Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness and Cider
This traditional Irish Beef Stew combines tender chunks of beef with a rich, savory broth enhanced by the deep flavors of Guinness stout and the crispness of dry cider. Perfect for cold evenings, this stew brings warmth and comfort with each bite. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the vibrant colors of carrots and onions make it a visually appealing dish. Serve this stew with a side of champ (mashed potatoes with scallions) and fresh soda bread for a complete Irish dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
2 1/2 lbs (cut into chunks)
large onions
2 (diced)
medium carrots
6 (sliced)
flour
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
dry cider
1/2 cup (none)
Guinness stout
1 cup (none)
parsley sprig
1 (for garnish)
fat or beef dripping
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the beef into bite-sized chunks and dicing the onions and slicing the carrots.
2
In a large heavy-bottom pot, heat the fat or beef dripping over medium-high heat.
3
Toss the beef chunks in flour until evenly coated, then add to the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the pot and set it aside.
4
In the same pot, lower the heat and add the diced onions. Sauté them until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
5
Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the sliced carrots, dry cider, and Guinness stout, stirring well to combine.
6
Increase the heat and bring the mixture just to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
7
Cover the pot tightly to ensure all the flavors meld beautifully, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
8
Check on the stew periodically to ensure it does not dry out, adding water as necessary to maintain a thick, liquid consistency.
9
When the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat. Garnish with a sprig of parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness and Cider?
It is a traditional Irish stew that combines beef, Guinness stout, and dry cider for a rich and savory flavor profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
How much beef is required for this stew?
You will need 2 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat cut into bite-sized chunks.
What type of beer is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Guinness stout.
What kind of cider should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of dry cider to provide a crisp balance to the rich broth.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Do I need to coat the beef in anything before cooking?
Yes, toss the beef chunks in 2 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated before browning.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large onions, diced.
How many carrots are used in the stew?
You should use 6 medium carrots, sliced.
What is used for frying the beef?
You can use fat or beef dripping as needed for browning the meat.
What should the consistency of the stew be?
The stew should have a thick, liquid consistency; add water as necessary if it begins to dry out.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with a sprig of parsley.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is traditionally served with champ (mashed potatoes with scallions) and fresh soda bread.
How long should I brown the beef?
Brown the beef on all sides for approximately 5-7 minutes.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, cover the pot tightly to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be sautéed until they become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Begin by cutting the beef into chunks, dicing the onions, and slicing the carrots.
Can I add more liquid if the stew gets too thick?
Yes, check the stew periodically and add water to maintain the desired consistency.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottom pot is recommended for even heat distribution.
When do I add the carrots to the pot?
Add the sliced carrots along with the cider and Guinness once the beef and onions are ready.
What temperature should I cook the stew at?
Bring the mixture to a boil first, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Is this recipe considered slow-cooked?
Yes, it is a slow-cooked stovetop recipe that takes up to 2 hours to develop flavors.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What makes the broth savory?
The combination of browning the beef in flour, the onions, and the deep flavors of Guinness and cider creates a savory broth.
Can I use beef dripping?
Yes, beef dripping is specifically mentioned as a traditional option for frying.
How often should I stir the stew?
Stir the stew occasionally while it is simmering to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as a Stew.
What type of meat is used?
Standard beef stew meat is used for this recipe.
How do I know when the stew is done?
The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
What is champ?
Champ is a traditional Irish side dish consisting of mashed potatoes mixed with scallions.