Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.9-ounce) can dark beer (such as Guinness)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock (or as needed to cover)

For Serving (Optional):

• 4 cups mashed potatoes

Prep and Cooking Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories (Per Serving): Approximately 480

How to Make Classic Irish Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

2. Season the beef chunks with 1 teaspoon of salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure proper browning. Transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

3. In the same pot, add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

4. Pour in the dark beer, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. This step adds flavor and prevents sticking.

Step 5: Build the Stew

5. Stir in the tomato paste until well incorporated. Return the browned beef and cooked bacon to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, thyme, sugar, and remaining salt and pepper.
6. Pour in enough chicken stock to just cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

7. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be tender and the flavors well-developed. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

8. Serve the stew hot, ladled over creamy mashed potatoes for an authentic Irish touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Beef stew is a dish steeped in tradition, cherished for its ability to bring people together around the dinner table. Its timelessness lies in its versatility and simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder that maximizes flavor while minimizing effort.

Irish beef stew, in particular, pays homage to Ireland’s culinary heritage. The addition of Guinness stout, a national treasure, infuses the dish with a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to replicate. This stew is not just about sustenance; it’s about savoring the beauty of slow-cooked meals, where every bite tells a story of patience, care, and tradition.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of beer?
Yes, while Guinness adds a signature flavor, other dark stouts or porters work well. For a milder flavor, try a lager or amber ale.

2. What can I use instead of chicken stock?
Beef stock or broth is an excellent substitute. You can also use water in a pinch, but it may require additional seasoning.

3. Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. After browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours.

4. How do I thicken the stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, beef stew often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Stew

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is ideal for stews as it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
2. Take Time to Brown the Meat: Proper browning enhances the flavor of the stew.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: Thyme sprigs add a fragrant touch, but dried thyme works if fresh isn’t available.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Patience is key. Low heat allows the beef to tenderize and the flavors to develop fully.
5. Customize the Vegetables: Add parsnips, potatoes, or turnips for variety.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Conclusion: A Meal Worth Sharing

Classic Irish Beef Stew is more than just a dish—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and connect. It celebrates the beauty of simple, honest ingredients transformed by time and care into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re enjoying it with family on a cold winter evening or serving it to friends during a festive gathering, this stew is a testament to the power of food to bring people together. Every spoonful carries the richness of tradition and the comfort of home, making it a meal you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and let the aroma of this timeless stew fill your kitchen. You’re not just cooking—you’re creating a memory, one delicious bite at a time.