Ingredients
To make Guinness stew, you will need:
- Beef – In Ireland, stews are traditionally made with lamb or mutton. I like using beef instead. You can ask your butcher for stew meat or buy a chuck roast and cut yourself.
- Guinness – The ingredient responsible for this stew’s richness! Its deep, roasted wheat flavor adds a new dimension to the dish. I like using Guinness Extra Stout for an even deeper flavor!
- Bacon – For flavor and fat! We’ll brown the beef in the bacon fat. 😋 😋 😋
- Onions and Garlic – the “flavor base”. This recipe calls for two onions.
- Carrots and Potatoes – Use Yukon Gold or waxy potatoes. Russets don’t hold their shape well when cooked for a long time!
- Beef Broth – Homemade or store bought. You can use chicken broth instead if you prefer.
- Flour – To thicken the stew slightly.
- Tomato Paste – Adds sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a touch of umami-ness!
- Brown Sugar – A little bit of sugar balances the bitterness from the stout.
- Oil – Just a bit, to get things going, as the bacon will contribute with some fat as well!
- Herbs – The thyme does a great job of balancing all the flavors in the stew, while the parsley adds a touch of freshness at the end.
- Salt and Pepper – As always, don’t forget to season! 😊