Irish Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe

Introduction

Irish Beef and Guinness Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Rich in flavor with tender beef and vegetables simmered in Guinness beer, this classic stew brings warmth and tradition to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bottle (14.9 oz) Guinness beer
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the tomato paste and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot, then pour in the Guinness and beef broth. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which ensures better browning.
• Substitute Guinness with another dark stout if preferred, but avoid lighter beers to maintain flavor richness.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy twist before simmering.
• Include parsnips or turnips for additional root vegetable variety.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent overcooking the beef. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Yes, you can use other cuts suitable for slow cooking, like brisket or chuck shoulder. Make sure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

Is it necessary to use Guinness beer?

While Guinness adds a distinctive richness and slight bitterness, you can substitute with another dark stout or a non-alcoholic malt beverage if you prefer. Avoid using light beers as they may alter the flavor profile.

Irish Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

This hearty Irish Beef and Guinness Stew is a comforting classic featuring tender beef chuck simmered slowly in rich Guinness beer and beef broth, combined with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this stew delivers deep, robust flavors with a satisfying texture that warms from the inside out.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced

Liquids and Broth

• 1 bottle (14.9 oz) Guinness beer
• 4 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Oils

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until browned evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and softened, releasing their fragrance and flavor, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for a few minutes to slightly soften the vegetables and enhance their flavors.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables. Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps to deepen its flavor and integrates it well into the stew.
5. Combine Ingredients and Liquids: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth. Stir in dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to season the stew, distributing all ingredients evenly.
6. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Final Touches: After cooking, remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright and fresh finish.

Notes

• For the best flavor, use a good quality stout like Guinness as it adds a rich depth to the stew.
• You can substitute beef chuck with stew meat if preferred, but chuck is recommended for its tenderness.
• Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors fully develop.
• This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen.

Keywords: Irish stew, Guinness stew, beef stew, comfort food, slow simmer, hearty dinner, Irish cuisine