Guinness Beef Stew

Rich and Hearty Guinness Beef Stew
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a traditional Irish/American Guinness Beef Stew, perfect for savoring on a chilly evening or sharing with a group of friends. The stew brings together tender chunks of beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and the rich, deep taste of Guinness beer, making it a soul-warming dish that's even better the next day.

Ingredients

🥓 Bacon: approximate quantity, chopped into strips, brand not specified
🥩 Beef Chuck: approximate quantity, cut into large chunks, no specific brand
🧅 Red Onion: approximate quantity, chopped
🥬 Celery: approximate quantity, chopped
🥕 Carrots: approximate quantity, chopped
🧄 Garlic: approximate quantity, minced
🍺 Guinness Beer: 1 bottle, Guinness brand
🫒 Olive Oil: a light drizzle, brand not specified
🍅 Tomato Paste: approximately 1/4 cup, brand not specified
🍃 Bay Leaves: a few leaves
🌱 Thyme: approximate quantity, dried or fresh
🍋 Worcestershire Sauce: a few dashes, Lea & Perrins
🥣 Beef Stock: approximate quantity, no specific brand
🌿 Fresh Parsley: approximate quantity, for garnish, chopped
🧂 Salt: used during beef seasoning
🌶️ Black Pepper: used during beef seasoning and final garnish, freshly ground

Instructions

1- Render Bacon:

In a Le Creuset Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.
Remove bacon bits and set aside.
Discard most of the fat, leaving a thin layer.

2- Season and Sear Beef:

Season beef with salt and pepper.
Add olive oil if necessary, and sear the beef in the pot until a brown crust forms.
Set aside the seared beef.

3- Sauté Vegetables:

Add olive oil as needed.
Sauté red onions, celery, carrots, and garlic on medium heat until softened and slightly browned, lifting the fond from the pot.

4- Add Flour and Tomato Paste:

Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring to coat and cook for a minute.
Add tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.

5- Deglaze with Liquids:

Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping the pot's bottom.
Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme, and stir.

6- Combine and Simmer:

Return beef and bacon to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Partially cover and simmer until beef is tender (a few hours).

7- Finish and Serve:

Remove bay leaves.
Stir in parsley and additional black pepper before serving atop mashed potatoes.

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately a few hours
Total Time: Several hours, including serving and resting
Servings: Suggested to serve with mashed potatoes
Equipment: