Beef and Guinness Stew

Beef and Guinness Stew

Beef and Guinness Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cold days and family gatherings. This stew combines tender chunks of beef, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables simmered in dark beer, creating a rich, flavorful meal. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Beef and Guinness Stew is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort food. It is easy to prepare and can feed a hungry crowd. The long simmering time allows the flavors to develop beautifully, and the beef becomes incredibly tender. Plus, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients to create something special.

How to Make Beef and Guinness Stew

Here’s how to make this delicious recipe step by step.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces


• 2.5 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces


• 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided, or more to taste


• Freshly ground black pepper to taste


• 2 onions, coarsely chopped


• 4 cloves garlic, minced


• 1 (14.9 ounce) can dark beer (such as Guinness®)


• 0.25 cup tomato paste


• 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces


• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces


• 4 sprigs fresh thyme


• 1 teaspoon white sugar


• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste


• 2.5 cups chicken stock, or as needed to cover


• 4 cups mashed potatoes

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.


2. Cook and stir bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer bacon to a large stew pot and reserve the fat in the skillet.


3. Season beef cubes with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Turn the heat to high and sear beef pieces in the hot fat until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Place beef in the stew pot with bacon.


4. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir onions in the remaining fat in the skillet until lightly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.


5. Add garlic with onions and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Pour the beer into the skillet and stir to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom.


6. Pour the mixture from the skillet into the stew pot. Stir in tomato paste, carrots, celery, thyme sprigs, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and enough chicken stock to cover.


7. Bring stew to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.


8. Simmer until beef is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and skim fat if desired.


9. Remove the cover and raise heat to medium-high. Bring to a low boil for 15 to 20 minutes, until the stew thickens. Remove thyme sprigs and adjust salt and pepper to taste.


10. Serve mashed potatoes in a ring in a bowl and ladle stew into the center.

How to Serve Beef and Guinness Stew

Beef and Guinness Stew is best served hot. Place a generous scoop of the stew in the center of a bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.

How to Store Beef and Guinness Stew

If you have leftovers, store the B

eef and Guinness Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months for a convenient meal later.

Tips to Make Beef and Guinness Stew

• Make sure to sear the beef well to enhance the flavor of the stew.


• Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes or peas.


• Let the stew sit for a bit before serving; the flavors will deepen and improve.

Variation

You can make a version of this stew with lamb instead of beef if you prefer. The cooking method remains the same, and it will produce a different but equally tasty stew.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of beer for this stew?

Yes, while Guinness is traditional, you can use any dark beer that you like. It will still add a great flavor.

2. Is it necessary to add bacon?

Bacon adds flavor and richness to the stew, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter version.

3. Can I cook this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this stew in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and cooking the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.