Beef and Guinness Stew
Beef and Guinness Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that serves as the perfect remedy for chilly evenings. Rich, tender beef simmered to perfection in a thick, luscious broth infused with aromatic herbs and hearty vegetables will make your home feel inviting and warm. This recipe is a step-by-step guide that ensures your culinary adventure will be both satisfying and stress-free. Let’s dive into this fantastic dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef and Guinness Stew not only bursts with flavor but also boasts several benefits. With easy prep and widely loved ingredients, it’s family-friendly and perfect for gatherings. It captures the essence of traditional cooking with minimal fuss – you’ll find that the dish can be prepared in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The method is straightforward, ideal for both experienced cooks and culinary novices alike, facilitating a delightful experience in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Beef and Guinness Stew
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck: Tender and flavorful, this cut is perfect for stewing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the stew and adds texture.
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 2 large onions: Sweet and aromatic, providing a delicious base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste profile.
- 4 large carrots: Offers sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
- 12 small baby potatoes or new potatoes: Hearty and comforting, they soak up the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth/stock: The base for the sauce, enriching every bite.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A flavorful addition that enhances umami richness.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme): Earthy and aromatic.
- 2 bay leaves: Well-known for their ability to impart a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh note.
- Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Introduce an earthiness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Beef and Guinness Stew
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Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then coat the beef evenly with flour for a delectable crust.
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Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until they achieve a rich brown color, then set the browned pieces aside on a plate.
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Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the remaining oil and toss in the chopped onions. Cook until they soften and become translucent, then throw in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to coat the onions and garlic before pouring in the beef broth. This step releases those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot, enhancing the stew’s overall taste.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the mixture cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
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Add Vegetables: Once the meat is tender, incorporate the carrots, baby potatoes, and optional mushrooms. Stir gently and let simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.
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Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot over creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful presentation.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Beef and Guinness Stew, consider these chef tips. Using a high-quality beef broth or stock will significantly impact the flavor. If time allows, let the stew sit for a few hours or overnight to develop even deeper flavors. For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an acidic kick. Remember to always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For a delicious and satisfying meal, serve your Beef and Guinness Stew over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy dumplings, allowing each bite to soak up the incredible sauce. A side of crusty bread works wonders for dipping and completing the experience. Pair the dish with a light-bodied red wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Beef and Guinness Stew is packed with nutrients, including protein from the beef and vitamins from carrots and potatoes. While it’s a hearty meal, consider enjoying it mindfully, especially if you’re tracking calories. For a rough estimate, a serving may contain around 450-500 calories, but this can vary based on serving size and optional ingredients.
Storing Tips & Variations for Beef and Guinness Stew
Storing Beef and Guinness Stew is easy – it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and also freezes beautifully for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the mixture. For a healthier variation, opt for lean cuts of meat and increase the vegetables for rightful substitutions. You could also try adding different herbs like rosemary or experimenting with root vegetables such as parsnips for a fun twist.
Conclusion for Beef and Guinness Stew
If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying dish that brings warmth and joy, look no further than Beef and Guinness Stew. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe is a must-try. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of this delightful stew.
FAQs about Beef and Guinness Stew
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Can I make Beef and Guinness Stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and let cook on low for 6-8 hours. -
Is there a substitute for the beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth; however, beef broth provides the best flavor for this dish. -
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute with brisket or round roast; just ensure they are suitable for slow cooking. -
How can I thicken the stew further?
You can mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. -
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are rich and comforting, making it appealing to both adults and children alike! Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
Beef and Guinness Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck Tender and flavorful, this cut is perfect for stewing.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour Helps to thicken the stew and adds texture.
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 2 large onions Sweet and aromatic, providing a delicious base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic Adds depth and enhances overall taste profile.
- 4 large carrots Offers sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
- 12 small baby potatoes or new potatoes Hearty and comforting, they soak up delicious flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth/stock The base for the sauce, enriching every bite.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Enhances umami richness.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme) Earthy and aromatic.
- 2 bay leaves Impart a subtle aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced Optional for added earthiness.
Seasoning
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential for seasoning.
Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh note.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then coat the beef evenly with flour.
Browning the Beef
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until they achieve a rich brown color, then set the browned pieces aside on a plate.
Cooking Onion and Garlic
- In the same pot, add the remaining oil and toss in the chopped onions. Cook until they soften and become translucent, then add in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Deglazing
- Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to coat the onions and garlic before pouring in the beef broth to release the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot.
Combining and Simmering
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Adding Vegetables
- Once the meat is tender, incorporate the carrots, baby potatoes, and optional mushrooms. Stir gently and let simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.
Final Seasoning and Serving
- Remove the bay leaves, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot over creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.