This Guinness Beef Stew is a comforting Irish dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any chilly night. The rich, robust flavor from Guinness beer, paired with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and carrots, creates a satisfying meal. This stew is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring that the beef is tender and the flavors are rich and deep. A must-try dish for those who love hearty meals with a kick of Irish flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 and 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 lbs boneless beef chuck, cut into chunks
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 and 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 bottle (11.2 oz) Guinness beer
5 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 large yellow onions, peeled and cut into chunks
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
6 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge the beef chunks in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown well on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add garlic and tomato paste. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the paste turns a deep red color.
Add apple cider vinegar and Guinness beer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2.5 hours.
After 2.5 hours, add brown sugar, onions, potatoes, and carrots. Continue simmering for another 1 hour, or until vegetables are soft.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add this to the stew and cook for 5 minutes, or until the broth thickens.
Serve the stew in bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrients

Calories: 499 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 114mg
Sodium: 1,129mg
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 4g

The Rich Flavors of Guinness Beer

At the heart of this recipe is the Guinness beer, which gives the stew its signature depth of flavor. Guinness is a stout beer known for its rich, roasted malt profile and slightly bitter taste. When simmered in the stew, it infuses the beef and vegetables with its unique flavor, balancing the sweetness of the carrots and onions while enhancing the savory qualities of the beef.

The beer’s bitterness also helps tenderize the beef, making it even more succulent after hours of slow cooking. This addition not only provides a distinct Irish touch to the stew but also adds complexity that you wouldn’t find in a typical beef stew. The Guinness deepens the stew’s overall flavor, making each bite more robust and satisfying.

Tender Beef and Hearty Vegetables

The key to a great beef stew is, of course, the beef itself. For this dish, beef chuck is used, which is a relatively tough cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the flavors of the broth and Guinness, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.

The vegetables in this stew, including potatoes, carrots, and onions, add texture and sweetness to balance the richness of the beef and beer. The baby potatoes provide a creamy contrast to the beef and the carrots add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors. The onions give the stew a sweet, caramelized undertone as they cook down and soften in the simmering broth.

Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor

The beauty of this stew lies in its slow-cooked nature. Slow cooking is a key technique to bring out the full depth of flavor in both the beef and the broth. The beef simmers in a beef broth, which is seasoned with fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. The long simmering process allows the herbs to infuse the broth with their aromatic flavors, creating a flavorful base that complements the beef perfectly.

Additionally, the stew is made with tomato paste, which adds umami and richness to the broth, and apple cider vinegar, which balances the deep flavors with a hint of acidity. The brown sugar is added to round out the sweetness and counterbalance the savory ingredients, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the great things about Guinness Beef Stew is that it gets better with time. Like most stews and soups, it allows the flavors to meld and develop over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make a large batch at the start of the week and store it in the refrigerator for several days. As the stew sits, the flavors continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious than when freshly made.

This stew is also a great option for freezing. You can portion out the leftovers and store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.

A Hearty, Nutritious Meal

This stew is not just comforting; it’s also a nutritious meal. The combination of lean beef, potatoes, and carrots makes for a well-balanced dish. The beef provides protein, while the potatoes and carrots offer a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The Guinness adds a small amount of iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells and improves oxygen circulation in the body.

Additionally, the fresh herbs in the stew, such as rosemary and thyme, are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from oxidative stress. The apple cider vinegar is also a great addition for digestive health and has been linked to a variety of health benefits.

Customizing Your Guinness Beef Stew

While the recipe for Guinness Beef Stew is already packed with flavor, it is quite customizable. You can adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or to suit your preferences. For example, you could add parsnips for an earthy flavor or celery for added crunch. Some people even like to include mushrooms, which will add a rich, meaty texture that complements the beef.

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can adjust the consistency by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water, as described in the recipe. This allows you to control the thickness of the broth, ensuring you get the perfect consistency for your stew.

For those who enjoy more heat, you could introduce a touch of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dish for a bit of spice that complements the richness of the stew.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Everyday Meals

While Guinness Beef Stew is ideal for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s also a perfect dish for any chilly evening. The warmth of the stew, paired with the deep flavors, makes it an inviting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s also a great dish for holidays or special occasions, offering a comforting and filling option that will please a crowd.

The stew is incredibly easy to make for such a flavorful meal, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend meals. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, adding variety and texture to the meal.

Conclusion: A Hearty and Flavorful Irish Classic

In conclusion, Guinness Beef Stew is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors of the Guinness beer, combined with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, make this stew a truly satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for St. Patrick’s Day, a special family dinner, or a cozy night at home, this stew will warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for meal prep or for serving a crowd. With its rich flavors, healthy ingredients, and ease of preparation, Guinness Beef Stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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