taste and adjust salt near the end to avoid over-salting.
- If you want a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the broth while it simmers.
For other protein ideas and plant options, check suggestions on plant proteins here.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — Variation (if any)
- Swap beef for lamb or a beef-and-vegetable mix for a different taste.
- Make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms and extra root vegetables, and a rich vegetable broth.
- Try slow cooker or pressure cooker methods to save time or hands-on work.
Beef Stew in Bread Bowls — FAQs
Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Q: Can I use store-bought bread bowls?
A: Yes. Use any round bread rolls and hollow the center. Warm them before serving so they hold the stew better.
Q: What tool helps hollow bread bowls best?
A: A small serrated knife and a spoon work well to remove the center. Buy it here.
Q: How do I reheat leftover stew?
A: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring until hot. You can also microwave single servings until warm.
Q: Can I thicken the stew without cornstarch?
A: Yes. Mash some cooked potatoes into the stew or simmer to reduce the liquid for natural thickening.

Beef Stew in Bread Bowls
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 1 pound 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes Use tender cuts of beef for the best flavor.
- 4 cups 4 cups beef broth Homemade or store-bought broth can be used.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef.
- 1 1 onion, diced Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 2 carrots, sliced Carrots provide sweetness.
- 2 2 potatoes, diced They help thicken the stew.
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh or dried thyme can be used.
- 1 leaf 1 bay leaf Add for aroma.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning to preference.
- 4 4 bread bowls Use any round bread rolls.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth, then add carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.
Serving
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the bread bowls by hollowing out the center of each bread roll.
- Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into the bread bowls.
- Serve warm and enjoy!

