Envision this: a hearty pot of Guinness Beef Stew simmering away, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of tender beef and earthy vegetables.
There’s something about this classic Irish dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make.
As the ingredients meld together, the flavors deepen, creating a stew that’s wonderfully satisfying.
Let’s bring this cozy dish to life and enjoy its warm embrace.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons set
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 bottle (11.2 ounces) Guinness beer
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Guinness Beef Stew, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Initial Prep Work (20 minutes)
- Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and peel and cube the potatoes.
- Cooking (2 hours 30 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:15: Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
- 0:15 – 0:25: Sauté the onion and garlic in the same pot until the onion is soft.
- 0:25 – 0:30: Stir in the flour until absorbed by the oil and onion mixture.
- 0:30 – 0:40: Gradually add the beef stock and Guinness, stirring to combine. Add the tomato paste, sugar, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- 0:40 – 0:45: Return the beef to the pot, followed by the carrots and potatoes. Bring the stew to a boil.
- 0:45 – 2:45: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- Resting and Final Touches (10 minutes)
- 2:45 – 2:55: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and let the stew rest.
- 2:55 – 3:00: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Additional Tips:
- If possible, prepare the stew a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight for a richer flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread to enhance the meal.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft.
Stir in the flour until it’s absorbed by the oil and onion mixture.
Gradually add the beef stock and Guinness, stirring to combine.
Add the tomato paste, sugar, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Return the beef to the pot, followed by the carrots and potatoes.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Let the stew rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce of the stew.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side that complements the hearty beef and vegetables.
- Steamed Green Beans: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the tender stew.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: Offers a buttery base that pairs well with the savory stew.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Provides a sweet balance to the robust flavors of the dish.
Storage
To store Guinness Beef Stew, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Guinness Beef Stew, cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, and label with the date.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For ideal reheating, gently warm the Guinness Beef Stew over low heat on the stovetop.
Stir occasionally to maintain its rich flavors and tender texture without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Guinness Beef Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef and Guinness beer.
The combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and vegetables creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it for a special gathering or enjoying it as a cozy dinner at home, this stew is sure to impress.
Remember to let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
For an even deeper taste, consider making it a day ahead and reheating it just before serving.
Enjoy your Guinness Beef Stew with some crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Beer Instead of Guinness?
You can substitute another stout or dark beer for Guinness. Choose a beer with rich, malty flavors to complement the beef. Make sure it’s not overly bitter, as that might overpower the stew’s balance of ingredients and flavors.
How Can I Make This Stew Gluten-Free?
To make this stew gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or arrowroot. Verify your beef stock and beer are gluten-free too. These substitutions maintain the stew’s rich and hearty flavors.
What Wine Pairs Well With Guinness Beef Stew?
You’ll want a wine with robust flavors to complement the stew. Try a Malbec or Syrah. These wines offer rich, bold notes that enhance the stew’s savory beef and earthy vegetables, creating a harmonious pairing.
Can I Cook This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
You can definitely cook this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method enhances flavors, especially with the Guinness, creating a rich, hearty dish.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Stew?
You can create a vegetarian version by replacing beef with mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of beef stock. Add hearty vegetables like parsnips and use a stout beer for depth, maintaining the classic flavors and richness.
Guinness Beef Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons set
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 pound beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cup beef stock
- 1 bottle (11.2 ounces) Guinness beer
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 large carrots sliced
- 2 large potatoes peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the flour until it is absorbed by the oil and onion mixture.
- Gradually add the beef stock and Guinness, stirring to combine.
- Add the tomato paste, sugar, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Return the beef to the pot, followed by the carrots and potatoes.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
