Hearty Irish Guinness Beef Stew
Warm your heart and soul with this Hearty Irish Guinness Beef Stew, a comforting dish that takes you on a culinary journey to the lush fields of Ireland. Inspired by my grandmother's cherished recipe, this stew combines tender beef, earthy vegetables, and the rich, malty undertones of Guinness stout, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a cozy Irish pub on a cold winter's day. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, this stew becomes even more delightful as it simmers, filling your home with a mouthwatering aroma. Best enjoyed with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes, it’s truly a dish that nourishes both body and spirit. Plus, if you're concerned about alcohol, rest assured—this recipe cooks off all the alcohol during the process, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Guinness stout
1 pint (Do not prepare; use as is)
mustard
1 tablespoon (Do not prepare; use as is)
rosemary
generous amount (Chop if using fresh)
parsley
to taste (Chop if using fresh)
bay leaves
2 (Do not prepare; use as is)
beef stew meat
3 lbs (Cut into cubes)
sunflower oil
3 tablespoons (Do not prepare; use as is)
butter
4 tablespoons (Do not prepare; use as is)
white onions
2 large (Peeled and sliced)
celery
3 stalks (Chopped)
carrots
3 (Peeled and thickly sliced)
white mushrooms
1/2 lb (Quartered)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (Do not prepare; use as is)
garlic clove
1 (Crushed)
beef stock cube
1 (Do not prepare; use as is)
water
1 pint (Do not prepare; use as is)
salt
to taste (Do not prepare; use as is)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (Do not prepare; use as is)
sugar
to taste (Do not prepare; use as is)
Instructions
1
In a large glass bowl, combine the Guinness stout, mustard, a generous amount of rosemary, and bay leaves to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
4
After marinating, drain the beef, reserving the marinade for later use.
5
On a plate, sprinkle the all-purpose flour and season it with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of rosemary. Dredge the beef cubes in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
6
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and brown the meat for about 3-5 minutes on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to a large casserole dish. Do not clean the skillet; it will be used to sauté the vegetables.
7
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if necessary. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are golden and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the onions to the casserole dish with the beef.
8
Repeat the previous step for the remaining vegetables: add the chopped celery, thickly sliced carrots, and quartered mushrooms, cooking each until tender, adding butter as needed. Once done, add all the vegetables to the casserole dish.
9
Pour the reserved marinade and beef stock into the casserole, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
10
Add enough water to cover the contents if necessary, then cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven.
11
Allow the stew to cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender. If the stew looks too dry, add a little more water as needed.
12
Taste the stew before serving. If it tastes too sharp, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Hearty Irish Guinness Beef Stew?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of beef stew meat, 1 pint of Guinness stout, carrots, celery, white onions, and white mushrooms, all seasoned with rosemary, parsley, and bay leaves.
How long should the beef be marinated?
The beef should be marinated in the Guinness mixture for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal for the best flavor infusion.
Does this recipe contain alcohol in the final dish?
While Guinness stout is used, the alcohol cooks off during the long simmering process, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of beef stew meat cut into cubes, which becomes fork-tender after slow-cooking in the oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) before placing the stew inside to cook.
How long does the stew need to cook in the oven?
The stew should be cooked in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
What should I do if the stew tastes too sharp?
If the flavors are too sharp after cooking, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the stew.
What is the purpose of dredging the beef in flour?
Dredging the beef in seasoned flour before browning helps create a rich, thickened consistency for the stew's gravy.
Should I brown the meat before putting it in the casserole dish?
Yes, browning the meat for 3-5 minutes on all sides in butter helps lock in flavor and adds texture to the beef.
Can I use the same skillet for the vegetables and the meat?
Yes, you should use the same skillet without cleaning it to sauté the vegetables, which allows them to pick up the flavorful browned bits from the meat.
What kind of mushrooms are recommended for this stew?
The recipe specifies 1/2 lb of white mushrooms, which should be quartered before sautéing.
How should the carrots be prepared?
You should peel the carrots and slice them thickly to ensure they hold their shape during the long cooking process.
How much liquid is needed for the stew?
The recipe uses 1 pint of Guinness and 1 pint of beef stock, plus extra water if necessary to cover the ingredients.
Is mustard used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of mustard is mixed into the marinade to add depth and tanginess to the flavor profile.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Guinness stew?
This stew is best enjoyed with crusty bread or served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Should the casserole dish be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while it cooks in the oven.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, the recipe includes one crushed garlic clove for added aromatic flavor.
What type of onions are best for this stew?
The recipe recommends using 2 large white onions, peeled and sliced.
Is there any special preparation for the rosemary?
If you are using fresh rosemary, it should be chopped; the recipe calls for a generous amount in both the marinade and the flour mixture.
How do you make the beef stock for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1 beef stock cube dissolved in 1 pint of water.
Can I add more water during the cooking process?
Yes, if you check the stew and it looks too dry, you can add a little more water as needed.
What kind of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil along with butter for browning and sautéing.
How many bay leaves are used?
Two bay leaves are included in the marinade to provide an earthy base flavor.
What should the consistency of the vegetables be before adding them to the casserole?
The onions should be golden and soft, while the celery, carrots, and mushrooms should be cooked until tender.
Why is the marinade reserved after draining the beef?
The reserved marinade contains the Guinness and herbs, which are poured into the casserole later to serve as the cooking liquid.
Do I need to stir the stew while it's in the oven?
Yes, you should stir the stew occasionally while it is in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How do I ensure the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender, which usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes of baking.
What is the role of the sunflower oil?
Sunflower oil is used to provide a high-heat cooking medium for browning the meat and softening the vegetables.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, fresh parsley can be chopped and added to taste for a fresh herbal finish.
Why is it called 'Hearty Irish' stew?
It is called 'Hearty Irish' because it is a substantial, filling meal inspired by traditional Irish family recipes using classic regional ingredients like Guinness and root vegetables.