Here’s a recipe for a delicious Hearty Bowl: Beef and Vegetable Stew with Crusty Bread:
Hearty Bowl: Beef and Vegetable Stew with Crusty Bread
Servings: 4-6
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Crusty Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chopped beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the browned beef back to the pot.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the Crusty Bread. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and place it on a baking sheet.
- Dot the top of each bread slice with butter. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To serve, ladle the hot stew into a bowl and place a slice of Crusty Bread on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Picture:
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This hearty stew is filled with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich beef broth. Paired with a slice of crispy, buttery Crusty Bread, this dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal any time of the year.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
Tips and Variations:
- Use a slow cooker: Brown the beef and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add some spice: Add a pinch of paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give the stew a smoky or spicy kick.
- Use different vegetables: Substitute other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans for the carrots and potatoes.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Cook the bread slices in the pot with the stew for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to make a crusty bread topping.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations or substitutions.