If you're searching for a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm your soul and impress your guests, look no further than this classic Beef and Guinness Stew! This Irish favorite combines tender chunks of beef chuck with the rich, malty flavor of Guinness beer, creating a stew that's both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table. Get ready to dive into a pot of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness beer
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a better browning effect.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Work in batches to brown the beef cubes on all sides, ensuring they develop a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add tomato paste. Stir to coat the meat and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste.
- Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Add beef broth, thyme, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew cook slowly for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check the meat's tenderness after 2 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Sear for Flavor: Take the time to brown the beef cubes thoroughly. This step is crucial as it develops a rich flavor base for your stew. Don't rush it—let the meat get a nice crust!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a good-quality Guinness beer and fresh vegetables. The better the ingredients, the more flavorful your stew will be.
- Let It Simmer: Patience is key! Allow the stew to simmer gently for the full 2 hours to ensure the beef becomes fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stew before serving. Depending on your preference, you may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your stew with crusty bread for dipping or over creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
