Description
A classic comfort food, this Irish beef stew is hearty and flavorful, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 and 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast (well-marbled)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (divided; use less for table salt)
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 8 medium to large carrots (chopped into big chunks)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 14 ounces Guinness stout beer (see notes for broth substitute)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon beef base
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Cut the chuck roast into 2-inch pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Heat a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Sear the beef pieces, salt side down, for about 2 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; give each piece space. Flip and sear the other side. Remove and set aside.
- In the empty pot, add the chopped onions, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and a dash of salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well, cooking it for 1 minute.
- Incorporate the chopped carrots and sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over them. Stir for about a minute.
- Pour in the Guinness beer, stirring to combine.
- Add 3 cups of water and the Better Than Bouillon beef base, mixing everything together.
- Return the beef to the pot, including any juices. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme, covering tightly.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then transfer to the oven.
- Cook for 2 and 1/2 hours. After that, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not fork-tender, cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once ready, taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.
Notes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Irish beef stew, comforting stew, beef recipes, classic Irish recipes