Hearty Guinness Beef Stew is a cozy dish packed with tender beef, veggies, and the rich flavor of Guinness beer. It’s perfect for chilly nights and fills your home with warm aromas!
Whenever I make this stew, I can’t help but sneak a taste before serving. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’re in comfort food heaven. 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for stews as it becomes tender during cooking. If you can’t find it, try using brisket or round roast instead; they also hold up well in slow cooking.
Guinness Stout: This beer adds depth and richness. For a non-alcoholic option, use beef broth with a splash of vinegar for acidity. Dark ales can also work well if you prefer something with a similar flavor profile.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic choices. Feel free to add potatoes or parsnips for variety or swap any veggies based on what you have—like green beans or bell peppers.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add lovely flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can work too. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use less (about 1/3 the amount).
How Can I Brown Meat Properly for the Best Flavor?
Browning the beef is key. It develops great flavor through the Maillard reaction. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Make sure the beef is dry; excess moisture prevents browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown in batches, leaving space between pieces.
- Use medium-high heat and let the meat cook without moving it for a few minutes until a dark crust forms before flipping.
This step really enhances the stew’s flavor, so be patient and take your time!
How Do I Know When the Stew is Done?
The stew should simmer until the beef is fork-tender, meaning it should pull apart easily. After about 2 to 2.5 hours, check for tenderness. If it’s not there yet, give it more time. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld and develop!
Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 (14.9 oz / 440ml) bottle of Guinness stout beer
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stew will take about 15 minutes for preparation and then 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time. It’s great to let the flavors meld and the beef become tender. You’ll have a wholesome dish ready in just over two hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Then, toss the beef in the flour until it’s well-coated, shaking off any excess flour.
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, and brown all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for around 5 minutes until it’s softened and lightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—this step adds a lot of flavor!
4. Building the Stew’s Base:
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir for about a minute to deepen the flavor. This will be the base of your stew’s rich taste.
5. Adding the Main Ingredients:
Return the browned beef along with the carrots and celery to the pot. Pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits. This ensures none of that delicious flavor goes to waste!
6. Adding Flavor:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme leaves, and bay leaves. Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender, and the sauce will thicken beautifully over time.
7. Final Touches:
After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed—this is your chance to make it just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Guinness beef stew hot, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. It’s delightful alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the savory goodness!
Enjoy your hearty, comforting Irish-style stew, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with loved ones!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Guinness Beer?
No worries! You can substitute Guinness with another dark beer or even use beef broth with a splash of vinegar or cider to mimic the acidity and flavor. Just ensure whatever you use has deep, rich flavors for the best results.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, definitely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, simply transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
