There are few things as comforting on a chilly day as a hearty stew, and this Guinness beef stew brings warmth and depth to your dinner table. With its rich, savory flavors, this stew will quickly become a household favorite. The robust taste of Guinness beer pairs wonderfully with tender beef, creating a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience. Let’s dive into this scrumptious journey!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of Guinness beer
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Equipments
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by chopping all your vegetables and cutting the beef into 1-inch pieces. This will help you streamline the cooking process. Pat your beef dry with a paper towel, as this will ensure a nice sear, optimizing flavor. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Brown the Beef:
In your large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the beef in batches, without overcrowding the pot. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5–7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3:
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they soften and the onions become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
Step 4:
Incorporate Remaining Ingredients:
Return the beef to the pot. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring until the flour is no longer visible. Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Step 5:
Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 6:
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle your rich and heartwarming stew into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew
This Guinness beef stew is best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread—perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or a cold pint of stout. For a lighter touch, serve it with a simple green salad on the side.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, use a cut of beef with good marbling, like chuck, to keep the stew tender. Don’t rush the browning process; it’s crucial for deepening the stew’s flavor. If you like a slightly thicker consistency, you can add potatoes or additional flour while it simmers.
Pumped-Up Protein: A High-Protein Version of Guinness Beef Stew
If you’re looking to build muscle or simply increase your protein intake, consider adding extra beef or including lean protein such as beans or lentils into the stew. They’ll absorb the flavors and provide added nourishment, making this stew not just hearty but a powerhouse of nutrition!
Low Carb Delight: A Lighter Guinness Beef Stew for Carb Counters
For those watching their carb intake, you can omit the flour and opt for a low-carb thickener such as agar-agar or just let the stew naturally thicken by reducing. Substitute high-carb vegetables with low-carb options like asparagus or green beans, making this dish both delicious and diet-friendly.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This stew freezes well too. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove until thoroughly warmed.
FAQs
- Can I use a different kind of beer?
You sure can! While Guinness gives a rich and distinct flavor, any dark stout beer will work well in this recipe. - Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. - What can I do if I don’t consume alcohol?
You can substitute the beer with a non-alcoholic beer or simply use more beef broth. - How can I thicken my stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of the cooking process. - Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
Wrap Up Your Culinary Journey with Guinness Beef Stew
Imagine the satisfaction of taking a spoonful of steaming, flavorful stew on a cold evening—it’s an experience in itself. Whether you’re cooking for the family or friends, this Guinness beef stew is sure to impress. Remember, food is best enjoyed when shared! So, if you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your loved ones and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- beef broth
- Guinness beer
- tomato paste
- carrots
- celery stalks
- large onion
- garlic cloves
- bay leaves
- thyme
- sugar
- all-purpose flour
- freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare the ingredients, chopping all vegetables and cutting beef into 1-inch pieces.
- Brown the beef in olive oil over medium-high heat in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot until soft; add garlic for an additional minute.
- Return the beef to the pot, sprinkle flour over, and incorporate Guinness beer and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with parsley.