Description
Hearty Steak and Guinness Stew simmers with rich Irish heritage, blending tender beef, robust Guinness, and earthy vegetables into a comforting culinary journey. Warm spices and slow-cooked perfection invite you to savor traditional flavors that connect directly to Ireland’s soulful cooking traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 2 lbs stewing beef (like chuck), cut into 1½-inch cubes
Vegetables:
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 ¾ Yukon gold potatoes, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 (14.9 fluid ounces / 440 milliliters) can Guinness stout
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Irish Brown Bread Ingredients:
Flours:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon molasses or honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
- Heat a robust Dutch oven and introduce oil, creating a sizzling surface for meat caramelization.
- Sear meat in controlled batches, developing a rich, golden-brown exterior that locks in succulent juices.
- Transfer browned meat to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful meat drippings in the cooking vessel.
- Introduce chopped onions to the same pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring continuously to prevent burning and enhance depth of flavor.
- Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, creating a thickening agent that will provide luxurious texture to the stew.
- Slowly cascade Guinness into the pot, using its liquid to deglaze and incorporate the caramelized meat remnants.
- Pour beef broth, creating a harmonious liquid base that will tenderize and infuse the meat with rich, complex flavors.
- Reintroduce the seared beef to the brewing liquid, ensuring complete submersion.
- Add diced carrots, cubed potatoes, fragrant bay leaves, earthy thyme, and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Cover the pot and allow the stew to simmer gently, transforming tough meat fibers into meltingly tender morsels.
- After 2-2.5 hours, verify meat tenderness and remove bay leaves before serving this comforting Irish-inspired dish.
Notes
- Choose fatty cuts like chuck or shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness in your stew.
- Pat meat dry before searing to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in delicious juices.
- Low and slow cooking breaks down tough muscle fibers, transforming beef into meltingly soft, rich bites.
- Consider substituting Guinness with another dark beer or beef stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version that still delivers deep, complex taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg