Classic Guinness Stew

Classic Guinness Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups Guinness beer (or any stout)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, browning all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and flavor.
  4. Deglaze with Guinness: Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let the beer simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add broth and simmer: Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Thicken the stew (optional): If you’d like a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until it thickens.
  7. Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serving suggestion: Serve this hearty, flavorful stew with a slice of Irish soda bread or crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. It’s perfect for a cozy St. Patrick’s Day dinner!

Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with the depth of Guinness beer!