What type of beer is best for making Guinness Beef Stew?

The best beer to use is Guinness, a dark Irish stout known for its rich, roasted flavor and deep color. It adds a distinctive depth and slight bitterness to the stew’s sauce. During cooking, all the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a robust, mellow taste without a beer-like flavor. Avoid using lighter beers, as they won't provide the same richness or color.

Can I make Guinness Beef Stew without using alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the Guinness by mixing 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 2 crumbled beef bouillon cubes. This combination mimics the savory flavor of the stew without alcohol, although it won’t have the characteristic Guinness taste. This is a great option for those who do not consume alcohol.

What are the essential ingredients needed for traditional Irish Guinness Beef Stew?

Key ingredients include chuck beef, Guinness beer (or a substitute), garlic, onions, bacon or pancetta, carrots, celery, flour, tomato paste, chicken or beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. These components combine to create a hearty stew with rich flavor and thickened gravy.

How long should Guinness Beef Stew be cooked for the best texture?

For tender beef and a flavorful sauce, brown the meat first, then simmer the stew covered for about 2 hours. After the meat is tender, cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. Alternative methods include slow cooking on low for 8 hours or pressure cooking for around 40 minutes.

What are good side dishes to serve with Guinness Beef Stew?

Guinness Beef Stew pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Warm crusty bread is also popular for soaking up the rich gravy. These sides complement the stew’s hearty texture and help balance the deep flavors.

Guinness Beef Stew Recipe With Rich Tender Flavors

Name: Guinness Beef Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 2.5 pounds (1.25 kg) beef chuck or boneless short rib, cut into 2-inch chunks; – 3/4 teaspoon salt; – 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 3 minced garlic cloves; – 2 chopped onions; – 6 ounces (180 grams) diced bacon or similar cured meat; – 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; – 440 milliliters stout beer (Guinness); – 4 tablespoons tomato paste; – 3 cups (750 milliliters) chicken stock or broth; – 3 carrots, peeled and cut into half-inch thick pieces; – 2 large celery stalks, cut into one-inch pieces; – 2 bay leaves; – 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Description

🍲 Savor the rich and tender flavors of this classic Beef and Guinness Stew, perfect for comforting meals.
🍖 This hearty stew features slow-simmered beef in a flavorful stout beer sauce that’s ideal for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2.5 pounds (1.25 kg) beef chuck or boneless short rib, cut into 2-inch chunks

– 3/4 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 3 minced garlic cloves

– 2 chopped onions

– 6 ounces (180 grams) diced bacon or similar cured meat

– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 440 milliliters stout beer (Guinness)

– 4 tablespoons tomato paste

– 3 cups (750 milliliters) chicken stock or broth

– 3 carrots, peeled and cut into half-inch thick pieces

– 2 large celery stalks, cut into one-inch pieces

– 2 bay leaves

– 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Instructions

1-Season beef chunks with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Brown beef well in batches, then set aside with juices.

2-In the same pot, saute 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped onions, and 6 ounces diced bacon until softened, about 5 minutes.

3-Add 3 carrots (half-inch pieces), 2 celery stalks (one-inch pieces), and 3 tablespoons flour. Stir 2 minutes to coat.

4-Pour in 440 ml stout beer to deglaze, scraping browned bits. Add 4 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 cups chicken stock, 2 bay leaves, and thyme.

5-Return beef and juices to pot, ensuring covered by liquid. Bring to simmer.

6-Cover and cook gently 2 hours until beef nears tenderness.

7-Uncover, simmer 30-45 minutes more till beef is very tender and sauce thickens. Skim fat if desired, remove herbs.

Notes

🍅 Use a good quality stout beer for the richest flavor.
⏲️ Simmer gently to ensure beef becomes tender without drying out.
🍞 Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the savory sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow simmering
Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Beef Stew, Guinness Stew, Irish Stew, Slow Cooked Beef