Irish Beef Stew Hearty (Print Version)

Tender beef with potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered slowly in a rich, savory broth.

# What to Use:

→ Meats

01 - 3.3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
03 - 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 large onions, chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups beef stock (gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 bottle Guinness stout or other dark beer (optional; omit for gluten-free)
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)

→ Herbs & Spices

11 - 2 bay leaves
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Searing & Garnish

15 - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Pat beef cubes dry and season evenly with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, adding more oil as needed. Transfer browned pieces to a plate.
03 - Add chopped onions and sliced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and allow to cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
05 - Pour in Guinness stout if using, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
06 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
07 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
08 - Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beef melts into the broth so completely you only need a spoon, no knife required.
  • One pot means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy the meal and the people at your table.
  • It tastes better the next day, so you're really making two meals worth of comfort for the effort of one.
02 -
  • Don't rush the browning step—rushing means gray meat and a stew that tastes like you were in a hurry, which you hear in every bite.
  • If the stew breaks (looks separated or oily), it usually means the temperature was too high; lower the heat and let it gently simmer for the remaining time and it will come back together.
03 -
  • Make extra and freeze it—stew is one of those dishes that's just as good reheated, so you're essentially making future meals for yourself.
  • If your stew looks too thin after cooking, don't panic; mix a spoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, then simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
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