A Hearty Guinness Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

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When the weather cools down, few meals bring comfort quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew. And what better way to enhance its rich flavor than by adding Guinness, the famous Irish stout! This Guinness beef stew is the perfect dish for cozy nights in, offering tender chunks of beef, a medley of vegetables, and a depth of flavor that only the stout can bring. Let’s dive into how to make this satisfying dish!

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Why Guinness in a Stew?

Guinness isn’t just for drinking; it adds a rich, malty, and slightly bitter undertone to the stew that complements the savory flavors of the beef and vegetables. The stout tenderizes the meat while simmering, leaving you with melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef. Its dark color also gives the stew a beautiful, hearty appearance.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 bottle (11-12 oz) of Guinness stout
• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3-4 cups beef broth (enough to cover ingredients)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for coating the beef)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few fresh sprigs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (for added depth)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (to balance the bitterness)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Start by seasoning the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Then, toss them in flour until they are lightly coated. The flour will help to create a delicious crust on the beef while also thickening the stew later on.

2. Sear the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions/celery and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.

4. Deglaze with Guinness

Pour the bottle of Guinness into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor! Let the stout simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.

5. Combine Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste, then add the seared beef back into the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become.

6. Final Adjustments

After 2 hours, check the stew. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to thicken. Add Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the stew has thickened and the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a full meal. For extra heartiness, serve your beef stew in a homemade bread bowl.

Tips for the Best Guinness Beef Stew:

• Use marbled beef: The fat in beef chuck melts during the slow cooking process, making the meat incredibly tender.
• Don’t rush the simmering time: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become fork-tender.
• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add parsnips, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• For a more intense Guinness flavor: Use two bottles of stout, reducing the amount of broth.

Final Thoughts

Guinness beef stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The rich, hearty flavors combined with the smooth stout make it the ultimate comfort food for colder days. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just a cozy dinner, this stew is sure to be a hit. Serve it with your favorite Irish soda bread or a cold pint of Guinness on the side for an authentic, delicious experience.

Enjoy cooking and savor every spoonful of this comforting dish!