How to cook Guinness Beef Stew At Its Very Best!

Among Ireland’s most iconic dishes is a rich and robust Guinness Stew. While there are many various recipes for this, there is nothing tastier or more comforting than a well-cooked Guinness beef stew. And of course, it’s the Guinness stout that sets this stew apart from all the others.

While this dish cooks, the alcohol dissipates as the stew simmers low and slow. What you are left with is a delicious, robust, flavorful and fork tender beef that is enhanced with potatoes along with the sweetness of parsnips and carrots. This is a traditional Irish food fare at its very best!

SERVING:

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs beef chuck
• 16 oz Guinness stout
• 6 oz thickly sliced bacon – diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves – minced
• 2 large carrots – cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 parsnips – cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4-5 yukon gold potatoes – peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbs worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbs dried porcini mushrooms
• 2 yellow onions – roughly chopped
• 4 tbs flour
• 2 celery ribs – cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 – 1 ½ tsp salt – or to taste
• additional salt and pepper – as needed

METHOD:

1. Cut the beef across the grain into 1-inch pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Coat the season beef with all-purpose flour and set aside.
2. Fry the bacon in a Dutch oven, stirring occasionally until fairly crisp, remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Work in batches so that you do not overcrowd the meat. Generously brown the floured beef cubes on all sides and place them to a separate dish as when done. If the pan seems too dry, add a little oil or any saved bacon grease, if you have any.
4. Add the onions and fry them until wilted and slightly browned.
5. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, being very careful not to let them burn. The add the vegetables. Cook and stir for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the Guinness and bring to a rapid boil, deglazing the bottom of the pan while scraping up all the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Boil for about 2 minutes.
7. Return the bacon and the beef, with all their drippings, and the remaining ingredients to the pan and stir to combine well.
8. Again, bring all to a boil, cover, and cook on low for about 2 – 2/12 hours.
9. Serve with a side of warmed Irish soda bread and you have a super delicious meal!

Buon Mangiata!