Introduction
When the weather turns chilly and cozy dinners are on the agenda, there’s nothing quite like a hearty stew to warm your soul. This slow-cooked beef stew, infused with the rich flavor of Guinness Stout, is a perfect meal for family gatherings or quiet nights at home. It melds tender cubed beef with an assortment of colorful vegetables and savory herbs, ensuring every bite is a delight.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
10 small red potatoes, quartered
1 (14.5-ounce) can sliced carrots
2 full stalks celery, chopped
3 pounds stew meat, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups diced onion
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
10 ounces beef broth (about 1/3 of a large box)
1 (2-ounce) envelope onion soup mix
1 teaspoon dried basil
12 ounces (1 bottle) Guinness Stout
Prep Time
Preparation for this delicious stew is simple and takes about 20 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is set to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high for quicker options. In total, you will spend approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes, with enough stew to serve about 6-8 people.
Enjoy this Irish-inspired dish with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing pint of Guinness for a truly authentic experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Place the quartered red potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the Guinness Stout, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion soup mix, and dried basil. Stir to combine everything well.
Step 3: Prepare the Stew Meat
Season the cubed stew meat lightly with salt and pepper, then evenly coat each piece with the all-purpose flour.
Step 4: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef cubes and cook until they are almost browned, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Onions
Add the diced onions to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent, which takes approximately 5 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the browned meat and onions to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Step 7: Stir in Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce until all ingredients are well combined in the slow cooker.
Step 8: Set Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. For a quicker option, you may cook on high for 4 hours, but cooking on low is recommended for best results.
Step 9: Serve the Stew
Once cooking is complete, serve the stew hot, accompanied by bread and, if desired, an additional Guinness.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Guinness Stout, you can substitute it with any dark beer or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Storage Recommendations
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or green beans to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
Thickening the Stew
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove some of the liquid and thicken it with a mixture of flour and water, then return it to the pot.
Cook Techniques
Browning the Meat
Browning the stew meat in olive oil enhances its flavor and creates a rich color. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the meat to achieve a good sear.
Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Cooking on low for 8 hours ensures tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables.
Coating with Flour
Coating the beef cubes with flour before browning helps create a thickening agent for the stew, giving it a heartier texture.
Layering Ingredients
Placing hardy vegetables like potatoes and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker prevents them from becoming too mushy and allows them to cook evenly.
Combining Flavors
Adding the Guinness Stout, tomato sauce, and seasonings in the slow cooker allows all ingredients to develop complex flavors while stewing over time.
FAQ
Can I substitute the Guinness Stout?
Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a non-alcoholic stout.
What can I serve with the stew?
This stew pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool the stew completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans according to your taste.
Is it possible to make this stew on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering it in a large pot over low heat for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally until the meat is tender.
Conclusion
The hearty beef stew made with tender cubed meat, vibrant vegetables, and the rich flavor of Guinness Stout provides a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for enjoying with friends and family and can be easily prepared ahead of time in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours of cooking.
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Try a creamy potato and leek soup for a lighter alternative that still showcases potatoes.
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