Beef and Guinness Stew
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
3 hrs
-
Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
646 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
-
Cuisine
Irish
Beef and Guinness Stew
Description
Beef and Guinness Stew features beef chuck browned in olive oil, then simmered with garlic, onions, bacon, carrots, celery, and a blend of herbs to build layers of flavor. The addition of Guinness beer lends a subtle dark beer richness that melds with tomato paste and chicken stock to create a thick, savory sauce. Flour is integrated during cooking to provide the desired sauce thickness without burning. Cooking methods include stovetop simmering, oven baking, slow cooker, or pressure cooking, each producing tender, pull-apart beef pieces in a thick, flavorful broth.
The stew’s hearty texture and depth make it a satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. The inclusion of bacon adds smoky notes, while the vegetables contribute texture and sweetness. The beef’s richness balances with the slight bitterness from the Guinness for a complex flavor.
Practical tips include skimming excess fat from the surface before serving if desired. Using chicken broth yields a milder background that lets the Guinness flavor stand out, but beef broth is an acceptable alternative. Substituting Guinness is challenging; a blend of water, Worcestershire sauce, and beef bouillon can mimic a classic beef stew sauce, but won’t replicate the distinctive Irish beer note.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 lb / 1.25 kg beef chuck , boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef (no bone)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 onion chopped (brown, white or yellow
- 6 oz / 180g Bacon , speck or pancetta, diced
- 3 tbsp flour (all purpose/plain, Note 3 for GF)
- 440ml / 14.9 oz Guinness beer (Note 1)
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock or beef broth - Note 4, or broth
- 3 carrot peeled and cut into 1.25 cm / 1/2" thick pieces
- 2 celery cut into 2cm / 1" pieces, large stalks
- 2 bay leaf
- 3 thyme or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves, sprigs
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 5cm/2" chunks. Pat dry then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a heavy based pot over high heat. Add beef in batches and brown well all over. Remove onto plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
- Lower heat to medium. If the pot is looking dry, add oil.
- Cook garlic and onion for 3 minutes until softening, then add bacon.
- Cook until bacon is browned, then stir through carrot and celery.
- Add flour, and stir for 1 minute to cook off the flour.
- Add Guinness, chicken broth/stock and tomato paste. Mix well (to ensure flour dissolves well), add bay leaves and thyme.
- Return beef into the pot (including any juices). Liquid level should just cover - see video or photos.
- Cover, lower heat so it is bubbling gently. Cook for 2 hours - the beef should be pretty tender by now. Remove lid then simmer for a further 30 - 45 minutes or until the beef falls apart at a touch, the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Skim off fat on surface, if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves and thyme.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes!!
Notes
- Guinness beer is essential for the authentic flavor; avoid alcoholic substitutes for best results.
- You can use chicken or beef stock; chicken stock provides a milder flavor to highlight Guinness.
- Use a heavy-based pot to brown beef well and avoid burning the flour when thickening the sauce.
- The stew can be cooked on the stove, in the oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Skim off excess fat after cooking for a less greasy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 646 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 497g | |
| Calories | 646cal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 15.3g | 5% |
| Protein | 72.2g | 144% |
| Fat | 29.1g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2g | 46% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.9g | 117% |
| Cholesterol | 200mg | 67% |
| Sodium | 1499mg | 62% |
| Fiber | 2.1g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4.7g | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
