Beef and Stout Stew is a rich, hearty dish perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked in a robust stout beer, creating a deep, flavorful broth that’s both savory and slightly malty. With the addition of carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, this stew becomes a complete, one-pot meal that’s satisfying and nourishing. The stout adds a unique depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables with the richness of the beef. Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, and you’ve got a cozy meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups stout beer
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Deglaze with stout: Slowly pour in the stout beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
- Simmer the stew: Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the broth has thickened.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread.
This Beef and Stout Stew is a hearty, comforting dish full of rich flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both filling and flavorful.