Irish Beef Stew

Ingredients for Irish Beef Stew:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Beef Guinness Stew:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sear the Beef

• In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
• In the same pot, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  

Step 2: Prepare the Guinness Broth and Cook the Beef

• In the pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent.
• Pour in the beef broth, Guinness beer, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
• Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

• In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté carrots and potatoes until slightly browned.
• Add the sautéed vegetables to the stew and continue simmering until the veggies are tender.
  

Making Guinness Stew in the Slow Cooker:

• Follow Steps 1 and 2, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
• Add sautéed veggies in the last hour of cooking.

Making Guinness Stew in the Instant Pot:

• Follow Steps 1 and 2, then transfer everything to the Instant Pot.
• Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then do a natural release.
• Sauté the veggies separately and add them to the stew.

What to Serve with Guinness Beef Stew:

• Serve the stew over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I make this stew ahead of time? Yes, the flavors enhance when made ahead. Simply reheat before serving.
• Can I freeze Guinness Beef Stew? Yes, it freezes well. Thaw and reheat before serving.