Welcome to the cozy corner of culinary comfort where simmering pots bring together rich flavors and soulful nourishment. Today, we’re diving into the heartwarming world of Guinness Beef Stew, a dish that not only warms your kitchen but your heart as well. Made with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and the unique depths of Guinness beer, this stew is the perfect meal to keep the chill at bay or to simply indulge in anytime you need some hearty goodness.
Ingredients
To make this comforting Guinness Beef Stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups Guinness beer
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Equipments
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor in your stew, so take your time.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onions and garlic until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften. The key here is to slowly release the sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 3: Create the Base
Add the tomato paste and stir it into the vegetables, letting it cook for about 2 minutes. This process will remove the raw flavor of the paste. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to form a roux, about 2 minutes. The flour helps thicken the stew, providing a luscious texture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth, Guinness beer, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Peas
Once the beef is tender, stir in the diced potatoes. Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Add the peas and cook for another 5 minutes. At this stage, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. This stew pairs beautifully with a robust red wine or, of course, a pint of Guinness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, allow the stew to simmer gently; a vigorous boil can toughen the meat. Feel free to experiment by adding parsnips or turnips for additional flavors. For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in Guinness for a few hours before cooking.
Pumped Up Protein: A High-Protein Twist on Guinness Beef Stew
If you’re looking to amplify the protein content in your stew, consider incorporating a few extras like chickpeas or beans. These ingredients not only boost protein but also add a delightful texture and flavor that complements the stew’s robust nature. You can also replace or supplement the beef with seitan or tempeh for a plant-based protein version.
Trim the Carbs! Low-Carb Guinness Beef Stew Delight
Transforming your Guinness Beef Stew into a low-carb marvel is simpler than you might think! Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or radishes; both absorb flavors beautifully without the added carbs. Skip the flour and let simmering vegetables, particularly mushrooms, naturally thicken the stew. These simple adjustments preserve the dish’s heartiness while fitting into a low-carb lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
Guinness Beef Stew is perfect for batch cooking. Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
- Can I make this stew ahead of time? Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat.
- What can I use instead of Guinness? You can substitute any dark beer or simply use more beef broth.
- Are there gluten-free alternatives for this recipe? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the stew.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Is there a vegetarian version? Yes, substitute beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplants, and use vegetable broth and non-alcoholic dark beer.
Delight in the Magic of Guinness Beef Stew!
This Guinness Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors that tells a story with each spoonful. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests at a gathering, this dish shines with its depth and warmth. We hope you love it as much as we do! Don’t hesitate to share your own variations or thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Hearty Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- vegetable oil
- large onion
- garlic
- carrots
- celery
- tomato paste
- all-purpose flour
- beef broth
- Guinness beer
- Worcestershire sauce
- dried thyme
- bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- potatoes
- frozen peas
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining vegetable oil and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add tomato paste to the vegetables, cooking for 2 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth, Guinness, and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Stir in diced potatoes, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Add peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.