Savory Beer-Braised Beef Stew
This savory beer-braised beef stew is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender beef chuck roast with the deep flavors of your favorite beer. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef absorbs the aromatic essence of onions, garlic, and spices, making every bite incredibly flavorful. Whether you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed rice, this stew is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With the option to adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking, this dish is versatile and perfect for family gatherings. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep or cozy nights in.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beer
2 cups (Any type of beer (light, strong, or sweet) based on your preference.)
boneless beef chuck roast
3 lbs (Cut into 1-inch cubes.)
plain flour
1/2 cup (For coating the beef.)
butter
2-3 tablespoons (Divided for browning beef and onions.)
onions
2 (Sliced.)
garlic cloves
2 (Crushed.)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (For depth of flavor.)
cayenne pepper
to taste (Optional, for heat.)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (Optional, for heat.)
bay leaves
2 (For flavor.)
salt and pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
Instructions
1
Start by pouring the beer into the crock pot and set it to high heat.
2
Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Coat each piece lightly with flour, ensuring a good coverage.
3
In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, then transfer the browned beef into the crock pot.
4
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown and softened. Next, add the crushed garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
5
Stir in the tomato paste and optional spices like cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes, mixing until well combined.
6
Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the crock pot with the browned beef. Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Lower the heat to low and cover the crock pot. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water to create a paste. Stir this paste into the stew about 30 minutes before you plan to serve, and increase the heat to high to thicken the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beer-Braised Beef Stew?
It is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender beef chuck roast with the deep flavors of beer, onions, garlic, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 lbs of boneless beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes.
What type of beer should I use for the stew?
You can use any type of beer based on your preference, whether it is light, strong, or sweet.
Why do I need to coat the beef in flour?
Coating the beef in flour before browning helps create a flavorful crust and acts as a thickening agent for the stew sauce.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, browning the beef on all sides in a skillet adds significant depth and richness to the final flavor of the stew.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 sliced onions.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves that should be crushed before being sautéed.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste is added to provide a deeper layer of flavor and color to the braising liquid.
Can I make this stew spicy?
Yes, you can add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer a spicier dish.
How many bay leaves should I add?
You should add 2 bay leaves to the crock pot for aromatic flavor.
How long does the beef stew need to cook?
The stew should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
How do I know when the beef is ready?
The beef is ready when it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
How can I thicken the stew sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water to create a paste and stir it into the stew 30 minutes before serving on high heat.
What side dishes go well with this stew?
This stew is delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed rice.
Can I freeze this beef stew?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or future meals.
Should I sauté the onions and garlic together?
Sauté the onions first until golden brown, then add the crushed garlic and sauté for one more minute.
What temperature should the crock pot be set to initially?
Start by setting the crock pot to high heat when you first pour in the beer.
How much beer is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of beer.
What should I do if I overcrowd the skillet while browning?
You should brown the floured beef cubes in batches to ensure they brown properly rather than steaming.
Is butter or oil used for browning?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter, divided for browning the beef and the onions.
What size should the beef cubes be?
The beef chuck roast should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
When do I add the bay leaves?
Add the bay leaves to the crock pot along with the browned beef and the onion and garlic mixture.
Can I use plain flour for the coating?
Yes, 1/2 cup of plain flour is used to coat the beef cubes.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a versatile and hearty dish that is perfect for serving at family gatherings.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the stew with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Does the recipe include vegetables?
The primary vegetables are onions and garlic, which create a savory base for the beef.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, it is designed to be prepared in a crock pot or slow cooker.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to pour the beer into the crock pot and set it to high heat.
Is the tomato paste added to the crock pot or the skillet?
The tomato paste is stirred into the onion and garlic mixture in the skillet before being transferred to the crock pot.
Can I prepare this for meal prep?
Yes, because it freezes well and tastes great as leftovers, it is excellent for meal prep.