Savory Dark Beer Braised Beef Stew
Indulge in the rich, deep flavors of this savory Dark Beer Braised Beef Stew. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, this dish features tender chunks of beef that are infused with the robust flavors of dark beer, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. The long cooking time allows the meat to become incredibly tender, while the alcohol from the beer cooks off, leaving behind a deliciously complex flavor profile. Serve this hearty stew over egg noodles for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless beef cubes
3 lbs (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
medium onions
2 (thinly sliced)
mushrooms
8 ounces (undrained)
dark beer
12 ounces
vinegar
1 tablespoon
beef bouillon cubes
2
sugar
2 teaspoons
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
thyme
1 teaspoon
bay leaves
2
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the beef cubes into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place them evenly at the bottom of your crock pot.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the salt, pepper, sliced onions, undrained mushrooms, dark beer, vinegar, beef bouillon cubes, sugar, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are distributed evenly.
3
Pour the mixture over the beef cubes in the crock pot, ensuring that the beef is well-coated in the marinade.
4
Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
5
If desired, roughly 30 minutes prior to serving, you can thicken the broth. Turn the crock pot to High, and create a slurry by mixing flour with water until smooth. Stir the flour mixture into the stew until thoroughly combined.
6
Once thickened, serve the delicious beef stew hot over a bed of cooked egg noodles for a truly satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Dark Beer Braised Beef Stew?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef cubes infused with the deep flavors of dark beer, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs.
What type of beef should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless beef cubes, which become incredibly tender during the slow cooking process.
How large should the beef pieces be cut?
The beef should be cut into approximately 1 1/2 inch pieces for even cooking.
What kind of beer works best for this stew?
A dark beer is recommended to provide a robust and complex flavor profile to the broth.
Can I use light beer instead of dark beer?
Yes, but the flavor will be less intense and lack the deep, malty notes that dark beer provides.
Does the alcohol remain in the stew?
The long cooking time allows the alcohol from the beer to cook off, leaving only the flavor behind.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
You can cook it on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours.
What should I serve with this beef stew?
It is traditionally served hot over a bed of cooked egg noodles.
Should I drain the mushrooms before adding them?
No, the recipe specifies using 8 ounces of undrained mushrooms to add extra liquid and flavor.
What is the purpose of adding vinegar?
Vinegar adds a touch of acidity that helps tenderize the meat and balances the richness of the beer.
How do I thicken the stew broth?
Mix flour with water to create a smooth slurry and stir it into the stew roughly 30 minutes before serving.
Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?
While designed for a crock pot, you could cook it in a heavy Dutch oven on a very low simmer for several hours.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with dried thyme and bay leaves, along with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the crock pot?
The recipe does not require browning; you simply place the raw cubes at the bottom of the crock pot.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the bitterness of the dark beer.
How should I prep the onions?
Use 2 medium onions and slice them thinly before adding them to the mixture.
Can I add other vegetables like carrots?
Yes, carrots or potatoes would make excellent additions to this hearty stew.
What should I do with the bay leaves?
The bay leaves should be removed from the stew before serving.
Can I use beef broth instead of bouillon cubes?
You can substitute the 2 bouillon cubes with a small amount of concentrated beef base or use beef broth as part of the liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, beef stew freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the best way to reheat this stew?
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is the stew dairy-free?
As written, the stew is dairy-free, though check your egg noodles as they often contain egg.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme to replace the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What if my stew is too thick?
You can thin it out by adding a little more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free beer and substitute cornstarch for the flour when thickening.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep work?
The prep is minimal, mainly involving cutting the beef and slicing the onions before everything goes into the pot.
Is this a good meal for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is a comforting, family-friendly meal that is easy to prepare and very satisfying.