There’s nothing quite like the rich flavor of Guinness Beef Stew to warm your soul on a chilly day. Combining the robust taste of Guinness beer with tender beef and hearty vegetables, this stew is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, let’s dive into this classic recipe and bring some Irish charm to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches. Brown the beef on all sides to develop a rich, caramelized crust. This step is crucial for building flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the aroma to fill the kitchen.
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it in, letting it cook for a couple of minutes to caramelize slightly. This intensifies the flavor and adds a nice color to the stew.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This process, known as deglazing, ensures all that flavor ends up in your stew rather than staying in the pot.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pot along with sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well.
Step 6: Simmer the Stew
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer for about 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix two tablespoons of flour with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew
Serve this hearty stew in a shallow bowl garnished with fresh parsley. You can complement it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy or serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes for added comfort.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. You can also swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preference. Peas or mushrooms make great additions to this classic dish.
Pumped Up Protein: The High-Protein Version You’ve Been Waiting For
If you’re looking to boost the protein content in your Guinness Beef Stew, consider adding extra lean beef or even tossing in some cooked legumes like lentils or black beans. These additions not only increase the protein but also add different textures, making each bite a unique experience.
For those on high-protein diets, serving your stew over a base of quinoa instead of potatoes can also be an effective choice. Quinoa is not only high in protein but also packed with essential amino acids.
Carb-Conscious Delight: The Low-Carb Twist on a Classic
Transforming this hearty stew into a low-carb masterpiece is simpler than you might think. Start by skipping the potatoes and instead substitute with cauliflower florets or celeriac for a similar texture with a fraction of the carbs.
You can also thicken the stew naturally by cooking it a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or you can use a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum for a smooth, luxurious gravy.
Storage Instructions
The beauty of Guinness Beef Stew is that it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. To store, let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I make Guinness Beef Stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker after Step 4 and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What can I use instead of Guinness? A beef or vegetable broth can replace Guinness if you want a non-alcoholic option.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free beer and a gluten-free flour alternative for thickening.
Is it okay to add different herbs? Absolutely! Herbs like rosemary or parsley would complement this stew beautifully.
Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- beef broth
- Guinness beer
- carrots
- potatoes
- bay leaves
- thyme
- flour
Instructions
Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
- Add onions to the pot with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes until it caramelizes slightly.
- Pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Return the beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for about 2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- If a thicker stew is desired, mix flour with water to make a slurry, stir into the stew, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.