Hearty Bowl: Beef and Vegetable Stew with Crusty Bread

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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the browned beef back to the pot.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Dot the top of each bread slice with butter. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. 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.

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