Dive into the heart of Irish cuisine with a bowl of rich and hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness! This comforting dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a savory broth, complemented by the deep, rich flavor of Guinness beer. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with family and friends, this stew promises to become a favorite in your home. Ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bottle (12 oz) Guinness beer
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This will make the cooking process smoother.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring it into the onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and the bottle of Guinness beer, ensuring that the ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, check the beef and vegetables for tenderness. If the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through, remove the bay leaves from the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes to reduce the liquid, or you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew to thicken it.
- Once the stew has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Irish Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, chop all your vegetables and cut the beef into cubes before you start. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor to the stew that is essential for a rich taste.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for a good-quality Guinness beer and fresh vegetables. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor of the stew.
- Low and Slow: Allow the stew to simmer gently. This slow cooking process helps to tenderize the beef and meld the flavors beautifully.
- Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker stew, consider removing the lid during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your stew before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure the flavors are just right.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your stew with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it alongside crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
