Hearty Beef and Guinness Stew

As the weather starts to turn chilly, nothing beats a warm and hearty stew. This Beef and Guinness Stew is not only brimming with rich, deep flavors but also has a touch of Irish tradition that makes it perfect for a cozy night in or to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Tender chunks of beef, combined with the malty tones of Guinness and a medley of vegetables, makes for a one-pot wonder that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced (optional)
• 1 bottle (12 oz) of Guinness stout
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper and toss them with flour until they’re well coated.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat half of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and parsnip until they’re slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the Guinness and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add the beef back to the pot along with the beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the stew cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beef is very tender.
7. About 10 minutes before serving, add the peas and remove the bay leaves. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

This Beef and Guinness Stew is the epitome of comfort food, with its rich, thick broth and succulent pieces of meat. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, but impressive enough for entertaining guests. So ladle up a serving of this delicious stew and enjoy the hearty flavors of Ireland in your own home!

Note: The stew can also be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together overnight. Just reheat on the stove or in a microwave before serving.