This hearty Guinness beef stew is perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of beef simmered in rich, flavorful gravy made with Guinness beer will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Plus, the veggies add a touch of color and crunch. Just the thought of it makes me want to curl up with a bowl and a good book. Who’s with me? 😄
I love how easy it is to whip up a batch. Just toss everything into the pot and let it do its magic. The outcome? A cozy meal that tastes like it took all day to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for stew as it becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking. If you can’t find chuck, try brisket or round for a good substitute.
Guinness Stout: This adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace it with beef broth mixed with a dash of vinegar or soy sauce for richness.
Carrots: They add sweetness and color. If you want a lower carbohydrate option, try using parsnips instead, or even celery for a different twist.
Baby Potatoes: They hold their shape well. If you choose a different type, like russets, peel and cube them before cooking to match their cooking time.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Beef?
Getting a nice sear on the beef is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a dry surface by patting the beef with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef in batches to maintain high heat and avoid steaming.
- Let the beef sear without moving it for a few minutes, then turn it once to brown all sides.
How Can I Make the Stew Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, here are a couple of options:
- Add more flour when cooking the onions and garlic. Stir it in well to coat and cook it for a minute.
- For a natural thickener, mash some of the potatoes in the stew before serving.
Enjoy your Guinness beef stew with these handy tips—happy cooking!
Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.9 oz) bottle Guinness stout beer
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 lb baby potatoes or new potatoes, whole or halved if large
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For The Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful stew takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then simmers for around 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll spend about 20 minutes making the mashed potatoes while the stew is cooking. You’ll have a hearty meal ready in about 2.5 to 3 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it develops a dark crust on all sides, then remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Base:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. This helps thicken your stew.
5. Add Broth and Beer:
Slowly pour in the beef broth and Guinness beer, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pot; this adds great flavor!
6. Flavor it Up:
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves, mixing everything until well combined.
7. Combine and Simmer:
Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the carrots and potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 2 to 2.5 hours or until the beef is very tender.
8. Add Peas (Optional):
If using frozen peas, stir them into the stew in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cook until heated through.
9. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
While the stew is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
10. Mash the Potatoes:
Mash the cooked potatoes with butter, and milk or cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
11. Finish the Stew:
Remove the bay leaves from the stew, check seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Guinness beef stew over a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your warm, savory meal!
Delight in this rich Guinness beef stew that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Beer?
Absolutely! While Guinness adds a rich flavor, you can use any dark beer like a stout or porter for a similar depth. If you want to avoid alcohol altogether, consider using beef broth mixed with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on 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. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or even bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if adding heartier vegetables to ensure everything is tender.