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:
- Le Creuset Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Slotted Spoon
- Chef's Knife and Paring Knife
- Wooden Cutting Board
- Beer Bottle Opener
- La Cornue Style Gas Range (estimated)
- Ceramic Serving Bowl
Cooking Tips
- Render and manage bacon fat to balance flavors.
- Properly sear the beef to enhance flavor.
- Use liquids strategically to deglaze and build flavor.
- Plan to make the stew in advance for better flavor development.
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Laura in the Kitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraintheKitchen