If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal for a cozy night in, look no further than this Beef and Guinness Stew recipe. Made with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich Guinness beer, this stew is the ultimate comfort food on a cold winter evening.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 kg beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 500 ml beef broth
- 500 ml Guinness beer
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and add the onions. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.
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Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the beef broth and Guinness beer and add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Vegetarian Version
To make a vegetarian version of this stew, simply substitute the beef with an equal amount of diced mushrooms. Follow the same instructions for cooking, but reduce the cooking time to 1-2 hours, since mushrooms don’t require as long to cook as beef.
Vegan Version
For a vegan version of this stew, substitute the beef with an equal amount of tofu or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and make sure to use a vegan-friendly beer (Guinness is not vegan due to the use of isinglass, a fish-derived ingredient, in the brewing process). Follow the same instructions for cooking.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this stew gluten-free, substitute the Guinness beer with a gluten-free beer or beef broth. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the tomato paste and beef broth, are also gluten-free.
Enjoy this delicious Beef and Guinness Stew with your loved ones on a cozy night in!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
Yes, you can use any type of beer you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the stew will be different depending on the type of beer you use.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and vegetables first, then add them plus the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will meld together even better if you let it sit overnight. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, you can freeze this stew. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to this stew such as mushrooms, parsnips or turnips. Just be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of vegetables you add.
Do I have to use beef chuck roast?
No, you can use any type of beef suitable for stewing such as beef shin, brisket or round steak. Just be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of beef you use.
Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make this stew in a pressure cooker. Brown the beef and vegetables first, then add them plus the remaining ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 35-40 minutes.
Can I make this stew without alcohol?
Yes, you can make this stew without alcohol. Simply omit the Guinness and replace with beef broth.
Can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Yes, you can thicken the stew if it’s too thin. Mix together equal parts flour and butter to form a paste, then stir it into the stew. Simmer for a few more minutes until the stew has thickened.
Can I serve this stew with something other than mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can serve this stew with something other than mashed potatoes such as crusty bread, rice or roasted vegetables.
